Grand Pacific Drive Road Trip Itinerary

Prepare yourself for sweeping coastal views, a hidden national park, heart-pounding adventure activities and so much more along the Grand Pacific Drive road trip.

One of Australia’s most iconic drives is also one of its most easily accessible. Heading out of Sydney, the Grand Pacific Drive takes in the pristine expanses of the city’s southern outskirts before tracing the NSW coast through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and into the idyllic waterside retreat of Jervis Bay.

Along the way there’s stunning coastal scenery, attention-grabbing beaches, laid-back towns and villages and enough diverting attractions to justify stretching the 140-kilometre drive into a fun-filled few days. And with distances this manageable, and plenty of journey-breaking worthy sights, this drive is the stuff family getaways are made of.

Watch the video below for a taste of what awaits you along the Grand Pacific Drive…

Sydney to Wollongong

Heading out from Sydney along the Princes Highway, the first stop on the journey south is actually in the city itself; Heathcote National Park is located in Dharawal country in the Sutherland Shire (known as ‘the Shire’ to Sydneysiders) in the city’s southern suburbs. Enter the 27-square-kilometre park at Waterfall to find abundant wildlife, great bushwalks and hidden-gem freshwater pools, including Kingfisher Pool, where you can do a spot of wild swimming in its cool waters.

Kelly Falls Garawarra State Conservation Area — Kelly Falls in Garawarra State Conservation Area is a great place to stop for a picnic.

The highway tracks past the Garawarra State Conservation Area (definitely worth the detour on your return journey for a ramble amongst the scribbly gums and pockets of subtropical rainforest and a picnic at the pretty Kellys Falls) and Helensburgh, before reaching the kid-friendly Symbio Wildlife Park .

See koalas at Symbio Wildlife Park — Visit Symbio Wildlife Park to see exotic species from around the world (Image: DNSW).

This family-owned-and-operated park is home to some of our cutest home-grown creatures, as well as a roster of exotic species from around the world including cheetahs and ring-tailed lemurs. There are a number of behind-the-scenes enclosure visits that allow for close encounters with the animals, as well as the opportunity to feed the kangaroos and resident farmyard creatures.

Visit Symbio Wildlife park — See the animals up close and feed the Kangaroos at Symbio Wildlife Park (Image: DNSW).

Another hands-on experience that is always a hit with tiny travellers is the Apple Shack at Darkes Glenbernie Orchard at Darkes Forest, a sixth-generation family farm where visitors can head out into the grove of 22,500 trees and pick their own fruit in season.

Pick Apples at t Darkes Glenbernie Orchard — Pick your own fruit from the 22,500 trees at Darkes Glenbernie Orchard (Image: Dee Kramer/DNSW).

Weighed down with fruit, and having sampled some of the tangy cider produced at Darkes, make your way back towards the coast to set off along Lawrence Hargrave Drive towards the 665-metre-long Sea Cliff Bridge. This iconic stretch of road weaves along the coastline and juts out over the water in places, offering views so attention-grabbing that you will have to concentrate really hard to keep your eyes on the road.

Drive along the Sea Cliff Bridge — Marvel at the scenic views as you drive along the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge.

Wollongong highlights

The city of Wollongong has long been the go-to spot for family-friendly beach days, with a collection of sandy spots dotted along its coastal expanse.

Walk along Wollongong's beach — Spend the day in the sun at Wollongong’s family-friendly beaches (Image: DNSW).

Headlining stretches of sand include Austinmer Beach, bordered with rock platforms, with its 112-year-old Surf Club occupying pride of place at the edge of the sand; the small seaside village of Thirroul, where D.H. Lawrence wrote Kangaroo; and Belmore Basin, a charming cove overlooking the harbour and dominated by the adjacent lighthouse and towering Norfolk Pines that dot the grassy expanse above the beach.

Watch the views from Belmore Basin, Wollongong — Take in the view of the harbour from the charming Belmore Basin.

