Where Nature Puts on a Show - Grand Pacific Drive

Where Nature Puts on a Show (Even in Winter)

If you thought nature hit pause in the colder months, think again. Winter is when the Grand Pacific Drive truly shines – crisp air, dramatic coastlines, misty valleys, and wide-open skies that feel like they go on forever.

It’s the season for soul-stirring hikes, tranquil waterfalls, whale sightings from rugged clifftops, and rainforest walks that smell like eucalyptus and adventure. Whether you’re chasing sunrise over the ocean or wrapping your hands around a warm drink after a mountaintop view, this is where nature invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and Go Grand.

Wollongong: Clifftop Walks, Rainforest Trails & Coastal Wonders

Wollongong’s natural beauty doesn’t shy away in winter – in fact, the cool, clear air makes it one of the best times to explore. With less humidity, fewer crowds, and the kind of crisp light that makes every view feel a little more epic, it’s all about getting outside and going grand.

Start with a hike along the Wodi Wodi Track, a lush and peaceful bushwalk tucked beneath the escarpment in Stanwell Park. This moderately challenging loop winds through dense forest and sandstone overhangs, with pockets of quiet that make you feel worlds away. Keep an eye out for lyrebirds and native wildflowers as you make your way through Dharawal Country, rich in both beauty and cultural significance.

Next, take in one of the South Coast’s most iconic views on the Sea Cliff Bridge Walk. Suspended between cliff and sea, this sweeping bridge seems to float above the waves – and yes, it’s every bit as magical as it sounds. Whether you’re walking the full stretch or simply pulling over to take in the view, this is one of those ‘you’ve got to see it to believe it’ moments that winter makes even more cinematic.

And for those ready to earn their view, lace up your hiking boots for the Sublime Point Walking Track – a steep, invigorating climb through rainforest gullies, sandstone outcrops, and towering eucalypts. This trail is not for the faint-hearted, with a series of ladders and steep stairs adding to the adventure (and the leg burn), but the payoff is absolutely worth it. At the top, you’ll arrive at the Sublime Point Lookout, where sweeping views of the Illawarra coastline open up beneath you like a living postcard. On a clear winter day, you can see for miles – it’s the kind of view that makes every step feel well worth it.

Shellharbour: Untamed Coastlines, Hidden Bays & Serene Waters

Shellharbour is where nature goes wild – in the best possible way. Here, winter brings a quieter kind of magic to the coast: sea mist at sunrise, crisp ocean air, and unspoiled landscapes that invite you to wander, slow down, and connect with the outdoors.

Start at Bass Point Reserve, one of the region’s most ecologically significant coastal headlands. Rich in Aboriginal heritage and natural beauty, the reserve is home to Bushrangers Bay, a calm, protected aquatic sanctuary abundant with marine life. Here, snorkelling is still on the cards even in winter, simply hire a wetsuit from the local dive shop. Wander the walking tracks along the rugged coastline, watch the waves crash against volcanic rock, and breathe in that unmistakable salty air — it’s wild, grounding, and incredibly beautiful.

Next, venture to Killalea Beach, affectionately known as ‘The Farm.’ Part of the Killalea Regional Park, this untouched beach is famous among surfers, but it’s just as inviting for walkers, wildlife-spotters and anyone in need of a scenic escape. With rolling green hills, native vegetation and a long stretch of golden sand, it’s the kind of spot where time slows down – and so should you.

For a gentler outdoor experience, head to the foreshore of Lake Illawarra, a peaceful haven for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing or simply enjoying a walk along the foreshore path – including the captivating Lake Illawarra Art Trail. The lake mirrors the winter sky in the calmest of ways, especially at sunrise or sunset, and is perfect for a family outing or a quiet solo stroll. Bring binoculars – you’re likely to spot pelicans, black swans, and maybe even a sea eagle or resident seal. For those with families, the Red Lamp Playground and Ninja Park is a must visit for kids.

Kiama: Thundering Blowholes, Coastal Trails & Rainforest Escapes

Kiama knows how to put on a show – from salt-sprayed clifftops to ancient rainforest valleys, this stretch of the Grand Pacific Drive is bursting with natural moments that’ll stop you in your tracks (sometimes quite literally, thanks to the sheer power of a blowhole).

