Sydney road-trippers have another reason to hit the road—now with their fluffy friend in tow. The Grand Pacific Drive has just been ranked Australia’s second most pet-friendly road trip, putting one of NSW’s most scenic stretches firmly on the map for travellers who refuse to leave their furry companions behind.
This 140km coastal gem runs from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Kiama and down to Nowra. A new insurance-based analysis assessed 22 of the country’s most iconic drives against a mix of practical and lifestyle factors—from vet access and safety to pet-friendly cafes, beaches and overall experience.
The drive scored 78.8 out of 100 overall, landing just behind Western Australia’s Cape to Cape route.
Why this drive stands out?
What pushed the coastal drive into second place is its standout “experience and shareability” factor—essentially gauging how enjoyable (and photogenic) the trip is for both humans and pets. The route scored a category-leading 92.6, thanks to a dense concentration of scenic stops, coastal lookouts and walking trails, with 328 scenic points of interest and pet-friendly trails per 100km.
This route winds through cliff-hugging stretches like the Sea Cliff Bridge, with ocean views at every turn, the spray of the Kiama Blowhole, and heritage landmarks that regularly light up social feeds—often with a dog in the frame. Local tourism promotes it as a family-friendly coast-to-coast escape from Sydney to Jervis Bay.
Plenty of pit stops (for you and your dog)
The appeal stretches beyond the scenery. The Grand Pacific Drive also ranked second nationally for pet amenities, with a strong spread of dog-friendly cafes, parks and beaches across the Illawarra and South Coast—scoring 81.5.
Travellers will find:
- 57 pet-friendly eateries along the route, including local favourites like KG Cafe in Kiama, Uncle Earl’s in Wollongong and Lou’s Place in Shellharbour
- 91 parks and beaches per 100km, from off-leash stretches like Little Austinmer Beach, Woonona Beach and Bulli Beach to dedicated spaces such as Warilla Dog Park.
Such density makes it easy to plan a trip with regular walk breaks—something any pet owner knows is absolutely integral for longer drives.
However, the drive ranked slightly lower for pet safety, coming in fourth overall at 65.8. While there’s a solid network of veterinary clinics (more than eight per 100km), the region recorded the highest number of snake sightings in the study—nearly 700 per 100km—so keep pets close on bushwalks, especially in warmer months.
Comfort and environment also came in sixth (75.2), with temperatures ranging from 14 to 16 °C providing generally pleasant conditions for pets.
How it compares nationally
While NSW claims two spots in the top three—with the Legendary Pacific Coast also featuring—it was WA’s Cape to Cape that ultimately took out the top position, thanks to its high concentration of dog-friendly beaches, accommodation and near-perfect temperature conditions.
Still, for NSW residents, having one of the country’s best pet-friendly road trips just a short drive away is a win—especially as more trips now come with a wagging tail in the back seat.
You can check out the full rankings and methodology here.
