Road Trip Guide
Grand Pacific South: Sea Cliff Bridge Trail
Sydney to Batemans Bay
Start Your Engine
Sydney
The Finish Line
Batemans Bay
280 km
Miles
4 days recommended
Days
Trip Essentials for Sydney
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Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Stanwell Tops
Lookout & Rest Area
The ultimate vantage point to see the Sea Cliff Bridge from a distance. Also a popular launch site for hang gliders.
Berry
Historic Town / Food Stop
Famous for the Berry Donut Van. It's the perfect place to stretch your legs and browse the boutique homeware stores.
Milton
Heritage Village
A hilltop town with a thriving arts scene. Great for a coffee break and viewing the 19th-century architecture.
Bodalla
Dairy Village
If you continue slightly further south, stop here for the Bodalla Dairy Shed's famous milkshakes and cheeses.
Always carry a paper map & physical emergency kit for remote stretches.
Insider Driving Tips
Start your journey before 7:00 AM to avoid the Sydney exit traffic and catch the morning light hitting the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Download offline maps for the Royal National Park and Booderee National Park, as cellular reception can be notoriously patchy in the valleys.
Keep a pair of binoculars in the glove box; between May and November, this coastline becomes a highway for migrating Humpback whales.
Always check the tide times for Kiama and Jervis Bay; certain rock pools and blowholes are only spectacular at high tide.
Pack a reusable cooler bag; the local produce, particularly the cheeses from Bodalla and oysters from the Clyde River, are must-buys.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Royal National Park & Wattamolla
Audley Weir Tea Rooms
“A historic building offering classic Australian brunch items and scones with jam and cream, overlooking the tranquil Hacking River.”
Wattamolla Lookout
Capture the perfect symmetry of the lagoon, the beach, and the ocean in one frame.
Governor Game Lookout
A wide-angle paradise offering 180-degree views of the rugged coastline stretching south toward Wollongong.
Eagle Rock
A stunning natural rock formation that looks like an eagle's head, located along the Coast Track. It’s a bit of a hike, but the view of the waterfall dropping directly into the ocean is unparalleled.
The Sea Cliff Bridge & Clifton
Scarborough Hotel
“Perched on a cliff edge, this historic pub has a massive beer garden with tiered seating that looks directly out over the Pacific. Their seafood basket is legendary.”
Southern End Pedestrian Entry
Perfect for capturing the leading lines of the bridge as it curves into the distance.
Coalcliff Beach
Look back toward the bridge from the sand to capture the massive concrete pillars against the natural rock.
The 'Secret' Lookout
Located via an unofficial, steep track at the northern end of the bridge. It provides the famous 'birds-eye' view of the bridge curving against the coastline, though it requires sturdy shoes and caution.
Kiama & The Blowholes
Penny Whistlers
“A trendy cafe overlooking the harbor. Known for their excellent coffee and creative breakfast bowls using locally sourced Illawarra produce.”
Kiama Lighthouse
A classic white lighthouse against a deep blue sky, perfect for golden hour shots.
Bombo Headland
A dramatic, moon-like landscape of basalt columns that is a favorite for professional landscape photographers.
The Little Blowhole
Often overlooked for its big brother, the Little Blowhole is actually more consistent and can be even more spectacular during moderate swells, with fewer crowds.
Jervis Bay & Huskisson
5 Little Pigs
“A Huskisson staple. Their menu is fresh and seasonal, and their 'Piggy' burgers are the perfect fuel after a morning of swimming.”
Hyams Beach Shoreline
The contrast between the blindingly white sand and the vibrant blue water is a must-capture.
Huskisson Wharf
Great for sunset shots of the fishing boats and the expanse of the bay.
Murrays Beach
Located inside Booderee National Park, this beach is sheltered by Bowen Island. It features incredibly calm water and is often much quieter than the famous Hyams Beach.
Mollymook & Ulladulla
Rick Stein at Bannisters
“A world-renowned seafood restaurant perched on a headland. The food is simple, fresh, and highlights the incredible quality of the local South Coast catch.”
Ulladulla Harbour
Capture the colorful fishing fleet reflecting in the still waters of the harbor at dawn.
Bannisters Point
The view from the headland overlooking the ocean is spectacular, especially during whale season.
The Bogey Hole
A large, natural rock pool located at the southern end of Mollymook Beach. It’s perfect for a sheltered snorkel or a calm swim away from the surf.
Batemans Bay
The Wray Street Oyster Shed
“Located right on the banks of the Clyde River. You can eat oysters that were harvested just meters away while watching the tide come in. Simple, rustic, and perfect.”
Batemans Bay Bridge
The new bridge is a sleek piece of modern infrastructure that looks beautiful when lit up at night.
Observation Point
Offers a panoramic view of the bay, the river mouth, and the distant Tollgate Islands.
Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve
A hidden boardwalk through mangroves and saltmarshes. It’s a birdwatcher's paradise and offers a completely different ecosystem to the ocean beaches.
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Kangaroo Valley
A steep climb from the coast into a lush, hidden valley surrounded by towering escarpments.
Why It's Worth It
“The Hampden Bridge is Australia's last surviving wooden suspension bridge, and the valley offers a completely different 'country' vibe compared to the coast.”
Fitzroy Falls
Located in Morton National Park, this detour takes you to a spectacular 81-meter waterfall.
Why It's Worth It
“The mist-filled valley and the sheer scale of the falls are breathtaking, offering a break from the ocean scenery.”
Pebbly Beach
A detour into Murramarang National Park, south of Ulladulla.
Why It's Worth It
“This is the famous beach where kangaroos are known to hang out on the sand. It’s an iconic Australian photo opportunity.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the road is well-maintained and wide enough for caravans, though parking in small coastal towns like Clifton can be challenging.
Depending on your starting point in Sydney, you may encounter tolls on the M5 or M8. Once you reach the Grand Pacific Drive, there are no tolls.
The peak migration period is from June to July (heading north) and September to November (heading south with calves).