Road Trip Guide
Grand Pacific Drive: Sydney to Wollongong
Sydney to Nowra
Start
Sydney
Finish
Nowra
Distance
140 km
Duration
3 - 5 days recommended
Best Months
September - April
Budget
$$
EV Ready
9/10
Kid-Friendly
9/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Sydney
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Sutherland Fuel & Supplies
Fuel and Groceries
The last major shopping hub before entering the Royal National Park. Ensure your tank is full and you have plenty of water.
Bulli Lookout
Rest Area / Viewpoint
A perfect spot to stretch your legs. It offers clean toilets and a cafe with a stunning view of the northern Illawarra suburbs.
Shell Cove Marina
Modern Amenities
A brand new precinct with public restrooms, EV charging stations, and plenty of dining options if you need a break from the road.
Bomaderry Station
Transport Hub
If you are returning to Sydney by train, this is the southern-most point of the South Coast line.
Insider Driving Tips
Start your journey at sunrise to witness the first light hitting the cliffs of the Royal National Park; the colors are ethereal.
The Sea Cliff Bridge can get extremely windy; if you plan to walk it, secure your hats and loose belongings.
Download offline maps before entering the Royal National Park as cellular reception can be intermittent in the deep valleys.
Many of the best cafes in Berry and Kiama close by 3:00 PM, so plan your lunch and coffee stops accordingly.
Keep a pair of binoculars in the car; between May and November, this coastline is a prime corridor for migrating humpback whales.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Royal National Park
Audley Dance Hall Cafe
“A historic and beautifully restored hall offering gourmet sandwiches and local coffee overlooking the Hacking River.”
Wattamolla Beach Lookout
Capture the unique lagoon meeting the ocean, framed by golden sandstone cliffs.
Eagle Rock
A massive sandstone formation resembling an eagle's head, jutting out over the Tasman Sea.
Curracurrong Falls
One of the few waterfalls in the world that flows directly into the ocean. On windy days, the water is often blown upwards, creating a magical mist.
Wedding Cake Rock
Geological Formation
“This striking white sandstone formation offers breathtaking coastal views and a unique square shape that resembles a slice of cake.”
Figure Eight Pools
Natural Rock Pools
“Located on a rock shelf, these naturally formed pools offer a unique swimming experience and iconic photo opportunities during low tide.”
Wattamolla Beach
Beach and Lagoon
“This scenic spot features a calm lagoon, a waterfall, and a surf beach, making it an ideal location for swimming, picnicking, and snorkeling.”
Stanwell Tops & Sea Cliff Bridge
Scarborough Hotel
“Perched on a cliff edge, this historic pub offers one of the best beer garden views in Australia, serving fresh seafood and cold ales.”
Bald Hill Lookout
The classic high-angle shot of the Sea Cliff Bridge snaking along the coastline.
Southern End of Sea Cliff Bridge
Park at the southern end and walk back onto the bridge for a dramatic perspective of the structure against the vertical cliffs.
Kellys Falls
A short detour from Stanwell Tops leads to this secluded waterfall tucked away in a lush pocket of rainforest, often missed by those rushing to the bridge.
Bald Hill Lookout
Scenic Lookout
“This world-renowned paragliding spot offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge.”
Sea Cliff Bridge
Engineering Landmark
“Experience one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world by walking or driving along this architecturally stunning bridge.”
Symbio Wildlife Park
Wildlife Park
“Located just minutes from the lookout, this park allows for close-up encounters with native Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, and wombats.”
Wollongong
Kneading Ruby
“A rustic-chic restaurant in the heart of the city known for its incredible wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta.”
Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse
The only point in eastern Australia with two lighthouses in one location, perfect for sunset shots.
Nan Tien Temple
The largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, offering stunning architecture and serene gardens.
Puckeys Estate Nature Reserve
A coastal saltmarsh and rainforest reserve that offers a tranquil escape from the urban center, perfect for birdwatching.
Sea Cliff Bridge
Scenic Landmark
“This iconic cantilever bridge offers breathtaking coastal views as it curves away from the cliffs and over the Pacific Ocean.”
Nan Tien Temple
Buddhist Temple
“As the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, it features stunning architecture and peaceful gardens perfect for a serene break.”
Wollongong Head Lighthouse
Historic Landmark
“Located at Flagstaff Point, this historic lighthouse provides panoramic ocean views and is an ideal spot for whale watching during migration season.”
Kiama
Penny Whistlers
“A vibrant cafe overlooking the harbour, famous for its seasonal breakfast bowls and exceptional specialty coffee.”
Bombo Headland
An otherworldly landscape of hexagonal basalt columns that look like a scene from a sci-fi movie.
