The 127km F3 Sydney to Newcastle Freeway is the main road corridor linking Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle. It also links with the New England and Pacific Highways connecting northern NSW regional centres and Queensland.

The F3 Sydney to Newcastle freeway was planned in the 1950's to provide a road of freeway standard between Sydney and Newcastle. The section between the Hawkesbury River and Mount White was the first to be completed and was opened in 1965. The section between Berowra and the Hawkesbury River was completed in 1968.

The F3 Sydney – Newcastle Freeway operated as a tollway until 1988 when it became part of the National Highway network. It now forms part of the AusLink National Network. The NSW Government manages the development and maintenance of the F3 through Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority).

The F3 Sydney to Newcastle Freeway is a vital link for more than 65,000 motorists and 7000 freight vehicle travelling between the Central Coast and Hunter Regions and Sydney on a daily basis. It is also heavily used by motorists travelling to northern NSW and Queensland holiday destinations.

Some of the highest traffic volumes in Australia are recorded on the F3 Sydney to Newcastle Freeway between Sydney and Newcastle, with the southern section experiencing the greatest traffic flow.

Current or proposed construction projects on the F3 Freeway route include

• Widening of the F3 Freeway 
• F3 Tuggerah interchange upgrade