Australian surfing prodigy Sally Fitzgibbons has travelled from beach-to-beach around the country and across the world since she was 17, collecting trophies along the way.
She’s also authored Live Like Sally, a book that provides its readers with tips on how to have a healthy lifestyle, and has recently partnered with hotel brand Novotel as its new wellness ambassador, and Solar D Sunscreen. We chat to Sally about her favourite travel experiences.
1. As a child, our family holidays always…
Revolved around sporting activities. Surf lifesaving, soccer, athletics, surfing, running, sailing and representative sport for school took us all over Australia…
I made such great memories in teams, achieving my goals. We all supported one another as a family and did crazy fun road trips up and down the east coast.
2. Now, when I have spare time I head straight to…
Gerroa on the South Coast of NSW, where I grew up. I’m always travelling the globe with my surfing, so when I touch down in Australia there’s nothing better than driving home to spend time with my family. It is my favourite place to train in and out of the water.
3. The best thing about living on the South Coast is…
The beautiful open spaces. It is spectacular seeing the green rolling hills, dotted with livestock, meet the ocean.
It washes a wave of calmness and belonging over me as soon as I see the countryside and the long stretches of uncrowded beaches. This is where I started my dream and it will always be home.
4. My favourite beach in Australia is…
Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa. This is where I grew up surfing with my family and the place that really ignited my passion for the sport.
If it wasn’t home, it would be Bells Beach, one of the most prestigious waves in Australian surf history.
5. My favourite city in Australia is…
Sydney. I spend a lot of time there for ‘out of water’ commitments and have formed some great friendships there. And Sydney Harbour is simply amazing.
6. I keep fit and healthy while travelling by…
Going for a run at dawn, whether it be on the coast or in the city. The best thing about running is that you can do it anywhere and I love exploring by foot – it’s a great way to sight-see in different places.
7. The three things I always pack when travelling are…
My surfboards go everywhere with me – my day never feels complete without being in the ocean.
My fit ball – I use it as soon as I wake up to stretch out, then at training through the day and right up until I go to bed. It is one of my best buddies – haha! And my Solar D Sunscreen, of course.
8. My last great holiday/beach read was…
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.
9. The number one place on my bucket list is…
King Island, Tasmania. The island and landscapes look incredible and I’ve heard there are some amazing waves and sea life there.
The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.
Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.
But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.
Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.
Where to eat
What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.
Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.
Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison. From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.
Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s, is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.
Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.
Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery.
Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.
Exploring nature
Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).
Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures.
Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.
Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive.
Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa. Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.
Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).
For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.
Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.
Unique experiences
No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.
Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum.Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.
If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.
Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.
Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays, every week.
Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).
Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)
Where to stay
Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.
Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.
Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.
Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.
For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping. Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.
