Grand Pacific Drive - Sydney to Wollongong and Beyond
Grand Pacific Drive - Sydney to Wollongong and Beyond
Grand Pacific Drive - Sydney to Wollongong and Beyond
4.5
About
Grand Pacific Drive is a 140km coastal drive, starting just 45 minutes south of Sydney, NSW, Australia in the beautiful Royal National Park. Driving scenery includes, coastal rainforests to quaint villages and over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. The drive heads into Wollongong then through to Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven. Experience ‘beyond’ into the scenic Southern Highlands, Batemans Bay, Canberra, the greater South Coast and onto Melbourne. Local Tips: - Driving through the Royal National Park is free. Fee of $12.00 applies if stopping to enjoy this picturesque playground. - Parking for the Sea Cliff Bridge can be found north of the Bridge at Leeder Park or Coalcliff Beach. - Free Parking at all beaches along the Grand Pacific Drive Wollongong offers free on-street parking on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. - Keep a look out for the many information centers along the Grand Pacific Drive. Public Transport: - Sea Cliff Bridge: Premier Bus # 2 from Coalcliff to Wollongong and return. Closet Train station is Coalcliff with an 800 walk to the start of the Sea Cliff Bridge on the Northern Side.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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John Vromans
10 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
This is an absolutely stupendous drive from say Waterfall to Nowra via Wollongong. Take in the splendor of the Royal National Park, the world famous Seacliff Bridge and the delightful villages to Bulli (not Bully, 'i' as in 'eye'). Don't take the motorway bypassing Wollongong. Go through the villages of Woonona, Corrimal, Fairy Meadow into town. This is an idyllic part if the world, so take your time. At the intersection of Keira and Crown Streets, take a sharp right and continue pass Mount Keira road to Unanderra (not Un-anderra, say 'You'-nanderra) an onto Kiama pass Dapto and Albion Park Rail. Certainly call into Kiama, great place for a coffee and ice cream. Only one petrol station here so be careful. After Kiama, enjoy the delightful rural scenery while enjoying world class roadworks. The small township of Berry is delightful and very worthy of a look around. Nowra on the Shoalhaven River is a vibrant city with much to offer. Coastal holiday getaway places in the vicinity are legendary. Enjoy your drive to the max.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sametahir
Australia90 contributions
Jan 2021
Hi I’ll strongly recommend the Grand Pacific drive. Sydney to Wollongong. It’s amazing if you have time go through National park and start from bald lookout to all the Wollongong. On the Dont forget to stop at cliff bridge, parks and the beaches along the coast.
Written January 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Africa Tourist
Sydney, Australia9,302 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
We live in Wollongong and drove parts of it with an international visitor. Going south to Port Kembla to Hill 60 then through Albion Park to Bowral. Next day to Stanwell Top to see the hang gliders and then stopping to walk Seacliff Bridge and passing all the villages back to Wollongong. Scenic and coastal.
Written February 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hashim B
106 contributions
Mar 2020
this place is fantastic. the drive is very fun. the windy turns amongst the hills and along the sea. the road and land winds back and forth along the sea. the new bridge is really impressive. on a nice day probably be able to see cargo ships in the distance. it has a great view almost all around.
would highly recommend it.
would highly recommend it.
Written April 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AussieRicho1
Wollongong, Australia1,742 contributions
Aug 2020
Came down from Helensburgh and joined the drive at Stanwell Tops. A fantastic view of the Sea Cliff Bridge and the southern coastline to Port Kembla. The drive through all the great little towns/villages is just awesome. Its such a great stretch of road.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellemay 🍹🐠🐳
Sydney, Australia47,321 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
The Grand Pacific Drive starts at the Royal National Park and is 140km long taking in some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, small seaside villages, rainforests and the Seacliff Bridge. It makes a wonderful day trip from Sydney or a stunning way to start the coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne.
