What is the Grand Pacific Drive?
The Grand Pacific Drive is a scenic coastal route in New South Wales running south from Royal National Park through Wollongong and the Illawarra to Shoalhaven. Its highlight is the Sea Cliff Bridge.
The drive begins near Sydney's southern outskirts and passes through Royal National Park, with forest, lookouts and the historic Audley weir. It then descends to coastal villages such as Stanwell Park and Coalcliff.
Bald Hill lookout at Stanwell Park offers sweeping views of the coast and is a famous spot for hang gliding.
Sea Cliff Bridge
The Sea Cliff Bridge, opened in 2005, curves out over the ocean beside steep cliffs between Coalcliff and Clifton. It replaced a section of road affected by rockfalls.
South of Clifton the route passes beachside suburbs such as Thirroul and Austinmer before reaching Wollongong, the main city of the Illawarra, with its lighthouses, harbor and beaches.
The drive continues past Lake Illawarra and Shellharbour to Kiama, famous for its blowhole, which can shoot sea spray high into the air when swells are running. From there, travelers can continue into the Shoalhaven region, with towns such as Berry and Nowra. The route is popular for weekend road trips from Sydney, and there are many cafes, walks and lookouts along the way.
Did You Know?
The Grand Pacific Drive is about 140 kilometres long.