naomi drinkwater, Author at Grand Pacific Drive

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Long Lunch Spots on the South Coast

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Your Guide to the Best Long Lunch Spots on the South Coast

From vineyard restaurants tucked inland to beachside venues overlooking turquoise water, the NSW South Coast is made for lingering at the lunch table a little longer.

1 Elegant Country Dining & Hidden Gems

The Shoalhaven and surrounding hinterland are home to some of the region’s best vineyard dining experiences, where long lunches are paired with local wines and seasonal menus. At Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla, guests can settle in for share-style dishes, house-made cheese and estate-grown wines overlooking rolling green hills and the coastline. Nearby, In Berry, restaurants and wine bars like South on Albany pair modern Australian cuisine with boutique wines in a stylish village setting, making it a favourite for long afternoons spent grazing and people-watching.

In Milton, the dining scene blends boutique wine bars and relaxed countryside charm. Milk Haus delivers a true paddock-to-plate experience with seasonal, garden-led menus, while Altar Bar offers a moody, intimate setting focused on natural wines, small plates and long, conversational lunches in the heart of town.

2 Wollongong & Shellharbour Coastal Dining

Closer to Sydney, the Illawarra coast offers its own take on the long lunch. In Wollongong, The Boathouse North Wollongong delivers one of the region’s most iconic waterfront dining experiences, with beachside views, fresh seafood and a relaxed, polished atmosphere that stretches effortlessly into the afternoon. Just south in Austinmer, Headlands Austinmer Beach sits elevated above the ocean, offering panoramic coastal views and a menu built for sharing, sunset drinks and slow weekend lunches.

Heading south to Shellharbour, places like The Waterfront Tavern and nearby coastal eateries offer laidback dining with marina views, making it easy to settle in for a long lunch that stretches into sunset.

3 Coastal Long Lunches with a View

For those drawn to the ocean, the South Coast delivers standout beachfront dining made for lingering. In Kiama, The Pavilion is a relaxed waterfront favourite, offering seafood-driven dishes and uninterrupted harbour views that roll effortlessly into long, sunny afternoons.

Further south in Gerringong, The Hill is a must-visit for elevated coastal dining, combining modern Australian flavours with sweeping ocean views over Werri Beach.

In Jervis Bay, venues like the Huskisson Hotel Bistro keep things classic with waterfront pub-style dining, perfect for seafood platters and easy afternoons by the water. Just over an hour away, Bannisters Pavilion brings a refined yet relaxed feel, with bright, coastal interiors and a menu designed for slow, social dining.

Further south in Narooma, Quarterdeck is an iconic long lunch destination, known for its overwater deck, tropical-inspired cocktails and unbeatable views across Wagonga Inlet. In Tathra, The Wharf Local is a laidback waterfront gem where you can enjoy fresh seafood, coffee or a long lunch right beside the historic wharf.

Top Breakfast Spots from Wollongong to Jervis Bay

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Top Breakfast Spots from Wollongong to Jervis Bay

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There’s nothing better than starting a South Coast road trip with a great coffee, ocean views and a mouth-watering breakfast. From laidback beachside cafés in Wollongong to hidden gems tucked away in coastal towns further south, the Grand Pacific Drive is packed with incredible breakfast spots.

1 Wollongong

Start your morning in the Northern suburbs of Wollongong, Thirroul and Coledale where you will find Buck Hamblin and Earth Walker & Co deliver beautifully plated brunches and wholesome, surf-town energy that perfectly capture the Illawarra’s coastal charm.

The popular Diggies in North Wollongong, where ocean views and fresh, seasonal dishes set the tone for a coastal day, or head into the CBD to Lee and Me for creative breakfast plates and consistently great coffee in a lively urban setting. For coffee purists, Opus Coffee Brewers is a must-visit, known for expertly crafted brews, artisan bagels and a minimalist, design-led space that has become a local favourite.

Further south in Port Kembla, Arthur’s Food Store brings a laidback, community feel with hearty breakfast classics and a relaxed coastal vibe.