Written July 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janice B
Sydney, Australia15 contributions
Oct 2012
I love the TRAIN trip from Sydney to Wollongong - it gives a whole different view than what you see by the Grand Pacific Drive - both are spectacular. My advice is to take the train down and come back by local bus from Wollongong to Stanwell Park, then train from there to Sydney. On the train, make sure you sit on the left side of the carriage, on the upper level for the best views. If taking train from W'gong back to Sydney, reverse it, and sit on the right-side of the carriage on the upper level for the best views. I think the local bus gives a better view of the GPD because you are sitting higher than in a car - the safety rails on GPD can block some of the views in a car. Take a side-trip to Bulli Beach for a reasonable-price meal on the beach, and then, if in a car, drive past the sea-side cemetery on the way to Woonona.
Written December 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelling4ever
Oz142 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
Want a break from Sydney? Then head south - to Wollongong (on the South Coast) and beyond.
This route - called the Grand Pacific Drive - is an alternative to the 'main drag' down Mt Ousley and into Wollongong. It is a very scenic route, with lots to see ... there are two main options for joining the drive between Sydney and Wollongong ... but remember ... the route does extend 'beyond' Wollongong
From Waterfall (South Sydney - as a guide, this is about 45 minutes drive from the International Airport in Sydney) drive through the Royal National Park (the second oldest national park in the world) - for a great chance to see the rainforest, coastal cliffs and of course beaches - lots of them. Note: If you intend to stop or park in the RNP (Royal National Park) there will be a vehicle entry fee of AUD11).
Alternatively you can continue on the Princes Highway (the M1) from Sydney leaving the Highway at Helensburgh (pron Helensburg) (as a guide this is about 45 km from the airport) and following the signage to Stanwell Tops - Bald Hill.
Interested in flying? Look down to the beach below Bald Hill - Lawrence Hargrave experimented here with box kites 100 years ago and from here, first took flight. Look out for the cairn near the car park. You too can watch or try paragliding or hang gliding from here!!
Bald Hill overlooks the Sea Cliff Bridge - I went to the opening of this bridge in December 2005. It is 665 m long and is a balanced cantilevered bridge and replaced the 'old road' which was subjected to many rockfalls. You can park your car (at N or S end of the bridge) (no charge) and walk the length of the bridge - 2.4 km round trip. Toilets are located at the parking areas at each end of the Bridge.
It is well worth doing. Just remember ... doing it in summer? Bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
For 'bridge engineers' who want the stats - here is a link to a great FAQ website:
http://seacliffbridge.com/index.php/faq
There is also a beautifully set out website which gives you maps of the different sections, distances, estimated times of travel as well as points of interest etc. It is well worth checking out and you will get much more information than I can supply here (and indeed information for your onward journey beyond Wollongong ... and to other parts of NSW). I hope you enjoy the drive to my home town of Wollongong: http://www.grandpacificdrive.com.au/routes-and-maps
This route - called the Grand Pacific Drive - is an alternative to the 'main drag' down Mt Ousley and into Wollongong. It is a very scenic route, with lots to see ... there are two main options for joining the drive between Sydney and Wollongong ... but remember ... the route does extend 'beyond' Wollongong
From Waterfall (South Sydney - as a guide, this is about 45 minutes drive from the International Airport in Sydney) drive through the Royal National Park (the second oldest national park in the world) - for a great chance to see the rainforest, coastal cliffs and of course beaches - lots of them. Note: If you intend to stop or park in the RNP (Royal National Park) there will be a vehicle entry fee of AUD11).
Alternatively you can continue on the Princes Highway (the M1) from Sydney leaving the Highway at Helensburgh (pron Helensburg) (as a guide this is about 45 km from the airport) and following the signage to Stanwell Tops - Bald Hill.
Interested in flying? Look down to the beach below Bald Hill - Lawrence Hargrave experimented here with box kites 100 years ago and from here, first took flight. Look out for the cairn near the car park. You too can watch or try paragliding or hang gliding from here!!