Austinmer is an obvious spot to overnight, with the Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach offering stylish accommodation options and lots of water views, as well as a dinner option the kids will love; a repurposed 1968 Airstream Sovereign food truck serving sliders, pies and cider (non-alcoholic, of course) from Friday to Sunday.

Spend the night at Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach — Enjoy food, views and rest at Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach (Image: Headlands)

In the morning head to Diggies , a sun-soaked, laid-back local favourite overlooking North Beach, decorated with surfboards and serving up a quintessential Aussie breakfast menu and seriously good coffee.

Eat at Diggies, Wollongong — Head to Diggies for delicious coffee and breakfast (Image: DNSW).

The last stop before leaving town should be at Nan Tien Temple (nantien.org.au), the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Wander the lush gardens, admire the traditional temple complex architecture and witness the Buddhist festivals and celebrations held here (you can also stay overnight at the Pilgrim Lodge if you are looking for something a little unusual for the return journey).

Walk through the Nan Tien Temple — Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and is a must see.

Wollongong to Shellharbour

The drive to Shellharbour takes less than 30 minutes from Wollongong, but there is plenty to amuse you when you arrive. The pretty harbour sits in the middle of two beaches, Shellharbour North and Shellharbour South beaches, both of which are in-the-know local surfing spots. And there’s more breaks to be had nearby at The Farm and Mystics in the Killalea Reserve , a designated National Surfing Reserve. If you are at the complete novice end of the scale when it comes to board riding book a surf lesson instead at Pines Surfing Academy to learn from a local.

Swim in Shellharbour pools and beaches — Drive out to Shellharbour for a day of swimming and surfing.

Just south of Shellharbour Village, the 72-hectare Bass Point Reserve has two allures: it is home to one of the few littoral rainforest (rainforest found near the coast) areas in the Illawarra and it is one of the most important Aboriginal archaeological sites on the NSW coast. There is evidence that some 17,000 years before the Egyptians got around to building the pyramids, the local Aboriginal people were using the area as a regular campsite.

You can take a self-guided Aboriginal cultural walk to discover the details of the rich ancient history that played out here. And if you’ve packed flippers and snorkels into the back of the car, there’s good snorkelling at Bushranger’s Bay, a protected Aquatic Reserve.

Before heading towards Kiama, book a 15-minute scenic flight with Touchdown Helicopters to survey the breathtaking coastal silhouette from the air, hopefully spotting a dolphin or two.

Shellharbour to Kiama

The cosmopolitan seaside hamlet of Kiama has long been a mecca for those looking for a beach break away from the city. Most visitors arriving into town head straight to its famous blowhole (first sighted by George Bass when he anchored in what is now Kiama Harbour way back in December 1797), a naturally occurring 2.5-metre hole in the rock platform that shoots water up to 30 metres into the sky when the tide is churning from the south-east.

Visit Kiama Blowhole — Don’t miss out on seeing Kiama’s blowhole shoot water up to 30 metres into the sky (Image: DNSW).

The blowhole forms part of the 20-kilometre Kiama Coast Walk, which works its way from the Minnamurra River north of the town, through Kiama and on to Gerringong’s Werri Beach to the south, taking in jaw-dropping coastal scenery (and the possibility of whale sightings from May to November; there’s an elevated platform at Minnamurra Headland) and pristine beaches along the way.

Moving away from the water, it’s still all about being in nature, with daily life in these parts having revolved around the coast and verdant inland for millennia. Evidence of traditional camps set up by the nomadic Wadi Wadi have been found at Jamberoo, a 15-minute drive from the middle of Kiama, but today it is weekend and short-break nomads who flock here.

Spend some time in the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre where Aboriginal artefacts of an ancient past are on display before setting off to explore the dense Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park. Wander along the elevated walkways that lace their way through the remnant rainforest that once stretched throughout the Illawarra region.

Wander through the Minnamurra Rainforest — Wander through the lush Minnamurra Rainforest and see Aboriginal artefacts (Image: DNSW).

