When you picture the perfect road trip in NSW, chances are the Grand Pacific Drive comes to mind. Starting just south of the city, the 140km route offers an incredible escape from the noise and hustle of the city, delivering exactly what it promises — sweeping views of the Pacific, postcard beach towns, stunning natural wonders, and sun-kissed beaches at every turn. The drive kicks off by winding through the lush landscapes of the Royal National Park, before hugging the coastline and cruising directly over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge and towards some of the most scenic towns and villages in the state. Here’s our guide to making the most of the Grand Pacific Drive road trip this summer and all the mandatory detours along the way.
Grand Pacific Drive — must-see highlights and stops
Once you’ve cruised through the wild bushland and rainforests of the Royal National Park, which is well worth a stop for a coastal walk or a refreshing dip, your next destination must be the Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops. This famous hang-gliding hotspot delivers huge, sweeping ocean views right over the bridge. Grab a coffee or pack a picnic and stay a while to enjoy the show, as hang-gliders launch right next to you. From here the journey will take you to the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, offering one of the most spectacular driving experiences in the country as the route snakes over the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Once you reach Wollongong, spend the day exploring the city’s vibrant street art, enjoy seafood by the water or visit the animals at the nearby Symbio Wildlife Park. Also worth visiting for a moment of zen before you hit the road again is the striking Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Continuing South, the road trip winds past the coastal towns of Shellharbour and Kiama, you’ll want to carve out some time to explore Kiama’s dramatic coastline — from it’s world-famous ocean blowhole to the scenic Kiama Coast Walk and trendy cafes along the water, the seaside town may be small but it’s packed with summer adventures.
The final leg of the Grand Pacific Drive is arguably the most rewarding, as you pass through charming towns like Berry and Nowra before arriving at the stunning Jervis Bay. Who needs the Maldives when you have this slice of coastal paradise right here at home? Stop a while and take in the region’s turquoise waters, powder white sands, incredible coastal walks and vibrant marine life. Highlights include the surprisingly under-the-radar Booderee National Park, the famous Hyams Beach, the short but incredible White Sands Walk and much more. From here, you can head back to Sydney, or take the longer, winding route through the quaint, fairy-tale like towns of the Southern Highlands.
While the entire 140km route can technically be completed in under three hours of pure driving time, the real fun is in the stops so give yourself a few days to truly experience the best of the NSW South Coast.
Key Features
Where: Sydney (Royal National Park) to Jervis Bay (Shoalhaven region), traversing the Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong, and Kiama
Length: Approximately 140km (one way)
Parking: Abundant at lookouts and in coastal towns along the route
Best for: Coastal views, photography, extended road trips, whale watching (May to November), and seaside summer adventures
Seasonal notes: A fantastic year-round drive. Summer is ideal for swimming and beaches while winter and spring are prime whale watching seasons.
Planning your trip
The Grand Pacific Drive officially begins just south of Sydney in the Royal National Park. For those travelling from Sydney CBD, allow around one hour of driving time to reach the park’s northern entry point. Plan this unforgettable road trip here.