2 Shellharbour & Kiama

Kiama and Gerringong are home to some of the South Coast’s most iconic breakfast cafés, where ocean views and laidback coastal energy define the morning ritual. The Hungry Monkey in Kiama is a go-to for generous breakfast plates, loaded brekkie rolls and great coffee just moments from the coast, while Manning Street Local offers a stylish, modern café experience with fresh pastries and specialty coffee in the heart of town. Nearby, Beck’s keeps things simple and wholesome with seasonal breakfast dishes and a strong community feel close to the ocean.

De Village Cafe is a local favourite, serving beautifully presented brunch dishes and excellent coffee in the heart of Shellharbour Village, making it an ideal stop before a morning by the water or a stroll along the harbour.

3 Nowra & Jervis Bay

In Nowra, Hyper Hyper Coffee is a must for specialty coffee lovers, offering expertly brewed espresso and simple, high-quality breakfast options in a sleek, modern space.

As you reach Jervis Bay, breakfast becomes all about coastal simplicity and relaxed beach-town charm. Native Café in Huskisson delivers fresh, modern brunch dishes just moments from the turquoise waters, making it a perfect pre-beach stop, while 5 Little Pigs offers a lively café atmosphere with creative breakfast plates and consistently great coffee right in the heart of town.

Grand Pacific Drive Bucket List Experiences

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Grand Pacific Drive Bucket List Experiences

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From clifftop freefalls and rainforest ziplines to whale encounters and mountain bike trails, the journey from Wollongong to the Sapphire Coast is packed with unforgettable adventure. It's time to start ticking off the best South Coast thrill-seeking activities.

1 Wollongong & Shellharbour

In Wollongong, Skydive Australia offers the ultimate adrenaline rush with tandem jumps from 15,000 feet, showcasing breathtaking views across the Illawarra escarpment and Pacific Ocean. Further south in Shellharbour, South Coast Seaplanes provides a spectacular aerial perspective of the Grand Pacific Drive, with scenic flights over beaches, cliffs and winding coastline.

Back on the water, Underwater Safaris takes visitors beneath the surface to discover the reefs and marine life of Bass Point Reserve through guided scuba diving and snorkelling adventures. Shellharbour Wild Whale Watching Cruises during the while migration is a must-do, seeing the majestic hump-back whale up-close is a truly unique experience.

Inland at Knights Hill, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures combines nature and adventure with elevated rainforest walkways, soaring zipline experiences and panoramic escarpment views high above the forest canopy.

2 Shoalhaven & Jervis Bay

In Jervis Bay, Dolphin Watch Cruises takes visitors through crystal-clear turquoise waters alongside resident dolphins, migrating whales and the iconic white sand beaches the region is famous for. Nearby in Huskisson, Jervis Bay Wild offers everything from high-speed ocean adventures and boom netting experiences to dolphin cruises and seasonal whale watching tours.

For those craving more adrenaline, the Shoalhaven’s dramatic sandstone cliffs provide some of the best climbing terrain on the South Coast. Guided adventures with Outdoor Raw explore renowned climbing locations around Nowra, Point Perpendicular and Hospital Rocks. While bouldering spots around Vincentia attract climbers of all skill levels. Thrill-seekers can also take on cliffside abseiling experiences with Valley Outdoors.

For a slower-paced but equally memorable experience, Kangaroo Valley Kayaks offers peaceful kayak and canoe adventures along the Kangaroo River, winding through lush farmland, towering cliffs and stunning valley landscapes.

3 Eurobodalla Region

Near Batemans Bay, Mogo Trails features flowing mountain bike tracks weaving through native bushland, with trails catering to everyone from first-time riders to experienced mountain bikers.

For those wanting to explore further into the region’s untouched landscapes, Region X delivers guided sea kayaking, e-bike tours, wilderness camping and multi-day expeditions showcasing hidden beaches, coastal forests and pristine waterways across the South Coast.

If snorkelling or diving interests you, tours with Underwater Safari’s around Montague Island (Barunguba), offering unforgettable encounters with playful Australian fur seals and vibrant marine life in the Sapphire Coast’s crystal-clear waters.

Meanwhile, Valhalla Horse Riding offers a slower but equally immersive way to experience the Eurobodalla, with guided horseback adventures through forests, bush trails and coastal scenery that highlight the natural beauty of the region.

4 The Sapphire Coast

Explore secluded beaches and pristine waterways with Navigate Expeditions, or join Sapphire Coastal Adventures in Merimbula for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and whale watching tours.

