The Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia’s most scenic coastal road trips, stretching 140 kilometres from the Royal National Park through the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions of New South Wales. Beginning amongst lush rainforest and dramatic cliffs, the drive crosses the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge before winding through beautiful coastal towns including Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Gerringong and Jervis Bay.
Along the way, you’ll find endless experiences from stunning beaches, waterfalls and national parks to coastal walks, boutique wineries, oceanfront cafés and adventure activities. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer South Coast road trip, the Grand Pacific Drive is packed with unforgettable stops from Sydney all the way to the Sapphire Coast.
There are endless experiences to be enjoyed along your way, from adrenaline-pumping adventure activities to delicious food and wine, family discoveries, natural wonders and too many beaches to count!
You can choose to make your way back to Sydney via the charming Southern Highlands or continue heading south to the Victorian border through the picturesque regions of Eurobodalla and Sapphire Coast.
Now is the perfect time to escape to the South Coast & Southern Highlands.
Discover inspiring places, savour delicious food & wine, immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and plan your perfect getaway.
Now is the perfect time to escape to the South Coast & Southern Highlands.
Discover inspiring places, savour delicious food & wine, immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and plan your perfect winter getaway.
South Coast stays with serious cosy energy ✨🍂
Think fireplaces, outdoor baths, misty mornings and slow weekends surrounded by nature. From luxury cabins hidden in the bush to vineyard villas and peaceful farm stays, these are the kinds of places perfect for switching off and enjoying winter.
📍 Pebbly Beach Escape: @pebblybeachescape
A peaceful coastal stay surrounded by bushland and native wildlife near the stunning shores of Pebbly Beach. Choose from cabins or stunning houses great for large groups.
📍 Barranca Kangeroo Valley Farm Stay: @barranca_retreats
Luxury farm stay with beautifully designed villas. Set among rolling farmland and overlooking the escarpment. If you’re looking for more find more at their Jervis Bay sites.
📍 Cupitt’s Estate, Milton: @cupittsestate
Boutique villas overlooking rolling green hills and vineyards, complete with fireplaces, winery lunches and relaxed coastal charm.
📍 Jamberoo Valley Farm: @jamberoovalleyfarm
A beautiful countryside retreat beneath the escarpment with luxury farm stays, outdoor baths and sweeping valley views.
#grandpacificdrive #feelnsw #seeaustralia
There’s just something about Kiama 🌊🤍
From watching the waves crash at the famous blowhole to slow mornings by the ocean, coastal walks, rock pools, cute cafés, green rolling hills and some of the best views on the NSW South Coast.
It is the perfect weekend escape @kiamansw when you need fresh air, good coffee, and a reset by the sea ✨
🎥 Amazing capture by @tiffany.ho
#grandpacificdrive #feelnsw #seeaustralia
From rainforest adventures to ocean thrills, adventure awaits along the NSW South Coast 🌊🌿
🪂 @skydiveaustralia: Freefall from 15,000ft with breathtaking views stretching from the Illawarra escarpment to the endless coastline below.
🌲 @illawarrafly: Walk amongst the rainforest canopy on elevated suspension bridges, soar through the trees on zipline adventures, and experience the escarpment from a whole new perspective.
🛶 @kangaroo_valley_kayaks: Peaceful kayak and canoe adventures along the stunning Kangaroo River surrounded by towering cliffs, lush farmland and valley scenery.
🌊 @dolphin_watch_cruises: Cruise through the turquoise waters of Jervis Bay alongside playful dolphins, migrating whales, and some of the whitest sand beaches in the world.
🚴 @mogotrails: Flowing mountain bike trails winding through native forest near Batemans Bay, with tracks for everyone from beginners to experienced riders.
🐋 @navigateexpeditions: Eco tours exploring the wild beauty of the Sapphire Coast, find a range of run coastal adventures led by passionate local guides.
#grandpacificdrive #feelnsw #seeaustralia
Somewhere over the rainbow… this whale stole the show 🌈💙
One of those moments that doesn’t even feel real with @shellharbourwild Whale Watch Cruises. If whale season is on your bucket list, this is your sign to book now.
