RoadAtlas
Grand Pacific Drive — Australia — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Grand Pacific Drive

Australia

Point-to-point
Sydney Southern Beaches Bombo Headland Quarry Geological Site

In short: Grand Pacific Drive is a 150 km scenic road trip in Australia, typically driven over 2 days, best in spring to autumn. Highlights: Sydney Southern Beaches, Royal National Park, Stanwell Tops.

Distance
150 km
Duration
2 days
Best Season
spring to autumn
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

Australia’s Grand Pacific Drive traces a classic coastal day trip from Sydney’s southern beaches to the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. The route crosses the Sea Cliff Bridge, passes rainforest-fringed headlands and surf towns, and finishes among Kiama’s famous blowholes, lookouts and rolling green coastline.

Practical notes
Royal National Park currently charges $12 per vehicle per day; verify the fee and local alerts on the official visitor page (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/royal-national-park/visitor-info) and check Live Traffic NSW (https://www.livetraffic.com/) immediately before each day. Display the pass as directed and use only open roads/tracks. Ocean rocks and headlands are hazardous in rain or swell; remain behind barriers.

Make this route yours

Set your dates, pace, and taste, and RoadAtlas AI rebuilds this trip day by day with real, verified places.

Included with Traveler and Explorer plans.

Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Sydney to Wollongong via Royal National Park and Sea Cliff Bridge

Bungoona Lookout and Path · Sea Cliff Bridge walk · The Imperial at Clifton

Day 2Wollongong to Kiama via Minnamurra and Bombo

Minnamurra Rainforest Lyrebird loop · Bombo Headland Geological Site · Otis Deli

Stops along the route

Sydney Southern Beaches — Departure — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Departure
Sydney Southern Beaches
Leave Sydney on a coastal run past beach suburbs and ocean lookouts. The city skyline quickly gives way to sea air and surf.
Hotels
Wollongong — City — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
City
Wollongong
Pause by the harbour, lighthouse, and long surf beaches. The city adds an easy lunch or coffee break.
Hotels
Shellharbour Village — City — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
City
Shellharbour Village
A relaxed seaside village with a working harbour feel. Good for a waterfront wander and fresh seafood.
Hotels
Bombo Headland Quarry Geological Site — Arrival — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Arrival
Bombo Headland Quarry Geological Site
End among dramatic basalt columns and a wild ocean shoreline. It is a rugged final stop with a strong sense of place.
Hotels

Things to Do

Royal National Park — Nature — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Nature
Royal National Park
A huge coastal park of cliffs, bushland, and estuaries. Short walks and picnic spots make it an easy first stop.
Stanwell Tops — Landmark — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Landmark
Stanwell Tops
Take in the escarpment from high above the Pacific. Hang gliders often drift past the lookout on clear days.
Sea Cliff Bridge — Landmark — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Landmark
Sea Cliff Bridge
Drive the famous curve that hugs the cliffs over open water. It is the route's signature photo stop.
Minnamurra Rainforest — Nature — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Nature
Minnamurra Rainforest
Step into cool subtropical rainforest and boardwalks beside the river. Ferns, fig trees, and birds make it feel hidden and lush.
Kiama Blowhole — Landmark — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Landmark
Kiama Blowhole
Watch seawater blast through the rock shelf at high swell. The headland views are just as good as the spray.
Bungoona Lookout and Path — Short Royal National Park walk — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Short Royal National Park walk
Bungoona Lookout and Path
Choose this named short walk, subject to the current NPWS alert and fee.
Show 5 more
Sea Cliff Bridge walk — Coastal landmark walk — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Coastal landmark walk
Sea Cliff Bridge walk
Park legally and use the pedestrian path for the bridge views.
Wollongong foreshore — Coastal walk — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Coastal walk
Wollongong foreshore
Finish with a relaxed harbour or foreshore walk.
Minnamurra Rainforest Lyrebird loop — Rainforest walk — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Rainforest walk
Minnamurra Rainforest Lyrebird loop
Allow about one hour for the signed loop and check NPWS access before leaving Wollongong.
Bombo Headland Geological Site — Coastal walk — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Coastal walk
Bombo Headland Geological Site
Use the formed access and stay clear of cliff and wave edges.
Kiama Blowhole — Coastal landmark — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Coastal landmark
Kiama Blowhole
Finish at the official viewing area, keeping behind barriers in high swell.

Where to Eat

The Imperial at Clifton — Modern Australian — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Modern Australian
The Imperial at Clifton
Reserve a lunch near the Sea Cliff Bridge corridor.
Otis Deli — Cafe — Grand Pacific Drive — Australia
Cafe
Otis Deli
A Kiama lunch option after the rainforest visit; verify hours.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Grand Pacific Drive drive?

The Grand Pacific Drive covers 150 km from start to finish.

How long does the Grand Pacific Drive take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2 days on the Grand Pacific Drive, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Grand Pacific Drive?

The recommended season for the Grand Pacific Drive is spring to autumn.

Where does the Grand Pacific Drive start and end?

The Grand Pacific Drive runs from Sydney Southern Beaches to Bombo Headland Quarry Geological Site.

What are the main stops on the Grand Pacific Drive?

The Grand Pacific Drive passes through Sydney Southern Beaches, Royal National Park, Stanwell Tops.

How difficult is the Grand Pacific Drive to drive?

The Grand Pacific Drive is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Grand Pacific Drive in a regular car?

Yes — the Grand Pacific Drive is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Grand Pacific Drive EV friendly?

Yes — the Grand Pacific Drive has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Grand Pacific Drive safe to drive?

Royal National Park currently charges $12 per vehicle per day; verify the fee and local alerts on the official visitor page (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/royal-national-park/visitor-info) and check Live Traffic NSW (https://www.livetraffic.com/) immediately before each day. Display the pass as directed and use only open roads/tracks. Ocean rocks and headlands are hazardous in rain or swell; remain behind barriers.

What scenic tier is the Grand Pacific Drive?

The Grand Pacific Drive is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.