Offshore fishing and deep-sea experiences await with Freedom Charters in Bermagui, while Dive Eden takes visitors beneath the surface of Twofold Bay to discover marine life, underwater caves and historic shipwrecks.

Back on shore, the Tathra Mountain Bike Trails and Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park offer thrilling bush-to-beach riding through forest landscapes with spectacular coastal views.

A Guide to the Best Wineries along the Grand Pacific Drive

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Where the Vines Meet the Sea: The Best Wineries along the Grand Pacific Drive

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From Gerringong down to Tilba find the best wineries on the South Coast of NSW. Picture grazing boards, ocean glimpses, escarpment views, strolls through lush greenery and a glass of something local in hand.

1 Crooked River Estate, Gerringong

The social heart of South Coast wine country, Crooked River Estate is one of the region’s most established cellar doors and dining spots, located just a few minutes inland from the ocean at Gerringong.

The property sits on open, gently sloping land with vineyard views across the valley and out toward the coastline. It combines a working winery with a large cellar door, restaurant, and event spaces, making it a central gathering point for both visitors and locals.

The on-site restaurant focuses on modern Australian dishes with a seasonal menu built around local produce, designed for longer meals rather than quick tastings. Wine flights are available throughout the day, and the layout makes it easy to move from tastings into lunch without leaving the property.

It’s also a well-known wedding and events venue, regularly hosting live music, functions, and seasonal events that draw larger crowds, particularly on weekends. Because of this, the atmosphere can vary depending on the day, from relaxed weekday visits to busier event-style weekends.

Overall, it’s a must-try all-in-one stop for wine tasting, dining, and events in the Gerringong area, with enough space and programming to accommodate both casual visitors and larger groups.

2 Mountain Ridge Wines, Shoalhaven Heads

Perched high above the Shoalhaven coastline, Mountain Ridge Wines offers some of the most expansive views in the region. From the vineyard, you can see farmland stretching down toward the coast, with the ocean clearly visible on a good day. The elevated position makes it a standout spot for scenery, especially when the weather is clear.

The cellar door and restaurant focus on simple, seasonal food designed to match the wine list, with a strong emphasis on local produce. It’s set up for relaxed, longer meals, particularly weekend lunches where people can take their time and enjoy the view.

It’s also a popular stop for visitors driving through the Shoalhaven, with the outlook across the valley and out to sea making it one of the more recognisable lookout-style vineyard settings on the South Coast.

3 Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads

Wine with a side of history. Dating back to 1822, Coolangatta Estate is one of Australia’s oldest vineyards, where centuries-old convict-built buildings still stand among the vines, giving the whole property a rich, old-world atmosphere you can feel as soon as you arrive.

Today, it blends that deep history with a relaxed cellar door experience, where you can taste locally produced wines right where they’re grown, surrounded by rolling vineyard views and heritage architecture. The estate isn’t just for a quick stop either, with accommodation on-site, you can settle in for the night and wake up to the quiet rhythm of the countryside.

Long tastings turn into lazy afternoons, and one visit easily becomes a weekend escape filled with wine, history, and a sense of stepping back into another era.

4 Two Figs Winery, Berry

Small, scenic, and seriously charming, Two Figs Winery sits on a hillside overlooking the Shoalhaven River and surrounding valley, giving it a quiet, slightly tucked-away feel just outside Berry.

It’s a boutique cellar door focused on small-batch, estate-grown wines produced in limited quantities and mostly only available on-site. Tastings are personal and relaxed, with staff taking time to explain the wines and the vineyard behind them. The views are a standout, looking out over the river flats and rolling hills, with plenty of open space that makes it feel calm compared to larger, busier cellar doors in the region.

There’s no full restaurant here, but light grazing options are available to pair with tastings. Overall, it’s a simple, low-key winery experience for those wanting something more intimate and less commercial.

5 Cambewarra Estate Winery

Tucked beneath Cambewarra Mountain Lookout, about 15 minutes from Nowra, Cambewarra Estate Winery is set in a peaceful inland pocket where the landscape shifts from coastal plains to escarpment and mountain foothills. It’s also a dog-friendly venue, so visitors can bring their pets along while they explore the grounds and enjoy the outlook.