Click the link in our bio for more bucket list experiences along the Grand Pacific Drive 🐋
📷 Amazing capture by @khynangardner
#grandpacificdrive #feelnsw #seeaustralia
Five of the dreamiest small towns for a South Coast escape ✨🌿
📍 Milton
A charming historic village filled with beautifully preserved buildings, boutique homewares stores, artisan bakeries and wine bars. Nestled between farmland and the coast, Milton is the perfect blend of country charm and relaxed beach-town energy.
📍 Bodalla
A tiny heritage village packed with South Coast character, known for its artisan cheese, historic pubs, local galleries and old-fashioned country charm. Surrounded by lush farmland, it’s the perfect stop on a scenic coastal road trip.
📍 Berry
Tree-lined streets, heritage shopfronts, cosy bakeries and some of the South Coast’s best cafés. Add in surrounding wineries, rolling green hills and country charm just minutes from the ocean, and it’s easy to see why people never want to leave.
📍 Berrima
One of the Southern Highlands’ most picturesque villages, filled with sandstone cottages, crackling fireplaces, boutique shopping and historic pubs dating back to the 1800s. The kind of place made for long lunches and wandering hidden laneways.
📍 Thirroul
A laid-back seaside village where coastal cafés, boutique stores and ocean views meet beneath the escarpment. Spend the morning browsing local shops before grabbing lunch by the beach or walking the shoreline to Austinmer.
These are the kinds of towns you stop in for a quick coffee… and somehow stay all afternoon ☕🌿
One of the most beautiful coastal walks on the NSW South Coast 🌊🥾
The Bingi Dreaming Track stretches 13.5km along spectacular coastline from Congo to Tuross Head, winding past empty beaches, rocky headlands, bush tracks, and endless ocean views the entire way.
Spotting native wildlife, stopping at quiet coves, and taking in just how untouched this part of the @eurobodalla region still feels.
If you’re road-tripping down the Grand Pacific Drive, this one deserves a spot on the itinerary ✨
#grandpacificdrive #feelnsw #seeaustralia
The Grand Pacific Drive is full of secret swimming spots, rugged headlands and coastal walks waiting to be discovered. Which one are you adding to your next road trip?
📍 Wattamolla, Royal National Park: @coastwarriors
📍 Kellys Falls, Helensburgh: @captured_by_james
📍 Bombo Headland Quarry: @puravidaviajeros
📍 Bushrangers Bay, Shellharbour: @aj_curt
📍 South Pacific Heathland Reserve, Ulladulla
#grandpacificdrive #feelnsw #seeaustralia
Grand Pacific Drive scenery that deserves a spot on your road trip bucket list 🚗🌿
📍Bald Hill Lookout
Clifftop ocean views, hang gliders soaring overhead, and one of the most iconic lookouts on the NSW coast. Walk down the newly made stairs for less crowded views.
📍Macquarie Pass National Park
A winding rainforest drive filled with towering trees, waterfalls, and cool mountain air.
📍Saddleback Mountain Lookout
Sweeping views across Kiama, rolling farmland, and the coastline.
📍Fitzroy Falls
One of the Southern Highlands’ most impressive waterfalls, surrounded by bushwalks and dramatic escarpment views.
📍Ben Boyd National Park
Rugged cliffs, empty beaches, and wild coastal scenery that feels untouched and remote.
From rainforest roads to ocean lookouts and national parks, the Grand Pacific Drive is one of those road trips where the stops are just as good as the destination.
#grandpacificdrive #feelnsw #seeaustralia
Wollongong really is one of NSW’s most underrated coastal escapes 🌊⛰️
Think ocean pools, cliffside beaches, rainforest walks, mountain lookouts, cafés worth stopping for, and the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge all within easy reach.
If you’ve been looking for a sign to plan an easy South Coast weekend away, this is it @visitwollongong ✨
#grandpacificdrive #feelnsw #seeaustralia