Bald Hill overlooks the Sea Cliff Bridge - I went to the opening of this bridge in December 2005. It is 665 m long and is a balanced cantilevered bridge and replaced the 'old road' which was subjected to many rockfalls. You can park your car (at N or S end of the bridge) (no charge) and walk the length of the bridge - 2.4 km round trip. Toilets are located at the parking areas at each end of the Bridge.
It is well worth doing. Just remember ... doing it in summer? Bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
For 'bridge engineers' who want the stats - here is a link to a great FAQ website:
http://seacliffbridge.com/index.php/faq
There is also a beautifully set out website which gives you maps of the different sections, distances, estimated times of travel as well as points of interest etc. It is well worth checking out and you will get much more information than I can supply here (and indeed information for your onward journey beyond Wollongong ... and to other parts of NSW). I hope you enjoy the drive to my home town of Wollongong: http://www.grandpacificdrive.com.au/routes-and-maps
Written July 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thewelltravelledfamily
Brisbane, Australia294 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
This is one stunning place! We have driven the road a few times either during our visit to the Royal National Park or down to Wollongong or Kiama. We have written a full detailed review of the area and what to expect. Head over to thewelltravelledman.com to read more!
Written May 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suntick
Penang Island, Malaysia22 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
Spectacular view along the Grand Pacific Drive! We spend a day driving from Sydney City to Kiama, return the same day. Out of Sydney, we make our stops at Stanwell Tops, Sea Cliff Bridge, then Flagstaff Hill and Nan Tien Temple at Wollongong, finally to Kiama Blowhole. The scenery at these stops are breath-taking! Worth the drive!
Written October 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thankyou suntick for taking the time to write such wonderful suggestion for the Grand Pacific Drive, it is truly breath taking.
Written November 27, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How long is the walk over the bridge?
Written August 4, 2018
The Sea Cliff Bridge one way is roughly one kilometer, you will want to walk slowly to take in all the sites, sounds and selfies. We recommend parking in Coalcliff as parking at the southern tip of the bridge is very limited.
Written August 5, 2018
We are flying into Sydney airport. From Sydney Airport, we are thinking if we should rent a car to drive to into Wollongong.
Will there be parking problem along the way if we intend to stop for food and view?
Written June 16, 2018
Hi tung2013, Renting a car from the airport and driving down is a perfect way to start a holiday. Depending on time, taking the turnoff into the Royal National Park at Audley down to Bald Hill would be stunning. Generally speaking, parking isnt an issue along the coast through the cooler months. Ofcourse weekends and school holidays bring larger crowds, however generally the only place's parking can be limited are at Bald Hill, Austinmer Beach and North Beach Wollongong. Everywhere along the coast is free to park. Patience is key in these areas but generally midweek and out of school holidays, you shouldn't have an issue.
Written June 30, 2018
Hi Peter, are you referring to the Sea Cliff Bridge?
Written April 25, 2018
Is there any parking fee charges along grand pacific drive spot below?
Bald hill lookout
Sea Cliff bridge
Austinmer bridge
Written November 18, 2017
Parking in the Illawarra is free (with the exeption of the CBD of Wollongong). Parking for the Sea Cliff Bridge is limited, park at Coalcliff beach and walk up on the bridge. We hope you are able to have a fantastic day driving along the Grand Pacific Drive.
Written November 25, 2017
drlai6969
Sydney, Australia
i'd like to have a day trip to Nan tien Temple and Blowholes at Kiama
Written June 6, 2017
if you want to see the beati of the illawarra on the way down. Travel along lawrence hargraves from helensburgh. see some awesone views. eventually you will get on the princess hwy at wollongong. travel there till near unaderra to the temple. temple is beatiful and have great lunches. go back the way you came to the hwy and head south all to kiama to the blow hole. if traffic is bad heading south though albion park go though warrawong. bit quicker and can back on the hwy at shellharbour.