The property combines vineyard views with a backdrop of bushland and rolling green hills, giving it a more inland wine experience that’s shaped by elevation and proximity to the mountain. The cellar door is welcoming and informal, with tastings designed to be approachable and unhurried.

On-site, the restaurant is built for lingering, with a focus on relaxed dining that encourages longer stays rather than quick visits. A standout offering is the high tea experience, served with a selection of teas and sweet and savoury bites, making it a popular option for groups and special occasions.

6 Cupitt's Estate, Ulladulla

One of the South Coast’s most iconic destinations, Cupitt’s Estate is more than a winery, it’s a full food and drink precinct set on a hillside overlooking Burrill Lake and the surrounding farmland.

The estate brings together a working vineyard, on-site brewery, fromagerie, cellar door, and award-winning restaurant, all within one expansive property designed for slow, extended visits. The layout encourages moving between tastings, grazing, and dining, with plenty of outdoor space to take in the views across the lake and coastline.

The restaurant is a major drawcard, focusing on seasonal, paddock-to-plate style dining with shared plates and grazing boards designed for long lunches. The drinks list extends beyond wine to include house-brewed beers and estate-made cheese, giving visitors plenty of variety in one stop.

As the day goes on, the atmosphere shifts into a more relaxed, late-afternoon feel, with sunset views across the water becoming a highlight. It’s set up for lingering well into the evening, whether you’re dining, tasting, or just enjoying the outlook.

On-site accommodation adds another layer to the experience, with modern farm-style stays that make it easy to turn a visit into a weekend escape. Overall, it’s one of the South Coast’s most complete food and wine destinations, built for unhurried visits that can stretch from lunch through to sunset.

7 Bawley Vale Estate

Set in peaceful countryside at Bawley Point, between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay. Bawley Vale Estate is a boutique, family-run winery producing small-batch South Coast wines. It’s relaxed, rustic, and deeply connected to its surroundings, the kind of place where tastings feel personal and unhurried, often hosted by the people who made the wine. A true family-run operation, giving you a behind-the-scenes feel you won’t get at bigger wineries.

8 Tilba Valley Wines

Nestled beside a tranquil lake near the historic village of Central Tilba, Tilba Valley Wines is one of the southernmost established vineyards in NSW (making it a must-stop on your road trip). It’s known for its peaceful setting, friendly cellar door, and laid-back charm. Surrounded by rolling green hills and water reflections, it’s a fittingly serene end, or beginning, to a South Coast wine journey.

Discover the Best Places to Stay along The Grand Pacific Drive

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Discover the Best Places to Stay along The Grand Pacific Drive

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From luxury coastal escapes to budget-friendly stays. One of the most iconic coastal road trips in Australia, the Grand Pacific Drive is as much about where you stay as it is about the journey itself. From Wollongong through to the Shoalhaven, here’s a curated guide to the best accommodation options along the way — whether you’re chasing luxury, value, or something a little more unique.

Luxury Coastal Accommodation

Sage Hotel Wollongong – A modern coastal hotel perfectly positioned near the harbour, offering spacious rooms, event facilities and easy access to beaches, dining and the waterfront. Ideal for a polished weekend escape or city-meets-coast stay.
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong – Stylish, self-contained apartments designed for comfort and flexibility, featuring full kitchens, balconies and generous living spaces — perfect for longer stays or a home-away-from-home experience.
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach – A beachfront favourite overlooking North Wollongong Beach, combining ocean-view rooms, a lively atmosphere and resort-style amenities including a pool, bar and restaurant.
Headlands Austinmer Beach – Set high above the coastline, this relaxed yet refined retreat offers sweeping ocean views, modern apartments and a stunning clifftop location ideal for slow coastal escapes.
The Sebel Kiama Harbourside – An iconic harbourfront stay with front-row access to Kiama’s coastline, coastal walks and blowhole, offering spacious rooms and uninterrupted water views.
Bellevue Accommodation Kiama – A boutique-style stay known for its thoughtfully curated interiors, warm hospitality and central location just moments from Kiama’s cafes, shops and ocean outlooks.
The Cove Jervis Bay – A truly special beachfront escape set on pristine white sand, offering luxury houses and a private, secluded feel — perfect for group getaways, weddings or special occasions.
Bannisters by the Sea – A premium coastal retreat famed for its oceanfront location, infinity pool and award-winning dining, delivering a refined yet relaxed South Coast luxury experience.

