Newcastle to Wyee Bikepacking – An 80km Overnight Bike Ride You Can Start in the Heart of Sydney

Finding a beginners bikepacking route in NSW with easy roll-on train access from Sydney has been difficult, until now. This 80km route leaving from Newcastle NSW explores unique ecosystems, boasts stunning coastal views, beachside campsites, and an iconic pub for good measure.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Awakbal people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

This beginner bikepacking itinerary (with easy roll-on train access) departs Newcastle NSW (Muloobinba) for a cruisy 80km overnighter, ending in Wyee via the Central Coast.

Newcastle to Wyee Bikepacking Route Facts

Distance: 78.7km
Duration: 2 days / 1 night (leisurely pace)
Elevation gain: 945m
Nearest town: Start in Adamstown NSW and finish in Wyee NSW
Route: Ride With GPS – Route by Timmy Doman

About the Newcastle to Wyee Route

The truth is that I copped some flack from my mates that I’d convinced to do their first overnighter when I described Laguna/Watagans as the perfect intro to bikepacking. Apparently a 1.5 hour climb over the Watagans isn’t beginner-friendly.

So I invited them on this one, the very first overnight route I took to dip my toes into bikepacking after a relatively serious bike injury back in early 2022.

And now after doing it twice, I’m convinced this route is the perfect first step to get into this cycling niche.

Here’s why:

• It’s accessible by train from Sydney. Starting from Adamstown Station (Newcastle) and finishing at Wyee Station

• You get to ride the amazing Fernleigh Track from the very start of the ride

• It has relatively little climbing

• Low technical ability is needed

• There are loads of shops, pubs, and refuel options along the way

• It has mixed terrain that’ll still get you riding gravel

• The camping spot is beautiful (and multiple options are available)

History of the Newcastle to Wyee Route

The key points on this route travel through Awabakal land, which include Glenrock National Park and Munmorah State Conservation Area.

Fernleigh Track

The Fernleigh Track is a multi-use rail trail, spanning 15km between Adamstown (Newcastle) to Belmont (Lake Macquarie) with extensions to Murrays Beach (27km all up). The main 15km was originally used to transport coal by train from the collieries of Lake Macquarie to the Port of Newcastle.

As mines shut, passenger services ceased, and the track wasn’t used for many years. A joint venture between Newcastle and Lake Macquarie councils made the track what it is today, completing the project in 2011.

Glenrock National Park

Glenrock is stunning, a mountain bikers playground and is an important place now and in history for the Awabakal people.

Considered an important area for tooling more than 6,000 years ago, the types of stone and clay in the area were used to forge tools and weapons, traded frequently with nearby Worimi clans.

Munmorah Conservation Area

Spoilt with natural abundance, the Awabakal folks enjoyed food aplenty including lilly pilly, yams, cabbage palm, and acacia seed. It’s very well maintained and boasts two of the most popular campsites in the state, Freemans and Frazer.

How to Get to the Newcastle to Wyee Route

The best part of this route is the access.

From Sydney, take the Central Coast/Hunter line to either Adamstown or Broadmeadow. Adamstown is the better station to get off as it’s right next to the Fernleigh Track however if you’re in the wrong carriage, or if you get a faster train then Broadmeadow Station is nearby.

The route ends at Wyee Station on the Intercity network, so your ride home is sorted.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Where to Stay on the Newcastle to Wyee Route

We camped at Frazer Campground which has only a handful of sites and you need to book well in advance on the NSW National Parks website. A little further down the road is Freemans Campground which is another option if Frazer is full.

Where to Eat on the Newcastle to Wyee Route

There’s plenty of opportunity to grab something to eat and drink along the way, however note if you’re staying at Freemans or Frazer Campground you should bring your own dinner.

Notable places to fuel up

• Fernleigh Cafe, Adamstown – This is close to the start of the route
• The Whitecottage 163, Whitebridge – Part cafe, part Thai kitchen
• Caves Beach IGA – Food and drinks available
• Catherine Hill Bay Hotel, Catherine Hill Bay – My suggestion is to save lunch for here, as you would’ve earned the beers and schnitty by now
• Ocean Street Bowl and Smoothie Bar in Budgewoi – for coffee and toasties

Skill Level of the Newcastle to Wyee Route

Beginner 

As far as bikepacking goes, this route is beginner-friendly, although you should have some experience and gear specific to the outdoors.

