Grand Pacific Drive

The Grand Pacific Drive is a spectacular 140-kilometre coastal route that unfurls from Sydney’s southern suburbs to the charming town of Nowra, hugging the dramatic cliffs and surf beaches of the New South Wales south coast. This is a road trip made for lingering: the drive’s centrepiece is the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, a cantilevered marvel that clings to the Illawarra Escarpment, where the Tasman Sea crashes below. With its mix of national park lookouts, surf breaks, and seaside villages, the Grand Pacific Drive is the perfect escape for travellers craving ocean views, fresh air, and a taste of laid-back coastal life.

Highlights & What to See

• Sea Cliff Bridge – The undisputed star of the drive, this 665-metre bridge hugs the coastline just north of Wollongong. Pull over at the northern or southern lookout for photos, or walk the pedestrian path for the full sensory hit of wind, salt spray, and endless blue.
• Stanwell Park and Bald Hill – A premier hang-gliding and paragliding launch site, Bald Hill offers an incredible panorama of the coastline. On a clear day you can see from Sydney to the Illawarra.
• Wollongong City Beach and Lighthouse – Break the drive in Wollongong, where the city’s string of patrolled beaches and the historic Wollongong Head Lighthouse make for a perfect leg-stretch.
• Kiama Blowhole and Harbour – The Kiama Blowhole is a natural spectacle; time your visit for a southerly swell to see the plume shoot up to 30 metres. The adjacent Kiama Harbour is great for fish and chips.
• Jamberoo Action Park – A family-friendly water park set in a lush valley, ideal if you’re travelling with kids and need a splash break.
• Seven Mile Beach National Park – South of Kiama, this protected stretch of sand and heathland is perfect for a quiet walk or a picnic with views of the ocean.

Suggested Time to Spend

To do the Grand Pacific Drive justice, allow a full day (6-8 hours) to cover the 140 km with stops. If you want to hike in the Royal National Park at the northern end, or linger for lunch in Kiama, consider an overnight stay in Wollongong or Nowra. The drive is easily split into two sections: Sydney to Wollongong (about 1.5 hours without stops) and Wollongong to Nowra (another 1.5 hours). For a relaxed pace, take the whole day and plan for at least four major stops.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Royal National Park – Australia’s oldest national park, with excellent bushwalking trails and the stunning Figure Eight Pools (accessible only at low tide).
• Southern Highlands – A detour inland to towns like Bowral and Berrima offers cool-climate gardens, antique shops, and wineries.
• Jervis Bay – Famous for its white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, Jervis Bay is a 45-minute drive south of Nowra and a must for beach lovers.
• Hunter Valley – While not directly on the drive, the Hunter Valley wine region is a popular addition for a longer self-drive itinerary combining coast and vineyards.
• Sydney – The drive begins just south of Sydney, so it’s easy to combine with a visit to the city’s highlights.

Please check official sources for current details.