Grand Pacific Drive

Stretching from Sydney’s southern suburbs to the South Coast, the Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal routes. This 140-kilometre journey weaves through lush rainforest, past dramatic sea cliffs, and over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, offering a quintessential New South Wales road-trip experience. Whether you’re after a leisurely day drive or a multi-day escape, the ever-changing seascapes and charming coastal towns make it a must-do.

Highlights & What to See

• Sea Cliff Bridge: A cantilevered road clinging to the Illawarra escarpment, with ocean views that will have you reaching for the camera at every curve.
• Stanwell Park Lookout: Stop for panoramic vistas of the coast and the bridge from above; on clear days you can spot hang-gliders soaring overhead.
• Bald Hill: This famous hang-gliding launch site offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire seascape, with the escarpment dropping dramatically to the Pacific.
• Kiama Blowhole: A natural rock formation that shoots seawater up to 25 metres into the air – best seen on a south-easterly swell.
• Jervis Bay: Detour to this marine park for some of the whitest sand in the world (Hyams Beach) and a chance to spot dolphins and migrating whales.
• Minnamurra Rainforest: A lush boardwalk loop through subtropical rainforest with waterfalls and abundant birdlife – a perfect short walk to stretch your legs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to drive the entire route from Sydney to Nowra (or vice versa) with stops, but to truly soak it in, plan for two days. Overnight in Kiama or Jervis Bay to explore the beaches and enjoy a relaxed dinner. The drive itself is about 2.5 hours without stops, but you’ll want to budget at least 4–6 hours for photo stops, short walks, and a beachside lunch.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Royal National Park: Australia’s oldest national park, just south of Sydney, with coastal walks and secluded beaches that pair perfectly with the start of the drive.
• Sydney: Begin or end your journey in the Harbour City, combining the coastal drive with urban attractions like the Opera House and Bondi Beach.
• Southern Highlands: Inland from the drive, this cool-climate region offers charming villages, vineyards, and autumn colours – a nice contrast to the coast.
• Nowra & the Shoalhaven: The drive’s southern gateway, with river cruises, kayaking, and the historic town of Berry nearby.
• Port Macquarie: Further north, this coastal city is a great extension for those wanting to continue up the coast to see koalas and the Hastings River.

Please check official sources for current details.