Nick Walton cruises New South Wales’ stunning Grand Pacific Drive, a route of royal parks and rural tranquillity along some of Australia’s most scenic coastline.
There is nothing quite like driving along the stunning Australian coastline. It’s seemingly endless, incredibly diverse and so driver-friendly, and although we as travellers are steadily spending more time in the air than on four wheels (or even two), Australia remains a driving nation. For people looking to explore beyond Sydney’s markets and iconic harbour, there is no route quite like the Grand Pacific Drive.
READ: Explore Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Under Sail
Reaching from Sydney’s most southern suburbs to southern, bush-wreathed hamlets set on the state’s iconic sandstone ridges, to the 140km route officially starts in the heart of the lush Royal National Park, and winds its way south to the cosmopolitan café culture and surf lines of Wollongong, the state’s second city, and beyond to the rural beauty of Shoalhaven. While it’s by no means the longer route in Australia, the combination of rural landscapes and colourful, eclectic towns make it an ideal day trip from the big smoke of Sydney.
Taking in some of New South Wales’ most breathtaking scenery, the Grand Pacific Drive gives access to a host of attractions and tiny coastal hamlets, each a destination in its own right and often overlooked before the completion of key aspects of the drive.
The drive begins at the Royal National Park, a 45 minutes drive from Sydney’s CBD. Unbeknown to many, The Royal National Park is the second oldest national park in the world and is home to some of the region’s most pristine beaches, which you’ll regularly have all to yourself, as well as ancient Aboriginal cave art and some great walking tracks.
READ: Discover Cambodia’s Wild Side at This Breathtaking Tented Camp
From there, it’s all about bay hopping, taking in the sights and sounds, the local craft markets and art galleries, or just having a coffee on the beachfront for a spot of people watching – the hamlets of Coalcliff and Stanwell Park, to name a few, are always welcoming.
The stunning stretch of road north of Wollongong is best known for its iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, which clings to the rocky coastline and almost teases the sea below as it winds its way around the bends, far above the thundering surf below. The 665m long bridge is an engineering feat and has made this stunning stretch of coastline accessible to all – it’s also had its fair share of automotive commercial cameos.
While the most popular attraction is to walk the bridge at sunset, while you’re down there, why not try your hand at hang gliding from Bald Hill, or visit Sri Venkateswara, the massive Hindu temple at Helensburgh.
The coastal city of Wollongong has become increasingly cosmopolitan and is a great place with which to break your journey up, whether it’s for some sun-worshipping on North Wollongong Beach, a meditation class at Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, or for a spot of taste testing at the Five Barrels Brewery.
READ: We Ride Regal Rails With Russia’s Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
If you feel like a detour, head inland to discover Mt Keira and Mt Kembla. Take in the road before you from the Mt Keira Lookout, explore pristine bushwalking on the Illawarra Escarpment, or dive into the history books at the former coal-mining town of Mt Kembla Village.
Alternatively, Shellharbour is a postcard-perfect late summer destination and a great one for families. Scuba divers will not be disappointed with the marine life around Bass Point, while kids can take a surfing lesson at The Farm, located in the Killalea State Park. Children of all ages will also love the beautifully-restored aircraft of the HARS Australian Historical Flying Museum.
Finally, Shoalhaven is best known for its whale and dolphin spotting, perhaps followed by some vino at Coolangatta Estate vineyard? You can even find friendly eastern grey kangaroos at Pebbly Beach.
Few stretches of coastline offer so much diversity and such stunning scenery as the Grand Pacific Drive, cementing Australia as the true home to the road trip.
For more Destination inspiration click here.