The hardest part when you’re on a road trip is knowing where you can eat or where you can shop (i.e. knowing what supplies or items you can buy in a particular place) – in a town you’ve never been to before! No need to worry here, we have done the hard work for you!
Travelling on one of Australia’s most scenic roads Tourist Drive 33 is perhaps one of the easiest ways to travel and explore a myriad of destinations and places, simply because there are a variety of places to enjoy a meal and snacks, shops to purchase some basic supplies, and galleries to do a little gift shopping, while enjoying beautiful country vistas!
Jerry’s Cafe
- Cafe (outdoor seating)
- Petrol station
- Shop (service station shop)
- Gift and souvenir shop (gallery)
Jerry’s Cafe is a popular stopping point for motorcyclists on Tourist Drive 33. Here you can stock up on fuel and snacks or have a bite to eat al fresco – in the outdoor seating area of the cafe, this is the place to spy a fancy motorbike or two! Offers a variety of snacks from, pies, sausage rolls, hot chips to quiches (The gallery has moved to a different location).
Great Northern Trading Post
- Cafe (undercover outdoor seating)
- Band area (indoor live performances)
- Petrol station (restocks gas)
- Sells ice
- Includes a kids menu
- Greengrocer
The GNTP cafe is open every day of the week for lunch, Thursday to Sunday for dinner and they now offer a weekend breakfast menu. The sandwich bar and coffee machine operate every day. This sleepy town of Laguna comes alive when live acts perform at the GNTP, as it includes a stage area too. Bands perform on most Friday nights.
There are a variety of snacks and meals here, from pasta meals – lasagnas, burgers and includes gluten-free and vegetarian options. The menu is subject to change, and newly listed meals are posted on their Facebook page.
A recent addition to this area is a greengrocer; the Laguna Village Providore provides a range of products, from flowers to a range of seasonal and regional produce, cheese, antipasto, chutney and snacks.
Mulla Villa
- Accommodation
- Wedding Venue
- Restaurant
- Historic sites (on property)
Set on acres of lush fertile country land, Mulla Villa is a historic homestead and is a ‘must visit’ experience. This site has undergone many changes, previously a cafe and restaurant, it now focuses on accommodation, venue hire for weddings and conferences, and tours. Worth making a booking here to explore this magnificent property, which includes convict holding cells, the remains of the original Great North Road – with pick marks, a dam, a walking track and a convict-built wooden bridge.
Wollombi Village
There are a variety of eateries to choose from in this historic and peaceful village and also a couple of galleries to explore, including an Aboriginal art gallery. There are also many places to buy gifts from especially if you visit during market days – as there are a multitude of items on display that make shopping fun. For more information on Wollombi village and its market – see A Guide to Wollombi Village and Its Market.
The first venue you approach in Wollombi village travelling from Sydney is Wollombi Tavern. All listed below are affordable choices, however, if you’re in need of a little upmarket dining head to Grays Inn and visit the Panino Restaurant.
Grays Inn – set in a beautiful historic sandstone building, as well as Noyce Brothers Cellar Door, houses the Panino Restaurant which offers a range of Italian-style food. Both al-a-carte and al fresco options are available.
During the day the café offers a more casual menu which includes; pizzas, pasta, hamburgers and salads, homemade fresh cakes, pastries and biscuits. It’s also the place to grab a coffee or tea. During the evening the al-a-carte menu offers, for example, entrees such as grilled scallops with caramelised balsamic leek lime and chive dressing and a main; roast Berkshire pork belly rubbed with rosemary, fennel and garlic served with apple eschalot, sage compote and crispy sweet potato wedges. It is licensed and BYO.
Wollombi Tavern – is another popular stopping point for motorcyclists and is the quintessential Aussie pub. Enjoy a meal and a drink on the wrap-around verandah and absorb the scenic surrounds. The tavern also includes a cafe. Route 33 Cafe, provide a variety of dishes, from pizzas to burgers to roast dinner. The tavern includes gluten-free and vegetarian options too. The tavern is well known for its signature drink: Dr Jurds Jungle Juice. Small bottle size are great for gifts.
Myrtle & Stone In the mood for an easy laid-back cafe meal or snack, Myrtle House offers a range of choices from the Myrtle house burger, halloumi burger, lamb fettuccine, toastie of the week. They also include a kids’ menu. Myrtle House is licensed and provides an outdoor garden bar area. Wander their quaint and unique gift shop too!
Harp of Erin Gallery Cafe and Wollombi General Store. This is an easy, relaxing spot for a snack and for the best gelato in town (you can even choose your favourite gelato for a milkshake). It also includes a small gallery (as part of the cafe), housed in one of the many historic buildings within the village. Snacks range from quiches, burgers, pies, sausage rolls, and chips.
The shop has a few basic supplies such as bread, milk, small baskets of local vegetables or fruit, tins and packets of food etc. It is also the local post office for the community where you can buy postcards, stamps and post mail.
There are many artisan items here too, such as stationery, locally made honey, jams and pickles, skincare – containing natural products made from locally grown lavender, which all make perfect gift items!
Best Places for Food Supplies
There are a few small general stores close by to Tourist Drive 33, it’s always nice to know where the shops are should you need them when you’re on the road. The main supermarket is in Cessnock (which is towards the end of the Drive).
Tourist Drive 33 shops:
- Kulnura General Store and Cafe
- Jerry’s Cafe (service station type items)
- The GNTP (just a few items here)
- Wollombi Village General Store
However, with a range of cafes, shops, boutiques, galleries and beautiful vineyards, they’re sure to keep you well hydrated and well-fed on your road trip, while enjoying special little treats you may have found along the way!
Keep in touch!
Shelley has published a variety of online articles. With a master’s in special education, this has allowed her to write in the area of education, through platforms such as The Huffington Post. Being an outdoor enthusiast, she has written for The Weekender Travel and currently writes for Kombi Lifestyle. She is keen to share her knowledge and enjoys writing informative articles that help the discerning traveller prepare for road trip holidays in Australia. Shelley is the founder of Kombi Lifestyle.