About the area: The Central Coast and The Hunter Valley lie to the north of the city of Sydney. Closest to it is the Hawkesbury River, an extensive river system just 45 minutes from the city centre by car or train. From crystal clear ocean swells at its mouth to its tranquil upper reaches, the Hawkesbury River is a huge cruising ground of outstanding scenic and historic interest. Sandy beaches fringe the numerous surrounding national parks, beckoning bushwalks and picnics ashore.
The New South Wales Central Coast, to the north of the Hawkesbury River, is the third largest urban area in New South Wales. Though it is an urban region, the Central Coast is a very popular destination for holidays and day trips because of its closeness to Sydney, the region's many facilities and varied natural beauty.
The city of Newcastle is at the northern end of the Central Coast. Inland from Newcastle is the Hunter Valley. From its source on the slopes of the Mount Royal Range, the Hunter River flows through some of Australia's finest grazing country, before it passes over the state's largest coal seam. Thus, on a drive through the valley, an every changing variety of scenery unfolds, from rugged mountains at the head of the valley, past some of the finest horse stud farms in Australia alongside grazing cattle, to one of Australia's most well known wine regions where vineyards have been planted over the hills but not too far away from power stations, open cut and underground coal mines, which amazingly all manage to survive side by side.