For a different perspective on the same theme, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures allows you to get an eagle-eyed view of the landscape from the Treetop Walk, an elevated steel walkway some 20 to 30 metres above the forest floor or, for the more steely willed and strong of stomach, rigged up to the highest zipline in Australia.

Have fun at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures — Be and adventurous and try the highest zipline in Australia at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures (Image: DNSW).

Kiama to Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay, just over an hour from Kiama, is the final stop on the trip south via the Grand Pacific Drive, passing by or through towns such as Berry, Shoalhaven Heads and Nowra (all of which warrant reconnaissance – and, in the case of Berry, a sweet treat from the Berry Donut Van – on the return journey to Sydney).

Eat at Berry Donut Van — Stop at Berry Donut Van for a delicious treat along the way.

Stop on the way at the award-winning Coolangatta Estate winery, in the NSW version of Coolangatta, near Shoalhaven Heads for a late lunch and to grab something for later from the cellar door.

Eat and drink at Coolangatta Estate winery — Stop for some lunch and wine at Coolangatta Estate winery
(Image: Dee Kramer/DNSW).

The heavens were kind to this patch of the earth, bestowing it with a wealth of beautiful beaches, marine wonderlands and an idyllic landscape. Jervis Bay Marine Park forms the focus here, covering about 215 square kilometres and spanning more than 100 kilometres of coastline. Established in 1998, its clear waters, ringed to exquisite effect with sparkling white sands in the bay itself, offers up ample snorkelling, diving and swimming, and the chance of getting up close with marine wildlife. Look out for the cheeky dolphins that regularly frolic in the waters, and migrating whales making their way up and down the coast.

Joining a dolphin-spotting tour is a must-do that all but guarantees a sighting; Dolphin Watch Cruises offer both dolphin and whale-watching tours out of Jervis Bay. You can also upscale your dolphin-watching tour with a boom-netting experience with Jervis Bay Wild .

Watch whales at Jervis Bay — Stop and watch the majestic dolphins and whales at Jervis Bay (Image: Jordan Robins/DNSW).

There’s more whale watching to be had at Booderee National Park (Walawaani Njindjiwan Njin Booderee in the local Dhurga language), which sits on Aboriginal land, and is managed by Parks Australia in partnership with the local traditional owners. In addition to spotting humpbacks and southern right whales from here, the park is also teeming with other species such as little penguins (that’s their actual name, but they are indeed tiny and cute) on Bowen Island, located off the tip of the Bherwerre Peninsula at the entrance to Jervis Bay. There are also resident fur seals, echidna and swamp wallabies.

Walk through Booderee National Park — Marvel at the whales, little penguins and other species at Booderee National Park.

Where to stay

With a full day of exploring done, Paperbark Camp , a bush camp close to the beachside hamlet of Huskisson, is the perfect way to add a dramatic full stop the journey. Eat a delicious dinner in the treetop restaurant before heading back to one of the luxe tents (by torchlight), cracking open a bottle of Coolangatta Estates’ finest, and sleeping blissfully under the stars.

Spend at night at Paperbark Camp — Sleep under the stars at the luxe Paperbark Camp.

Don’t miss: the South Coast’s secret beaches

There’s more to South Coast beaches than Hyams.

Visit the gorgeous Cave Beach (Image: Dee Kramer/DNSW).

Callala Beach

Situated in the town of the same name, this largely overlooked beach lays claim to being the longest in Jervis Bay.

Long Beach

This two-kilometre white-sand beach on the Beecroft Peninsula is wide, quiet and secluded.

Blenheim Beach

Bordered by two sandstone headlands in the town of Vincentia, the snorkelling here allows for endless sightings of fish that dwell in the seagrass just offshore.

Hole in the Wall

A rock formation with a hole in it (now collapsed and shaped like a giant U) gave name to this beach, which is part of Booderee National Park.

Cave Beach

Situated in Booderee National Park and close to Sussex Inlet, Cave Beach has great surfing and a camping site set amid the coastal tea trees.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

The great road trips of NSW: Grand Pacific Drive itinerary