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Coastal Crawl – NSW

Roadtrip

Coastal Crawl, NSW




This New South Wales road trip is like a greatest hits of the state, offering fine-dining restaurants, thrill-seeking experiences, bushwalks and, of course, glittering beaches as it takes in three of New South Wales’ biggest cities: Wollongong, Sydney and Newcastle.
Explore the vibrant, cosmopolitan offerings of Wollongong before heading north, skipping the motorway in favour of the scenic Grand Pacific Drive. This route takes in the incomparable Sea Cliff Bridge – it will make you feel as though you’re coasting above water. Continue on until you reach Cronulla, one of Sydney’s most famous seaside suburbs, brimming with rock pools, big breaks and plenty of family adventures. From there, it’s less than three hours to Newcastle, with its burgeoning food and bar scene.



Explore our local picks


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Wollongong

Sitting just a few blocks from the beach, Quest Wollongong has some of the city’s best offerings within easy reach  – cafes, restaurants, galleries and more. If you’re keen for some morning exercise, set out for a walk towards the only point on Australia’s east coast with two lighthouses – Wollongong Harbour, with Breakwater lighthouse and Flagstaff Hill lighthouse, around 20 minutes away.

Diggies Cafe
There are few better ways to start your day in the ‘Gong than by tucking into breakfast or the all-day brunch at Diggies. The views here are panoramic, and once you’ve had your fill you’re just steps from the sand. The cafe, a local institution, also serves lunch and cocktails so when you’re done building sandcastles head back for seconds. 
Macquarie Pass National Park
Families with small children will enjoy the Cascade Walk through Macquarie Pass National Park, a straightforward two-kilometre journey through lush rainforest and birdsong that takes in a beautiful waterfall and natural pool, with the odd lyrebird making cameos along your path. 
Wollongong Art Gallery
With an extensive collection of works, including contemporary and First Nations art, this gallery is a powerhouse of Australian and international talent. Entry is free and exhibitions include a series of historical photos of the Illawarra region from more than 100 years ago. Bonus: it’s only two blocks from Quest.
Meat & Grain
Sit back and enjoy an elevated steakhouse experience at Meat & Grain. Choose from a variety of perfectly seared steaks, including Tajima wagyu scotch filet and Black Angus. There are plenty of ribs and seafood dishes, too – pair your meal with a sophisticated splash from their wine list, which leans heavily into Australian drops.
Wollongong SkyDiving
This one is for the thrillseekers only – see the coastline from 15,000 feet up in the sky and then freefall for around a minute at over 200 kilometres an hour before slowing down to land on sand. The experience may be over in a flash but the memories are sure to stay with you for a lifetime. 

Cronulla

A stone’s throw from the beach and an equally short distance to restaurants and cafes, Quest Cronulla Beach is accessible-accredited , pet-friendly and has an outdoor pool and sauna. Set yourself up then head out to discover everything this beachside suburb has to offer.

Barefoot on the Beach Cafe
Serving what some call the best coffee in Cronulla, this cafe plates up hearty breakfasts and brunches overlooking Cronulla’s rockpool every day from 6am. Grab a latte or one of its signature juices and wander along the promenade or relax on one of the seats for front-row views of the ocean.
Kamay Botany Bay National Park (Kurnell area)
There are a number of walks in this park, from the easy 700-metre Banks-Solander track to the more challenging 2.5 kilometre Muru and Yena walks. But if you’re keen to make a day of it, take on the Cape Baily walking track – eight kilometres, three hours and the chance for whale spotting.
Northies Hotel
Located right by the beach, this family-friendly pub is a Cronulla institution. Offering bistro food and woodfired pizzas, you can stroll straight in after a swim. Or visit during the NRL season and watch the local Cronulla Sharks, sponsored by Quest, on the big screen in the sports bar.
Bundeena
Head down to Cronulla Wharf and catch the 30-minute ferry ride over to Bundeena in the Royal National Park. Spend the day swimming, hiking or out on a kayak, then head to the local shops for some salty fish and chips – be warned, the seagulls might fight you for them.
Endota Day Spa Cronulla
Maximise your getaway with a restorative massage or facial tailored to your specific needs at Endota Day Spa, a short walk from Quest Cronulla Beach. Or, if a few days of being in the great outdoors has left your toes a little worse for wear, try the grounding spa pedicure, with exfoliating foot soak, massage and mask.

Newcastle

With two Quest Apartment Hotels to choose from in Newcastle, you’re never far from the best of this city. Quest Newcastle on Hunter Street, is just blocks from the waterfront, with 62 apartments (including pet-friendly options); at the accessible-accredited Quest Newcastle West, located in the refurbished 1876 Woods Castlemaine Brewery building, guests can choose from a range of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments.

The Happy Wombat
Directly next door to Quest Newcastle, The Happy Wombat is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is the epitome of a warm welcome. Start the day with a plate of buttermilk pancakes with butterscotch and shaved chocolate, or a haloumi and egg roll; end it with a coconut panna cotta. The Little Wombats menu for kids also hits all the right notes.
Blackbird Corner
Large, wood-framed shop windows peek in on the irresistible haul within Blackbird Corner, a cosy jumble of everything quirky, creative and cool on Darby Street in Cooks Hill. This retail favourite stocks plenty of homegrown riches, including clothing, cool kids’ toys and Newy-themed souvenirs.
Anzac Memorial Walk
A trip to Newcastle wouldn’t be complete without a dip in one of the city’s ocean baths. The ANZAC Memorial walk winds right along the coastline and connects the Merewether Ocean Baths with the Newcastle Ocean Baths, passing by the Bogey Hole pool along the way. Take your choice – or dip your toe in all three!
Blanca
At Blanca, dinner comes with a Mediterranean vibe. Watermelon salad with burrata, baked saganaki with honey, and braised lamb shoulder with cacik and pilaf rice are just a few of the dishes on offer, while the restaurant’s bright, breezy decor accents the glittering water views you can catch outside.
Earp Distilling Co
Earp Distilling Co is the ideal place for a tasting, a blending class, a distillery tour or a night of excellent food and even better drinks. The cocktails are seasonal, the gin, rum and absinthe are housemade, and the experience will cap off your night in proper Novocastrian style.
Muurrung Marai Aboriginal Cultural Tour at Glenrock State Conservation Area
Explore the rugged cliffs and abundant wildlife in Glenrock State Conservation Area, the last surviving pocket of coastal rainforest in the region. See the bushland through a First Nations lens with a Muurrung Marai tour – you’ll learn about the significance of the lagoon, bush tucker and native medicine, and finish the immersive experience with a yidaki/didgeridoo performance.