Our New South Wales adventure continued as we drove along the Pacific Highway from Sydney. On the way, we visited The Entrance, Swansea and Newcastle.

It was another day on the road for us after we drove from Canberra to Sydney yesterday.

This time we were heading north on the Pacific Highway to Newcastle through The Entrance and Swansea.

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Pacific Highway

Our journey to Newcastle started by driving over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This was especially iconic as we once again booked Black Cab Central for our trip.

The bridge is nicknamed ‘the Coathanger’ by Sydney natives because of its arch-based design, the Harbour Bridge was built in 1932 by Dr John Bradfield.

We had seen the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier in the week. But it was a completely different perspective when driving over it. It was frankly huge! As well as four lanes of traffic on each side, there was even a footbridge, and a train track.

Lunch at the Glass Onion Society, The Entrance, NSW

After about 90 minutes on the pacific Highway we arrived at The Entrance at lunchtime. There were plenty of food choices but we decided to eat at a little place called the Glass Onion Society. I decided on a Thai beef salad which was delicious. 

I notice while sitting outside here that there were quite a few Beatles references in the area. As well as the Glass Onion Society, there was artwork opposite us of John Lennon and the cafe opposite was called Green Tangerine. 

Our friend Jam then needed to call into his landlord’s house in The Entrance. It was great to meet Allan and Diane and they were kind enough to give us some drinks and delicious nibbles.

The Entrance, NSW

Allan was then kind enough to offer us a quick whistle-stop tour of The Entrance. He drove us around a few of the points of interest including Memorial Park, Blue Bay and Shelley Beach.

I loved The Entrance based on our very brief tour. Life seemed really relaxed here and the coastline and food options were amazing too!

Big Prawn, Pacific Highway

Leaving The Entrance behind us, we carried on our journey on the Pacific Highway. Not too far to the north, we came across an unusual landmark.

Australia is full of ‘big things’ like Big Moreno that we saw in Goulburn and the Big Potato we saw in Robertson. So it should have been no great surprise that we now beheld a random giant prawn.

But no so random in fact when you google it. Turns out that this giant creature of the sea was a gimmick for a seafood shop at this old service station.

However the service station fell into disrepair and a bush fire destroyed the buildings in 2013, but the prawn somehow survived. 

Swansea, New South Wales

About 20 minutes further along the Pacific Highway, we arrived at Swansea, NSW.

Seemingly taking the name from our hometown of Swansea in Wales we definitely needed to stop here and pose for a photo with the Tourist Information Centre sign and our transport, the Black Cab Central car. 

Just like being back in Swansea in Old South Wales, we had to have a pint in the nearby Swansea Hotel.

Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC

After dropping the bags off at the hotel and having a quick welcome drink in Newcastle, we got an Uber to McDonald Jones Stadium. This is the home of A-League team Newcastle Jets who were playing league leaders Sydney FC.

The price of the ticket was a bargain by UK standards and we sat on the grass bank to watch Sydney FC defeat the hosts 2-1. Also, unlike football back in the UK, we were able to sip a cold beverage while watching the game too.

With the game finished, we decided to enjoy a few more beers in The Kent Hotel in Hamilton in Newcastle. It was a great way to end a busy day.

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