Mid-Range Accommodation

Comfortable, stylish and perfectly located for a coastal getaway

Quest Wollongong – Centrally located serviced apartments offering space, convenience and reliability, ideal for both short stays and extended visits in the heart of the city.
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong – A design-forward hotel with a fresh, urban feel, featuring compact yet stylish rooms and a vibrant on-site dining experience.
Nova Kiama – A contemporary and well-appointed stay just moments from Kiama’s beaches, cafes and attractions, offering comfort with a clean, modern aesthetic.
Bannisters Pavilion – A modern, beach-chic escape near Mollymook Beach, featuring light-filled rooms, private balconies and a rooftop pool and bar that brings a relaxed yet elevated coastal vibe.

Motels

Classic road trip stays with coastal charm and great value

Thirroul Beach Motel – Simple, no-fuss accommodation just steps from the beach, perfect for a quick coastal stop or laidback overnight stay.
Surfside 22 Motel – A refreshed boutique-style motel that reimagines the classic roadside stay with elevated interiors, clean design and a relaxed coastal feel
Berry View Motel – A comfortable and convenient base in the heart of Berry, within walking distance to popular cafes, boutiques and local favourites.
Motel Molly – A vibrant, retro-inspired motel brought to life with colour and personality, offering a fun and stylish stay close to the beach.
Hillcrest Merimbula – Perched above the coastline, this relaxed motel offers sweeping ocean views and a peaceful base on the Sapphire Coast.

Budget- Friendly Accommodation

Affordable options without compromising on location

Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort – A laidback coastal stay with cabins, villas and great facilities, ideal for families, groups and longer stays near the beach.
The Palms Motel Wollongong – A simple, centrally located motel offering great value and easy access to Wollongong’s beaches and CBD.
Sky Accommodation – A modern and affordable option with clean, comfortable rooms suited to short stays and quick stopovers.
Lakeside Inn Wollongong – Positioned between Lake Illawarra and the ocean, this scenic and budget-friendly stay offers a relaxed coastal setting.
Boat Harbour Motel – A well-located, no-frills stay near Wollongong Harbour, perfect for travellers wanting to stay central on a budget.

Unique Accommodation

Memorable escapes that go beyond the ordinary

Paperbark Camp – A luxury safari-style glamping experience immersed in bushland, combining nature, comfort and a truly unforgettable atmosphere near Jervis Bay.
Bangalay Luxury Villas – Architecturally designed villas nestled among native bushland, offering a refined, peaceful retreat just moments from the beach.
The Lodge Jamberoo – Located on a stunning riverfront, surrounded by acres of natural grounds. Find stylish rooms, beautiful resort pool, outdoor hot tub, indoor gym & spa.
Cupitt’s Estate – The perfect place to unwind and enjoy a country escape at the Villas, take in sweeping vineyard views, luxury accommodation and an award-winning restaurant, winery and cellar door right at your doorstep.

Must-Visit Ocean Pools and Rock Pools

Bellambi Rock Pool, Dee Kramer Photography

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Ocean Pools Along the Grand Pacific Drive: The Ultimate Guide from Wollongong to Eden

Discover these must-visit ocean pools along the Grand Pacific Drive on this ultimate South Coast road trip from Wollongong to Eden. From iconic ocean pools and rock pools to hidden coastal swimming spots, this guide takes you through some of NSW’s most stunning places to swim, relax, and explore.

Wollongong & Shellharbour

This stretch of coastline is home to some of NSW’s most iconic and accessible ocean pools, perfect for a refreshing dip, sunrise swim, or lazy summer afternoon.

Highlights include the dramatic Coalcliff Rock Pool, tucked beneath towering cliffs, and the classic coastal favourites of the northern Illawarra like Wombarra, Coledale, and Austinmer Rock Pools, each offering crystal-clear water and sweeping ocean views. Further south, the lively stretch from Thirroul, Bulli, Woonona, and Towradgi Rock Pools showcases the region’s easy-access, community-loved swimming spots.

