After departing Hornsby, the cyclists will head along the old Pacific Highway, across Hawkesbury Bridge before hitting the first major climb of the race. The undulating terrain will remain a feature of the next 70 kilometres as the riders progress through to Morriset, Dora Creek and Toronto before the finish into Warners Bay.

A major committee including representatives from Lake Macquarie Council and Warners Bay Chamber of Commerce have moved the Warners Bay Festival to coincide with the event and it is anticipated that 10,000 spectators will be on hand to witness the cyclists complete the stage.

The race finish will be held on the major highway providing an excellent conclusion to a stage that could shape the overall result of the event. Many cyclists lost the chance of victory last year on this stage.

In 1998, Robbie Hunter won the first ever stage for South Africa, claiming victory over eventual race winner and placegetters of the Cycle Classic, Cezary Zamana, Warren Jennings and Bart Hickson.

However, the race generally provides better conditions and an average speed of between 44 to 45 kph as the cyclists have the ideal opportunity to test out their major opponents.