Grand Pacific Drive

A coastal run of about 140 km south of Sydney that starts in Royal National Park, crosses the 665 m Sea Cliff Bridge and passes through Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. It is easy driving with plenty of beaches, headlands and small towns, so it suits a relaxed weekend from Sydney. Extend it inland to the Southern Highlands if you want a loop.

The stops

1. Start

   Royal National Park (Audley)

2. Park

   Royal National Park (Audley)

   Start in the oldest national park in Australia, with picnic areas by the Hacking River

3. Viewpoint

   Bald Hill Lookout, Stanwell Tops

   Headland lookout over the coast; popular with hang-gliders

4. Viewpoint

   Sea Cliff Bridge

   665 m bridge built out over the sea, opened December 2005; walking and cycling lane alongside

5. Town · Overnight

   Wollongong

   Lunch, harbour and the Breakwater lighthouse

6. Park

   Minnamurra Rainforest

   Boardwalk through rainforest in Budderoo National Park

7. Viewpoint

   Kiama Blowhole

   Best on a swell; the town has a lighthouse and a rock pool

8. Town

   Gerringong

   Beach town and a stretch of rolling dairy country

9. Town

   Berry

   Bakeries, antique shops and a short detour inland

10. Town

    Nowra

    Finish at the Shoalhaven River; Jervis Bay is another 45 minutes on

11. Finish

    Nowra

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Kiama

  Kiama Harbour cabins and holiday parks · Seaside motels

When to go

Year-round; May–Sep is the busiest tourism period

On the road

Sea Cliff Bridge and Lawrence Hargrave Drive can close in heavy weather; check Live Traffic NSW.