Cathedral Rocks
Dramatic rock formations at the northern end of Kiama that look best during the 'blue hour' before sunrise.
Little Blowhole
Often overlooked for its larger sibling, the Little Blowhole is more consistent and offers a much closer, more intimate viewing experience.
Kiama Blowhole
Natural Landmark
“Witness the world’s largest blowhole blast seawater high into the air through a natural rock formation.”
Kiama Coastal Walk
Hiking Trail
“This stunning 22-kilometer trail offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and rolling green hills.”
Bombo Headland Geological Site
Geological Landmark
“Explore dramatic basalt columns and unique rock formations that create an otherworldly landscape perfect for photography.”
Gerringong
The Blue Swimmer
“Located in nearby Gerroa, this restaurant serves incredible local seafood with a view of the Crooked River mouth.”
Werri Beach South Lookout
Capture the perfect curve of the beach and the rolling green hills in one frame.
Point Upright
A high vantage point offering views all the way down to Jervis Bay on a clear day.
Boat Harbour Rock Pool
A natural ocean pool tucked away at the southern end of Gerringong, offering a calm place to swim away from the surf.
Werri Beach
Beach
“This stunning stretch of coastline is famous for its excellent surfing conditions and its scenic rock pool located at the southern end.”
Kiama Coast Walk
Coastal Hiking Trail
“The Gerringong segment of this trail offers breathtaking clifftop views of the Pacific Ocean and lush green pastures.”
Crooked River Wines
Winery and Vineyard
“Nestled in a picturesque valley, this estate provides the perfect spot to enjoy award-winning wines with views of the rolling hills.”
Berry
Berry Donut Van
“An institution for over 50 years, serving hot, cinnamon-dusted donuts that are worth the inevitable queue.”
The Historic Post Office
A beautiful example of late 19th-century architecture that anchors the town's heritage charm.
The Silos Estate
Vineyards framed by old dairy silos, offering a perfect blend of agricultural and viticultural aesthetics.
Drawing Room Rocks
A moderately steep hike leads to a plateau with natural rock 'furniture' and a 360-degree view of the coast and Kangaroo Valley.
The Famous Berry Donut Van
Iconic Food Landmark
“Stop here to taste their legendary cinnamon donuts that have been freshly made to order for over 55 years.”
Drawing Room Rocks
Nature Reserve & Hiking Trail
“This moderate hike rewards you with unique table-like rock formations and breathtaking panoramic views of the Shoalhaven coastline.”
Berry Historic Village
Historic District & Shopping
“Wander through the charming main street filled with heritage buildings, boutique shops, and artisanal galleries that showcase the town's colonial history.”
Nowra
Hyper Hyper Coffee
“A dedicated espresso bar that takes its roasting seriously, widely considered the best coffee in the Shoalhaven.”
Nowra Bridge
The historic iron bridge over the Shoalhaven River, especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
Hanging Rock Lookout
Provides a dizzying view 46 metres above the Shoalhaven River, looking out toward the mountains.
The Grotto
A hidden river walk that takes you past sheer cliffs and through pockets of rainforest, ending at a natural rock overhang.
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Aviation Museum
“This museum showcases one of the largest collections of military aircraft in Australia, offering a deep dive into naval aviation history.”
Shoalhaven Zoo
Wildlife Park
“Nestled along the Shoalhaven River, this zoo allows visitors to get up close with a wide range of native Australian animals and exotic species.”
Hanging Rock Lookout
Scenic Lookout
“Perched high above the Shoalhaven River, this iconic rock formation provides breathtaking panoramic views of the river and surrounding escarpment.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Bundeena
A small artistic village located within the Royal National Park, accessible by a winding forest road.
Why It's Worth It
“It’s the starting point for the Wedding Cake Rock hike and offers pristine, calm beaches that feel completely isolated from the world.”
Kangaroo Valley
A steep climb from Berry takes you over the mountain and down into one of Australia's most beautiful valleys.
Why It's Worth It
“The historic Hampden Bridge and the mist-covered meadows offer a completely different alpine-like atmosphere compared to the coast.”
Hyams Beach (Jervis Bay)
A short drive south of Nowra leads you to the world-famous white sands of Jervis Bay.
Why It's Worth It
“It holds the Guinness World Record for the whitest sand in the world, and the crystal-clear water is perfect for snorkeling with rays and dolphins.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are no tolls for the Sea Cliff Bridge or any part of the Grand Pacific Drive.
While the drive only takes about 3 hours without stopping, we highly recommend at least 2 full days to appreciate the walks and coastal towns.
Spring (September to November) offers mild weather and whale watching opportunities, while Summer is best for swimming but can be very crowded.
Yes, there is a daily vehicle entry fee (currently $12 AUD) which can be paid at the park entrance or via an automated machine.