A basic level of bike fitness is required as there are some hills including a pinchy climb in the Munmorah State Conservation Park.

The first section of the Coastal Walking Trail (just out of Caves Beach) is not exactly designed for bikes, but very doable. There are a few sandstone ‘stairs’ to navigate and likely require a dismount.

Essential Gear for the Newcastle to Wyee Route

• A well-maintained bike
• Spare tubes
• Helmet
• Comfortable clothes to ride in
• Swimmers
• Tent
• Sleeping bag and pad
• Food
• Water

Read more: Essential Gear for Bikepacking Adventures

What It’s Like to Ride the Newcastle to Wyee Route

Day 1 – Adamstown to Frazer Campground

Distance: 45km
Duration: Approx 3 hours riding time
Navigation: Ride With GPS

I met the group at Adamstown Station at 8.30am. After a few false starts with loose straps and a wobbly wheel, we were on our way, straight onto the Fernleigh Track. We jumped off the track and onto a fire trail around Jewels/North Belmont and followed it until the end before jumping back onto the FAST (Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track). The track took us all the way to Caves Beach.

The track itself is beautiful, with plenty of ocean views and easy riding.

We left the track just before Catherine Hill Bay and a short slog up the hill landed us at the Catho Pub, a haven for motorcycle tourers. Catho Pub is one of those now rare old school establishments where VB outsells the crafty stuff from the cities. We had a few beers and schnitties and eventually jumped back on the bikes.

At the back of a housing estate is the entrance to Munmorah State Conservation Area and Moonee Beach Trail. Again, views are great and trails are all easy riding.

We set up camp at Frazer Campground next to a bunch of English lads on a fishing trip. The beach is beautiful and we wished it was summer to be game enough to have a dip. Next time!

Day 2 –  Frazer Campground to Wyee Station

Distance: 35km
Duration: Approx 2 hours riding time
Navigation: Ride With GPS

The next morning we climbed a very pinchy hill then rolled down into the outskirts of Budgewoi, jumped on some more fire trails and eventually found ourselves in town.

We had coffee and toasties at Ocean Street Bowl and Smoothie Bar in Budgewoi before riding shared cycleways all the way to Blue Haven.

From Blue Haven, we joined a short section of highway before crossing back onto some quieter roads and eventually making it to Wyee Station. We rolled on the train and were on our way home.

Without silly non-beginner-friendly climbs, the feedback from my mates was positive, marking this ride a resounding success that no doubt will be re-visited time and time again (maybe in summer next time).

Tips for Riding the Newcastle to Wyee Route

• Check trackwork maintenance schedules
• Book campgrounds well in advance
• Arrive at Catho Pub before 3pm to make bistro opening hours
• Pack dinner if staying at Frazer or Freemans Campgrounds
• Water is available along the route, however be prepared to treat the rainwater available at Freemans and Frazer Campgrounds
• Mobile service is patchy in Munmorah State Conservation Area

Newcastle to Wyee Bikepacking FAQs

When is the best time of year to ride the Newcastle to Wyee bikepacking route?

The best time of year to ride the route would be either spring or autumn. That way it’s still warm enough for you to enjoy the beaches and go for a swim, but not too hot while you’re riding.

How many days should I spend riding the Newcastle to Wyee bikepacking route?

The route usually takes two days, but you can always stay an extra night at Frazer Campground if you want to extend your trip.

Is the Newcastle to Wyee bikepacking route good for beginners?

Yep! This is a great route for bikepacking beginners as it doesn’t involve too much elevation, has plenty of pubs and cafes to stop at along the way, and stunning scenery.

Can you swim on the Newcastle to Wyee bikepacking route?

Absolutely, you ride past (and along) beaches on this route, so there are plenty of opportunities for swimming.

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