Written June 14, 2017
The Grand Pacific Drive is a good drive from Sydney and a little over two hours. The Gem is the combination of the Royal National Park with the Grand Pacific Drive ending at Wollongong harbour. Suggest people take a bit more time and do both. We run tours starting at around 7:30 and finishing around 4pm. This time frame covers the lot, add more time for photography. If you travel in the holiday period expect traffic delays and pricey accommodation. I recommend visiting Australia at other time rather than summer ie Christmas time. Plan your visit and get the best out of it. There is an abundance of stunning locations. I have been touring NSW for many years, it is a big state with lots to see.
"Sydney to Wollongong and beyond", what is beyond? The further south you go the better it is. We travel 500 km from Sydney over four days and see much more than many locals know exists and we are still not in Victoria. People travel to work in Sydney from Wollongong every day. Research and get your moneys worth. Tip: I travel wherever possible on weekdays, often cheaper fuel, less traffic congestion, cheaper accommodation.
Written January 6, 2017
Which side of the road is the car parking on? If on the sea side can you right turn into the car parks as we are coming from Wollongong?
Written December 24, 2016
Thank you Pies1990 for your question. If you're referring to the Sea Cliff Bridge there is limited car parking on the Southern end of the bridge. There is a car park at Coalcliff Beach to the North of the Sea Cliff Bridge then a 5min walk back up onto the Bridge. This walk from the car park is not recommended for elderly due to the steep incline.
Written December 27, 2016
Hi
we want to do a road trip from melbourne to sydney starting 27th Dec 2017. ideally we would like to do the coastal route but unsure sure where to stop and where's best for campervans?
Written December 23, 2016
Taking the Coastal route from Melbourne to Sydney is an ideal holiday. However, majority of the camping and caravan parks within 4hrs of Melbourne or Sydney are fully booked or require a 5-7min night stay over the Summer School holidays. Their are many amazing and uniquely beautiful places to stop along the South Coast of Australia, however it might be a matter of availability during this period that could hinder your experience. Free, roadside and National Park camping is generally very limited at this time of year as well. At this point we know of one Caravan Park in our area that will meet your needs. If you contact the Wollongong Information Centre directly we can assist you with finding accommodation and suggested activities within the south coast areas.
Written December 23, 2016
Hi.. I am visiting Sydney in December. I have one free day and I would like to drive on Grand Pacific Drive. Please suggest the best plan. I can start from Sydney early but due to time constraint I need to be back by 7PM. Thank you!
Written November 15, 2016
Hi Alok_Gupta321 The Grand Pacific Drive will be a fantastic day to spend your day off. We would recommend starting early with the GPD as traffic can build in the later afternoons with residential traffic.
Start with Bald Hill Lookout, get your bearings and a great photo of the northern Illawarra area and the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Travel south along the Grand Pacific Drive stopping at the Sea Cliff Bridge for a walk and a closer look at the coast line, cliffs and the famous bridge.
Thirroul or Austinmer would be a fantastic stop for a cup of tea or coffee or even Brunch depending on how early you have set off.
Your next stop is Wollongong. The harbour is gorgeous! So many cafes and restaurants to chose from, pack your swimmers for a dip in the ocean or the continental pools. Wollongong is a great point to plan the rest of your day. Check the weather forecast and tides, Kiama has an amazing blow holes, Shellharbour a great main street and Killalea State Park is a sight to behold. These southern regions also open up short drives through to Jamberoo and Saddleback Mountain.
Destination Wollongong is happy to help with any enquires and posting information and maps.
Written November 16, 2016
Traveling to Wollongong this weekend for the first time, have checked the weather online ...are people swimming at the beach this time for the year? do locals know if it's ok to swim this weekend?
Written September 23, 2016
Yes! People have been in the water for for some time now. Try Stuart Park, it's a great beach with cafe's and refreshments right on the beach. My favourite is the harbour if you have kids. Wollongong is a super place. I travel regularly from Sydney to Bermagui and feel Wollongong is the best.
Written September 27, 2016
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