Southern Scenic Route

New South Wales' Southern Scenic Route is a 140-kilometre ribbon of road that unfurls between Sydney and the South Coast, delivering a heady mix of national park wilderness, clifftop lookouts and sleepy historic villages. This isn't a highway; it's a journey that rewards the unhurried traveller with plunging escarpment views, ancient rainforest pockets and the briny scent of the Pacific long before you reach the coast. For self-drivers, it's the perfect antidote to the Hume Highway — a back-roads adventure that threads through the Illawarra escarpment and the Southern Highlands' green quilt of farmland.

Highlights & What to See

• Sea Cliff Bridge — This dramatic cantilevered bridge clings to the sheer sandstone cliffs between Coalcliff and Clifton, offering panoramic ocean views. Pull over at the northern lookout for the classic shot of the road arcing around the headland.
• Stanwell Tops Lookout — A short walk from the car park delivers a vertiginous view over the Seacliff Bridge and the vast Pacific. On clear days, the escarpment is a launchpad for hang-gliders catching thermals.
• Bald Hill Lookout — Just south of Stanwell Tops, this is the premier spot for whale-watching (May–November) and sunset photography. The grassy knoll is also a favourite for local paragliders.
• Macquarie Pass National Park — A winding ascent through subtropical rainforest, with walking trails leading to cascading waterfalls and swimming holes. The 5km walk to Macquarie Falls is a highlight.
• Robertson — This charming dairy town is famous for its 'Big Potato' and the surrounding green hills that inspired the film Babe. Grab a pie at the Robertson Pie Shop and wander the antique stores.
• Fitzroy Falls — In Morton National Park, a 10-minute boardwalk leads to a viewing platform where water plunges 81 metres into a fern-filled gorge. The surrounding heathland is ablaze with wildflowers in spring.
• Kangaroo Valley — A pastoral idyll with a historic timber Hampden Bridge, the Pioneer Museum and canoeing on the Kangaroo River. The village's cafés serve excellent local produce.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly savour the Southern Scenic Route, allocate a full day (8–10 hours) if you're driving from Sydney to the South Coast, including stops for walks, lookouts and lunch. For a more relaxed pace, turn it into a weekend: overnight in Kangaroo Valley or Berry, and explore the side trips to Fitzroy Falls and Macquarie Pass. If you're short on time, a half-day run from Sydney to Kiama (stopping at Sea Cliff Bridge and Bald Hill) is a satisfying taster.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kiama — Famous for the Kiama Blowhole, a natural rock spout that erupts with surf. The coastal walk from Kiama to Gerringong is spectacular.
• Berry — A historic town with a thriving food scene, boutique shopping and the nearby Berry Mountain walking trails.
• Jamberoo — Home to the Jamberoo Action Park and the Jamberoo Pub, a classic country watering hole.
• Bowral — The heart of the Southern Highlands, known for its grand gardens, antique shops and the annual Tulip Time festival.
• Sydney — The route starts just an hour south of the city, making it an easy day trip or the first leg of a South Coast adventure.
• Royal National Park — Australia's oldest national park, with coastal walks, hidden beaches and the historic Figure 8 Pools (check tides before visiting).

Please check official sources for current details.