In Wollongong, the expansive North Wollongong Continental Pool is perfect for laps with a view, while Port Kembla Olympic Pool offers a more structured ocean swim experience. Just down the coast, Shellharbour’s gems include the sheltered Fishermans Beach Rock Pool, the scenic Barrack Point Ocean Pool, and the popular Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool, known for its family-friendly design and ocean views.

Kiama & Gerringong

Continue your coastal swim trail through Kiama and Gerringong, where ocean pools are set against rolling green headlands and some of the South Coast’s most scenic shorelines. This stretch blends iconic landmarks with quieter local favourites, making it perfect for a slower, more relaxed day by the water.

In Kiama, the centrally located Blowhole Point Ocean Pool is a standout, sitting right beside the famous blowhole and offering easy access with incredible coastal views. Just around the corner, Pheasant Point Rock Pool (Continental Ocean Pool) feels a little more tucked away, while Kendalls Beach Rock Pool is a calm, family-friendly option ideal for an easy swim close to town.

Further south in Gerringong, Werri (Ourie) Beach Rock Pool is a long, scenic pool at the southern end of the beach, perfect for laps, ocean dips, and soaking up uninterrupted views of the coastline. Campbells Hole in Gerringong is a hidden, natural rock pool tucked into the headland near Werri Beach. Best at low tide, it’s perfect for a quick dip, with clear water, rugged surrounds, and a quieter, off-the-beaten-path feel.

Campbells Hole, Gerringong – Image by Mark Fitz

Eurobodalla

Explore the ocean pools of the Eurobodalla region, where laidback coastal towns meet some of the South Coast’s most scenic swim spots. This stretch offers a mix of easy-access pools and more natural rock formations, perfect for a refreshing dip between road trip stops.

Standouts include the centrally located Batemans Bay Ocean Pool, ideal for a calm, quick swim, and the picturesque Broulee Rock Pool, known for its clear water and relaxed beachside setting. Further south, Moruya Heads Rock Pool offers a more rugged, local feel, while Narooma Bar Rock Pool is a favourite for its unique position near the inlet, blending river and ocean views.

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, South Durras

Sapphire Coast

Discover the ocean pools of the Sapphire Coast, where striking headlands and vivid blue water create some of the most iconic swim spots in NSW. This stretch feels a little wilder and more untouched.

Standouts include the famous Bermagui Blue Pool, perched dramatically on the edge of the ocean, and nearby Bruce Steer Pool, a quieter local favourite with equally stunning views.

Further south, Tathra Rock Pool offers an easy, family-friendly swim close to town, while Pambula Beach Rock Pool and Aslings Beach Rock Pool near Eden deliver relaxed coastal dips with wide ocean outlooks.

The Best Lookout Spots along the Grand Pacific Drive

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The best lookout spots along the Grand Pacific Drive

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From cliff-hugging roads to beachy headlands and quiet southern-coast lookouts, this stretch is made for slow trave and numerous stops. Here are the absolute must-stop lookout spots from Stanwell Park to Ulladulla.

1 Bald Hill Lookout (Stanwell Tops)

Bald Hill is the perfect first stop and is one of the most iconic lookouts for the entire drive, serving up sweeping views over Stanwell Park Beach, Wollongong and beyond. With the escarpment rolling dramatically into the sea and the Sea Cliff Bridge in the not-too-far view. You’ll usually see hang gliders launching from the top, you can also grab a coffee or walk down to Stanwell Park using the new walking path.

Best time: Early morning or golden hour

2 Sublime Point Lookout

High above the Illawarra coast, Sublime Point delivers endless views. On a clear day, you’ll get Wollongong, the ocean, escarpment north and south. There is a walking track that takes you to the bottom of the escarpment at Austinmer, although it isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Bonus: The Southern Gateway Centre is a close drive with post-viewing snacks available.

3 Flagstaff Hill Lookout (Wollongong)

Overlooking Wollongong Harbour and the iconic lighthouse, Flagstaff Hill is an easy stop to get some great photos. It’s coastal, historic, and super accessible.

