Grand Pacific Drive

Stretching 140 kilometres from Sydney’s Royal National Park to the seaside town of Nowra, the Grand Pacific Drive is one of New South Wales’ most spectacular coastal road trips. This route weaves through lush national parks, clifftop lookouts, and charming beachside villages, with the crown jewel being the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge that hugs the Illawarra escarpment. Whether you’re a self-drive enthusiast or a cyclist, this drive delivers ever-changing ocean views, rainforest pockets, and a laid-back coastal vibe that feels a world away from the city.

Highlights & What to See

• Sea Cliff Bridge – The showstopper: a 665-metre cantilevered bridge that arcs over the ocean, with walkways for pedestrians and cyclists. Stop at the northern lookout for postcard-perfect photos.
• Royal National Park – Australia’s oldest national park offers bushwalks, secluded beaches like Wattamolla, and the dramatic Figure Eight Pools (check tide times).
• Stanwell Park & Bald Hill – A hang-gliding hotspot; pull over at Bald Hill Lookout for sweeping views of the coastline and the bridge below.
• Kiama Blowhole – The famous Kiama Blowhole erupts up to 25 metres high; explore the adjacent seaside town with its historic lighthouse and rock pools.
• Jervis Bay – Just south of the drive’s end, Jervis Bay boasts some of the whitest sand beaches in the world (Hyams Beach) and excellent dolphin-watching cruises.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate a full day to complete the drive without rushing, ideally from mid-morning to sunset. Start in Sydney and take breaks at each major stop – allow at least an hour for the Royal National Park walks, 30 minutes at Sea Cliff Bridge, and a lunch stop in Kiama. If you want to explore Jervis Bay or do a longer hike, plan for an overnight stay in Kiama or Nowra.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – Though a few hours north, it’s a logical extension for a longer NSW road trip, with its coastal walks and koala hospital.
• Southern Highlands – Inland from the drive, towns like Bowral offer cool-climate gardens, antique shops, and waterfalls.
• Nowra & the Shoalhaven – The drive’s endpoint; explore the Shoalhaven River, wineries, and the historic township of Berry.
• Kangaroo Valley – A detour west from the drive leads to this lush valley with sandstone cliffs, canoeing, and the historic Hampden Bridge.
• Illawarra Escarpment – Hike to lookouts like Sublime Point or Mount Keira for panoramic views of the coast and rainforest.

Please check official sources for current details.