Experience Wollongong's spectacular coastal drive - the Grand Pacific Drive, between Sydney to Wollongong and beyond.
Grand Pacific Drive is a 140 kilometre award winning coastal drive beginning 45 minutes south of Sydney's International Airport in the Royal National Park.
Follow the directional signage. The Grand Pacific Drive signage creates a more interesting and meaningful experience guiding you through the significance of each region along the drive. The reassurance signs provide a list of key locations and distances along the drive ensuring drivers don't miss the iconic spots along the way.
Wollongong is also a great place to stay with a huge mix of options from international hotel brands to quaint and unique bed and breakfasts to backpacker accommodation - Wollongong has something to offer any traveller.
The drive then takes you through to the beautiful coastal towns of Shellharbour and Kiama and ends in the spectacular Shoalhaven region.
The view along the Grand Pacific line is breathtaking, with sweeping coastal scenery that stretches as far as the eye can see. Deep blue ocean waters meet dramatic cliffs, while the winding road offers stunning panoramas of beaches, headlands, and lush greenery. The fresh sea breeze and changing light make the view both peaceful and unforgettable.
Alan Lui
Google review
Worth to take the coastal drive to seacliff bridge when travelling from Sydney to Melbourne.
Got a chance to stop near the seacliff bridge where I was able to get off the car to have a short stroll along the bridge. Nice ocean views.
Amir Sharif
Google review
Driving along the Grand Pacific Drive between Newcastle and Sydney is one of the most beautiful coastal road trips you can experience in Australia. The route offers breathtaking ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns along the way. It’s the kind of drive where you constantly want to stop, take photos, and simply enjoy the scenery.
One of the absolute highlights is the famous Sea Cliff Bridge, where the road curves elegantly above the ocean. Driving across it almost feels like floating over the water, and the views of the coastline are truly spectacular. The entire route combines natural beauty with a relaxed coastal atmosphere, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Along the drive, you pass beautiful beaches, lookouts, and small cafés where you can take a break and enjoy the view. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, or with family, this road offers countless opportunities to stop, explore, and appreciate the stunning Australian coastline.
Overall, the Grand Pacific Drive is a must-do experience for anyone visiting New South Wales. It perfectly captures the beauty of the Australian coast and turns a simple drive into an unforgettable journey.
Khoshnur Jahan
Google review
A must visit if you come Sydney for the first time.
It’s a beautiful and scenic journey.
It’s best to go in the morning or afternoon. You can pack a light brunch or a small picnic basket to enjoy the view, relax, and take a break in front of nature’s beauty. The drive itself is incredibly scenic—truly a treat for the eyes. The fresh breeze will help you unwind and feel completely rejuvenated.
Ian Ang
Google review
The Grand Pacific Drive is a spectacular 140km coastal road trip from Sydney, showcasing stunning natural beauty and charming towns like Wollongong and Kiama. A highlight is the Sea Cliff Bridge, an architectural marvel that curves over the ocean, offering breathtaking views from its pedestrian walkway. While parts of the drive are narrow and winding, it provides stunning vistas of both the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can walk the bridge, discover scenic lookouts like Stanwell Tops, and explore beautiful beaches and national parks, making it an ideal journey for all types of road trippers.
Grand Pacific Drive Overview
A Scenic Coastal Journey:
The drive stretches 140km, offering a mix of rainforests, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches, extending from the Royal National Park to the Shoalhaven region.
Charming Coastal Towns:
The route passes through picturesque coastal towns such as Wollongong, known for its beaches, and Kiama, famous for its blowhole.
Breathtaking Vistas:
The drive provides a range of photo opportunities, with sweeping views of the ocean on one side and the dramatic cliffs on the other.
The Sea Cliff Bridge Highlight
An Engineering Feat:
The 665-meter-long Sea Cliff Bridge is a feat of engineering, built to provide a safer route along the coast after sections of the old road were prone to rock falls.
Over-the-Ocean Experience:
The bridge seems to "levitate" above the crashing waves, offering a truly unique driving and walking experience.
Walkable and Scenic:
A dedicated pedestrian walkway allows visitors to stroll along the bridge, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.