Perfect for: A quick stop without leaving the car too long

4 Kiama Coast Walk Lookouts

The Kiama region is stacked with ocean viewpoints, especially along the Coast Walk. From dramatic cliffs to rocky platforms, this area gives you front-row seats to wild seas and blowhole action.

Tip: Even a short section of the walk is worth it

5 Saddleback Mountain Lookout

Perched above the coastline near Kiama, the Saddleback Mountain Lookout is one of the South Coast’s most breathtaking vantage points, offering sweeping panoramic views that stretch from rolling green farmland to the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It’s a peaceful, elevated escape where you can take in the curves of the coastline, the Minnamurra River, and distant towns all in one frame, making it a favourite for photographers and sunset chasers.

Getting there is easy, with a scenic 10-minute drive from Kiama along Saddleback Mountain Road, which winds its way up to a car park just steps from the main lookout, plus a second viewpoint a little further along for a slightly different perspective.

Tip: Even a short section of the walk is worth it

6 Warden Head Lookout (Ulladulla)

Finish strong at Warden Head, where cliffs, crashing waves, and the Ulladulla lighthouse come together beautifully. It’s especially magical when whales migrate past the coast in May to November.

Best time: Sunrise or whale season.

The Most Scenic Coastal Walks In NSW

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Must-do coastal walks along the Grand Pacific Drive

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Stretching from cliff-hugging headlands to quiet beach trails, the Grand Pacific Drive is a coastal dream, that can also be explored on foot. These walks invite you to slow down, and soak up some of the most beautiful scenery New South Wales has to offer.

1 The Coast Track

Stretching about 26 km one-way through Sydney’s stunning Royal National Park, this track is an epic coastal trek best split over two days for most walkers. Beginning at Bundeena and ending at Otford, this rugged trail delivers breath-taking ocean lookouts, hidden swimming beaches, dramatic sandstone cliffs, rainforest pockets and seasonal wildflowers, with chances to spot migrating whales in season.

Start from the north at Bundeena to Wattamolla (around 10km) or to Garie Beach (around 16km). You may also begin from the south at Otford to Garie Beach which is around 11km and takes 3 to 5 hours.

Distance: 26km (one way)
Highlights:

Scenic stops include Wedding Cake Rock, Wattamolla and Curracurrang Cove
Dramatic views with little crowds

2 Kiama Coast Walk

This iconic coastal trail hugs dramatic headlands and golden beaches, weaving past blowholes and rolling green hills. Stretching from Minnamurra to Gerringong, the Kiama Coast Walk serves up uninterrupted Pacific views, historic lighthouses, secret coves and plenty of picnic-perfect lookouts along the way.

Keep an eye out for migrating whales in winter and pods of dolphins year-round. Whether you wander a gentle section between cafés and ocean pools or commit to the full end-to-end adventure, it’s pure South Coast magic.

Distance: ~20 km (Kiama to Gerringong, or shorter sections)
Highlights:

Kiama Blowhole and rugged rock platforms
One of NSW’s most scenic coastal walks

3 White Sands Walk

Short, sweet, and impossibly stunning, the White Sands Walk threads its way through coastal bushland to reveal some of the most dazzling shorelines in Jervis Bay. Linking Greenfield Beach to Hyams Beach. Think turquoise water so clear you can spot fish beneath the surface, powder-soft sand, and shady pockets perfect for a picnic. It’s the ultimate beach-hopping trail that is family-friendly, and wildly photogenic.

Distance: 2.5km (one way)
Highlights:

Powder-white sand and crystal-clear water
Peaceful & uncrowded

4 Pretty Beach to Pebbly Beach Walking Track

This gentle coastal track winds through fragrant bushland between two beautiful beaches in Murramarang National Park, offering an easy going escape with big scenic rewards. Pebbly Beach is famous for its resident kangaroos that often graze right by the shoreline, while Pretty Beach lives up to its name with wide sands and sparkling water perfect for a refreshing dip.

Distance: ~3 km return
Highlights:

Kangaroos spotting, often grazing near Pebbly Beach
Family-friendly with shaded picnic spots

5 Broulee Island Nature Reserve Walk

Encircling Broulee Island, this scenic loop delivers sweeping ocean panoramas and postcard views across Broulee Beach at every turn. The track meanders over low headlands, past rocky coves and wind-sculpted bushland, with the sea glittering on both sides. A rare and beautiful perspective that makes you feel completely immersed in the coastline. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing offshore and migrating whales during the cooler months.

