- NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, South Durras
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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.
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.
