Grand Pacific Drive

Stretching 140 kilometres from Sydney’s Royal National Park to the South Coast town of Nowra, the Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal road trips. The star attraction is the Sea Cliff Bridge, a cantilevered marvel that hugs the Illawarra Escarpment, offering heart-stopping views of the Pacific Ocean. This drive weaves through lush rainforest, past golden beaches, and into charming seaside villages, making it a perfect self-drive adventure for travellers craving dramatic scenery and a taste of coastal New South Wales.

Highlights & What to See

• Sea Cliff Bridge: Walk or cycle across this iconic 665-metre bridge that clings to the cliffs between Coalcliff and Clifton. The ocean views are breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Stanwell Park: Stop for a picnic at this beachside suburb, known for its hang-gliding launch site atop Bald Hill. The panoramic views of the coastline are unforgettable.
• Kiama Blowhole: Witness the powerful spray from one of the world’s largest blowholes, located in Kiama’s pretty harbour. The surrounding rock platforms are great for exploring.
• Royal National Park: Begin or end your drive with a hike in Australia’s oldest national park. The coastal track offers stunning clifftop vistas and secluded beaches.
• Wollongong City: Detour into this vibrant city for its lighthouse, surf beaches, and the Wollongong Art Gallery. The nearby Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, is a peaceful cultural stop.
• Jervis Bay: Just south of the drive’s end, this marine park boasts some of the whitest sand in the world at Hyams Beach, plus opportunities for dolphin and whale watching.

Suggested Time to Spend

Budget at least a full day to do the Grand Pacific Drive justice, ideally with an overnight stay in Kiama or Wollongong. Start early from Sydney, take your time at the Sea Cliff Bridge and coastal lookouts, and enjoy a leisurely lunch in a beachside café. If you have two days, add a whale-watching cruise in Jervis Bay or a hike in the Royal National Park. The drive itself takes about 2.5 hours without stops, but you’ll want to stretch it out to soak in the scenery and explore the towns along the way.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – Just north of Sydney, this aquatic playground offers sand dunes, dolphin cruises, and the stunning Tomaree National Park.
• Sydney’s Royal National Park – Combine the drive with a walk to the Figure Eight Pools or a coastal picnic at Wattamolla.
• Southern Highlands – Inland from the drive, towns like Bowral and Berrima offer cool-climate gardens, antique shops, and fine dining.
• Jervis Bay Marine Park – Extend your trip south to this pristine bay for kayaking, snorkelling, and spotting white-sand beaches.
• Kangaroo Valley – A scenic detour west of Kiama, this lush valley is perfect for canoeing, bushwalking, and spotting native wildlife.

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