Distance: ~2.5 km loop
Highlights:

360-degree coastal views
Short but incredibly scenic

6 Camel Rock to Murunna Point Walk

Following the wild coastline near Bermagui, this spectacular headland walk is all about dramatic geology and big-sky ocean views. The track winds past rugged cliffs and weathered rock platforms, where waves crash and spray against ancient formations sculpted by time. Along the way, you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of the iconic Camel Rock, its distinctive hump rising from the sea.

Keep your camera handy and your eyes on the horizon for passing whales in season. Raw, windswept and wonderfully uncrowded, this is South Coast scenery at its most powerful and unforgettable.

Distance: ~3 km return
Highlights:

Camel Rock’s iconic formation
Sweeping coastal scenery

7 Pinnacles Loop Walking Track

Tucked away in Beowa National Park, this short but striking loop winds through open heathland before revealing the otherworldly rock spires known as the Pinnacles. The track is easy, family-friendly, with two viewing points and just a short drive from Pambula.

Distance: ~2.5 km loop
Highlights:

Unique rock formations, especially great to see in the soft light of late afternoon
Ocean views through coastal scrub

Articles

Your Guide to the Best Long Lunch Spots on the South Coast

From vineyard restaurants tucked inland to beachside venues overlooking turquoise water, the NSW South Coast is made for lingering at the lunch table a little longer.

1

Elegant Country Dining & Hidden Gems

2

Wollongong & Shellharbour Coastal Dining

3

Coastal Long Lunches with a View

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Top Breakfast Spots from Wollongong to Jervis Bay

There’s nothing better than starting a South Coast road trip with a great coffee, ocean views and a mouth-watering breakfast. From laidback beachside cafés in Wollongong to hidden gems tucked away in coastal towns further south, the Grand Pacific Drive is packed with incredible breakfast spots.

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Wollongong

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Shellharbour & Kiama

3

Nowra & Jervis Bay

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Grand Pacific Drive Bucket List Experiences

From clifftop freefalls and rainforest ziplines to whale encounters and mountain bike trails, the journey from Wollongong to the Sapphire Coast is packed with unforgettable adventure. It's time to start ticking off the best South Coast thrill-seeking activities.

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Wollongong & Shellharbour

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Shoalhaven & Jervis Bay

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Eurobodalla Region

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The Sapphire Coast

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Where the Vines Meet the Sea: The Best Wineries along the Grand Pacific Drive

From Gerringong down to Tilba find the best wineries on the South Coast of NSW. Picture grazing boards, ocean glimpses, escarpment views, strolls through lush greenery and a glass of something local in hand.

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Discover the Best Places to Stay along The Grand Pacific Drive

Luxury Coastal Accommodation

Mid-Range Accommodation

Motels

Budget- Friendly Accommodation

Unique Accommodation

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Ocean Pools Along the Grand Pacific Drive: The Ultimate Guide from Wollongong to Eden

Discover these must-visit ocean pools along the Grand Pacific Drive on this ultimate South Coast road trip from Wollongong to Eden. From iconic ocean pools and rock pools to hidden coastal swimming spots, this guide takes you through some of NSW’s most stunning places to swim, relax, and explore.

Wollongong & Shellharbour

Kiama & Gerringong

Eurobodalla

Sapphire Coast

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The best lookout spots along the Grand Pacific Drive

From cliff-hugging roads to beachy headlands and quiet southern-coast lookouts, this stretch is made for slow trave and numerous stops. Here are the absolute must-stop lookout spots from Stanwell Park to Ulladulla.

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Bald Hill Lookout (Stanwell Tops)

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Sublime Point Lookout

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Flagstaff Hill Lookout (Wollongong)

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Kiama Coast Walk Lookouts

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Saddleback Mountain Lookout

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Warden Head Lookout (Ulladulla)

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Must-do coastal walks along the Grand Pacific Drive

Stretching from cliff-hugging headlands to quiet beach trails, the Grand Pacific Drive is a coastal dream, that can also be explored on foot. These walks invite you to slow down, and soak up some of the most beautiful scenery New South Wales has to offer.

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