South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation

Grand Pacific Drive

Located just over an hour's drive from Sydney.

The drive begins at the Royal National Park (the world's second oldest) then through to Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and ending at the start of the spectacular Shoalhaven region. This magnificent driving route takes you via Stanwell Park and Thirroul to coastal rainforests, quaint coastal villages boasting some of the states most beautiful beaches and rock pools with close proximity to sheer cliffs and the South Pacific Ocean.

Grand Pacific Drive takes you into Wollongong; a bustling coastal city with a vast array of accommodation and attractions for any visitor. From Wollongong you can head south to Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven.

Royal National Park

ITINERARY - 42kms/42mins

Located on the southern fringe of metropolitan Sydney, the Royal National Park is the second oldest national park in the world, offering spectacular scenery from sub tropical rainforests and sandstone heathlands, to dramatic coastal cliffs and unspoilt ocean beaches. Drop into the visitors centre at Audley for helpful information and annual pass sales.

* Vehicle entry fee ($11) applies if stopping or parking any time in the national park. The park is not suitable for coaches or vehicles towing. Please use the Helensburgh/Stanwell Park exit off the F6 instead.

Stanwell Park to Thirroul

ITINERARY - 11kms/12mins

The Royal National Park literally leads you onto one of the most spectacular lookouts on the drive, Bald Hill. Spend some time soaking up the atmosphere before heading down the cliff hugging roads hanging above the ocean. With the 665 metre Sea Cliff Bridge a highlight, enjoy the amazing driving scenery and gorgeous coastal villages.

Thirroul to Wollongong

ITINERARY - 14kms/24mins

From the seaside town of Thirroul with its boutique shopping, to the bustling coastal city of Wollongong, this section of the drive will take you into the third largest city in New South Wales, offering great restaurants, beaches, plenty of accommodation, cultural attractions and more. Enjoy.

Mt Keira - Mt Kembla

ITINERARY - 18kms/25mins

This is an optional tourist drive that you can include in your greater Grand Pacific Drive experience. It begins with a right hand turn onto Mt. Keira road off the western end of Crown Street in Wollongong. From here you begin the windy road through the dense escarpment to the top of Mt Keira. Turn off to enjoy the spectacular Mt Keira lookout or continue the link through to Mt Kembla which is a charming old historical mining village.

Wollongong to Shellharbour

ITINERARY - 20kms/27mins

This section of the drive leads you into Shellharbour, a charming beachside town offering a relaxing escape with various beachfront accommodation, award winning restaurants and also boasts the regions only marine aquatic reserve; Bushrangers Bay at Bass Point. With a variety of shopping outlets, golf courses, museums, parks and reserves, Shellharbour is a popular place to visit along the Grand Pacific Drive.

Shellharbour to Kiama and surrounds

ITINERARY - 38kms/45mins

From this point, you are led into a spectacular section of the drive. In stark contrast from the cliff hugging landscape of the north, here you will find the breathtaking scenery of rolling hills that connect with the coast.

Kiama is an absolute paradise for water lovers offering surfing, diving, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing and much more. Couple this with delightful eateries, boutique shopping, coastal walks, the nearby areas of Jamberoo and the unhurried seaside villages of Gerringong and Gerroa, this part of the drive will not disappoint.

Kiama to the Shoalhaven

ITINERARY - 40kms/45mins (Kiama to Nowra)

Depending on which direction you traverse the Grand Pacific Drive, the Shoalhaven marks the official beginning or end point, but don't let this detail stop you from exploring this magnificent region. The lush 160 km arc of the Shoalhaven sweeps from the beaches and bays of a jewel-coloured coast to rich green, almost luminescent valleys inland. Nowra, Jervis Bay, Mollymook and Ulladulla are among the region's coastal delights, while Kangaroo Valley and Berry are some of the Shoalhaven's hinterland gems.

visit Grand Pacific Drive's website