Start with a visit to the iconic Kiama Blowhole, where seawater shoots skyward through a natural rock formation with dramatic force. When the swell is right, it’s nature’s version of a fireworks show – loud, unpredictable, and totally exhilarating. For a quieter (but still impressive) alternative, check out the nearby Little Blowhole, a smaller but more consistent performer with fewer crowds and equally epic ocean views.

If you’re keen to stretch your legs, the Kiama Coast Walk is an absolute must. This stunning 20-kilometre trail hugs the coastline from Minnamurra to Gerringong, winding past beaches, headlands, grassy farmland and dramatic cliffs. You don’t need to do the whole thing – shorter sections are perfect for a morning wander – but if you’re up for it, the full trail delivers a grand sense of scale and connection to the land and sea.

For a total change of pace, step into the cool, green world of the Minnamurra Rainforest. This pocket of pristine subtropical rainforest is home to towering fig trees, tranquil creeks, and the breathtaking Minnamurra Falls, best viewed from a scenic elevated walkway. The loop track is well maintained and family-friendly, making it ideal for a peaceful stroll that still feels like an adventure – especially when the winter mist drifts through the canopy.

Shoalhaven: Sacred Peaks, Snow-White Sands & Coastal Wilderness

Shoalhaven is where nature and culture meet in unforgettable ways. From challenging hikes with panoramic payoffs to peaceful beaches and ancient bushland, this region invites you to explore slowly, deeply, and with wonder – especially in the cooler months when the air is crisp and the crowds are few.

Take on the legendary Didthul (Pigeon House Mountain) hike in Morton National Park, a rewarding climb that’s as rich in cultural significance as it is in views. Known to the local First Nations people as ‘Didthul,’ this striking mountain rises proudly from the landscape and offers a moderately challenging trail through forest and heath, finishing with a series of ladders to the summit. At the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views over cliffs, valleys and the rugged coastline – it’s wild, beautiful, and deeply grounding.

For something a little gentler but no less grand, spend a day exploring Booderee National Park, a place of immense natural and cultural importance on Wreck Bay Aboriginal land. Here, you’ll find white sand beaches, bush tracks brimming with wildlife, and spiritual connections that run deep through the land. Visit Green Patch for a peaceful picnic among the trees, walk the tranquil trails to Cape St George Lighthouse, or simply breathe in the salty air and take in the ever-changing colours of the bay.

And for coastal beauty that looks straight out of a postcard, set off on the White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay. This short and stunning trail links some of the area’s most pristine beaches – think Blenhiem, Chinamans, and Greenfield – with impossibly soft sand and water so clear it sparkles, even in winter. It’s an easy, family-friendly walk with the kind of views that make you stop, smile, and take that deep, happy sigh.

Southern Highlands: Misty Falls & Garden Escapes

Start your adventure at Belmore Falls, a true showstopper in Morton National Park. After a scenic drive through Kangaroo Valley or from Robertson, you’ll find yourself gazing over the edge of an escarpment where twin streams plunge dramatically into the valley below. The surrounding lookout walks are short but oh-so-sweet, offering perfect vantage points for misty morning views and golden-hour photo ops.

Not far away is the equally spectacular Fitzroy Falls, where the falls thunder 80 metres into a deep, forested gorge. The main lookout is just steps from the visitor centre and The Burrow Cafe, but those with a little more energy can follow the rim trails for a longer walk with panoramic cliff-edge views and peaceful forest detours. Interpretive signage shares the area’s deep cultural significance, adding richness to every step.

To round things out with a touch of elegance, wander the grounds of Retford Park in Bowral – a National Trust estate that pairs manicured gardens with natural beauty. The gardens change with the seasons, and in winter they’re full of quiet charm: mossy pathways, sculptural trees, and views framed by bare branches. It’s the perfect place to slow down, reflect, and let nature do what it does best – make you feel calm, grounded, and totally inspired. An added bonus is that Ngununggula Regional Art Gallery is just down the garden path, offering a rotating exhibition and coffee and a warm meal at Hearth by Moonacres.

From thundering waterfalls to whispering rainforests, wild coastlines to serene lakes, winter on the South Coast & Southern Highlands is anything but quiet. It’s a season of crisp air, wide open views, and unexpected beauty – where nature doesn’t slow down, it simply changes pace.

So, take the scenic route, breathe in the fresh air, and let the grandness of it all completely sweep you away.