Grand Pacific Drive
Must do
The name says it all. End to end, Grand Pacific Drive is sensational, a roller coaster ride that putters through rainforests, dallies through seaside villages and whisks you along a sensational strip of coast, with never a dull moment.
Coastal touring on Grand Pacific Drive
This southerly route from Sydney starts in the Royal National Park, then heads south along the coast to Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. It's a roller-coaster ride through rainforests and past seaside villages that follows a strip of pretty coastline. A highlight is Sea Cliff Bridge, an engineering marvel that swerves out from the cliffs over the ocean.
Itinerary
Sydney to the Royal National Park: Head south out of Sydney on the Princes Highway, and weave through the beautiful Royal National Park - the world's second-oldest. Stop at Garie Beach, located within the Park for a quick surf or to simply take in its stunning scenery.
Royal National Park to Helensburgh: Head to Helensburgh, on the National Park border, and make a beeline for Symbio Wildlife Gardens, where you can pat, cuddle or feed a host of furry, finned and feathered friends.
Helensburgh to Stanwell Park: Continue a few minutes south to Stanwell Park, set in pristine bushland overlooking the sea. Visit the Laurence Hargrave Memorial of Flight before making your way to nearby Bald Hill, which offers incredible ocean views and is internationally renowned as a hang gliding mecca. Give it a try if you're game; or simply enjoy the 360 degree views from the lookout.
Stanwell Park to Austinmer: Drive another 20 minutes, taking Grand Pacific Drive and the majestic Sea Cliff Bridge, which hugs the coastline between Coalcliff and Clifton. The bridge's design - which projects it out over the ocean - rewards you with spectacular sea views. Next it's on to Austinmer, ideal for lunch in a cosy cafe. Walk barefoot along Austinmer Beach and check out the lovely ocean baths, first built in 1914.
Austinmer to Wollongong: Proceed through Thirroul and Bulli and into the northern stretches of Wollongong. Drop your bags at your accommodation - there is plenty to choose from, including some with fantastic sea views - then head out to enjoy some of The Gong's nightlife. A laidback university town, Wollongong has plenty of pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes to choose from - all enhanced by fresh sea air.
Wollongong: Begin with a swim at one of Wollongong's great beaches, before tucking into breakfast at a waterfront café. Next, some leisurely sightseeing is on the agenda: take a trip to Nan Tien Temple - the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere - or walk to one of Wollongong's two lighthouses. Enjoy more gorgeous vistas from the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk or tour the Port Kembla steelworks at Australia's Industry World before returning to the road.
Wollongong to Jamberoo: Drive south for half an hour to beautiful Jamberoo, stopping first at historic Shellharbour for a coffee, followed by a stroll along one of the many coastal walking tracks or a tour of the town's heritage buildings. Drive on to Budderoo National Park's Minnamurra Rainforest where you may be lucky enough to spot a lyrebird. If aquatic action is more your style, book a canoeing tour in the Minnamurra River or drive to Jamberoo Action Park where you'll find waterslides galore.
Jamberoo to Kiama, Nowra or Sydney: Drive to the Kiama town centre for afternoon tea. Pay a visit to the local lighthouse and, of course, the Kiama Blowhole before hitting the road once more. Continue this stunning drive through the lush 160km arc of the Shoalhaven with its exquisite beaches and sparkling bays. Stop to taste fresh seafood and explore the laidback beauty of the region. Peruse the beach and delightful cafes in Gerringong, visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra or, alternatively, begin the two hour* drive back to Sydney.
* All driving times are approximate
Gallery
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Views over Wollongong
Views of Illawarra coastline. Image Hamilton Lund
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Minnamurra Rainforest, Wollongong
Bridge in Minnamurra Rainforest, Wollongong. Image Nick Rains
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Stanwell Park, Wollongong
Views from Bald Hill over Stanwell Park township, Illawarra. Image Tourism Wollongong
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Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong
Nan Tien Buddhist temple ("Paradise of the South"), Berkeley, Shellharbour, Wollongong district. Image Adam Taylor
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Sea Cliff Bridge
Aerial view of Sea Cliff Bridge, part of the Grand Pacific Drive, Illawarra. Image Tourism Wollongong
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Royal National Park
Driving through the Royal National Park, Illawarra. Image Tourism Wollongong
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Farm Beach
Couple walking down to Farm Beach, Shellharbour. Image Paul Blackmore
Grand pacific Drive - don't miss things to do
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Somethings Brewing Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven, South Coast, Ulladulla
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Sussex Inlet Golf Club
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Sussex Inlet Golf Club, located on New South Wales' stunning South Coast, is a small nine-hole course with a friendly atmosphere where you will always...
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Great Southern Hotel - Berry
Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven, South Coast, Berry
The Great Southern Hotel in the heart of Berry is quirky and very Australian. The bistro offers great value meals and a big variety so there's somethi...
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Gzone Flower Farm
Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven, South Coast, Milton
Gzone Flower farm puts on a dazzling display all year round. There is much to learn and experience, so come and enjoy a tour of our flower farm. Dem...
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Sussex Inlet Flea Markets
Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven, South Coast, Sussex Inlet
Sussex Inlet Flea Markets are held on the second Saturday of each month. This friendly flea market has something for everyone and is held in the groun...
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Lets Go To Town - Historic Milton
Milton, South Coast
Guided walking tours of historic Milton, includes the old shops of Milton, the settlement, the pubs and churches. Discover the days of old at historic...
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Cooking Classes
Kangaroo Valley, South Coast
Flavours of the Valley provide a fun and relaxed cooking environment that is non-intimidating and pitched at all levels. You don't have to be a go...
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Berry Camellia and Winter Flower Show
Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven, South Coast, Berry
The Annual Berry Camellia and Winter Flower Show attracts a large number of visitors to see the exquisite camellias, cut flowers, pot plants and decor...
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Rick Stein at Bannisters
Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven, South Coast, Mollymook
Rick Stein, who has the famous Seafood Restaurant in the Cornish fishing village of Padstow is bringing his recipes, and seafood knowledge to Mollymoo...
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The Treat Factory
Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven, South Coast, Berry
A tradition of fine food since 1950! The Treat Factory manufacture chocolates, confectionery and conserves, with a retail shop attached to the premise...
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