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Epic stops from Sydney to Kiama

Sea Cliff Bridge, CliftonCredit: Destination NSW

Driving over Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight on the Grand Pacific Drive.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Epic stops from Sydney to Kiama

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW

Driving over Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight on the Grand Pacific Drive.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Hashtags #lovensw #newsouthwales

Starting in the raw wilderness of the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney, the 140km Grand Pacific Drive is visually stunning, taking you through rainforest, seaside villages and curvaceous coastline. Do it in a day or stay overnight — the beauty of this road trip is that you can enjoy entirely at your own pace. Here are the stops and activities you simply can’t miss. 

Walk the world’s second oldest national park 

Make your first stop the Royal National Park, less than an hour’s drive south of Sydney. It’s the second oldest national park in the world, home to walking tracks that wind through eucalyptus trees, past secluded beaches and coastal cliffs. Walk from Bundeena to Little Marley Beach along the 8km return track, traversing creeks, freshwater pools and bushland with plenty of photo ops along the way. Enjoy a dip at Wattamolla lagoon, a popular family spot for fishing, swimming and snorkelling. Inside the park, beside the Hacking River, those in the know stop at the heritage Audley Dance Hall, a quaint café perched amid native bushland and grassy lawns. There’s a boat shed where you can hire boats for a paddle on Audley Weir. 

Drive along Sea Cliff Bridge 

From the Royal National Park, the Grand Pacific Drive winds past surf beaches, pockets of green paddocks and seaside towns. Make sure you stop and stretch your legs while taking in the view from Stanwell Tops. Then motor along the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge, a sleek curve of highway that juts out over the ocean as it hugs the steep escarpment, on your way to Austinmer. You can hop out of the car at one of the designated carparks and walk along the bridge as it twists and turns above the sea. 

Get your heart racing 

Wollongong’s diverse landscape means there are plenty of adrenaline-filled activities to get your blood pumping. With Skydive Australia, experience unbeatable beach and coastal views as you skydive from up to 4,500m, free-falling for up to 60 seconds. Another way you can see the coastline from the air is tandem paragliding with Adventure Plus Paragliding. You’ll be safely harnessed in a seated position with unobstructed views, as you glide over Stanwell Park’s beautiful beach, sea cliffs and lagoon, before touching down on soft sand. 

Kiama Highlights Credit: Destination NSW

Postcard footage of Kiama

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Kiama Highlights Credit: Destination NSW

Postcard footage of Kiama

#newsouthwales #lovensw

Summer in Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

People enjoying swimming at Wattamolla, Royal National Park Sydney

#ilovesydney

Summer in Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

People enjoying swimming at Wattamolla, Royal National Park Sydney

#ilovesydney

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Eat at popular cafés 

For on-the-go beach fare, Bread, Espresso & in Thirroul turns out modern milk-bar favourites like breakfast burgers, toasties, smoothies and butterscotch milkshakes. Up the road in Austinmer, Austi Beach Café has a wide porch with beach views for enjoying morning coffee or an afternoon gelato. 

In Wollongong, try Diggies for a breezy brunch overlooking North Beach, which offers a seasonal menu showcasing wholesome, local ingredients. By evening, venture to cool laneway bar His Boy Elroy, a burger joint with an Americana menu of cheeseburgers, fried chicken and loaded fries. Or head to the small bar Night Parrot for an excellent wine list and Asian-inspired street food. 

Further south in Kiama, enjoy dinner and drinks while soaking up stunning sunset views at Penny Whistlers, located across from Black Beach. Further up the hill, immerse yourself in art and food at Art Bar Kiama. The friendly team serve tapas and host art exhibitions in a contemporary space with sweeping countryside and ocean views.    

See a true geological wonder  

The beachside hamlet of Kiama is famous for its serene coastal walks and the extraordinary Kiama Blowhole. The blowhole is a natural rock formation where sea water shoots through and upwards into the air. You’ll find it along the picturesque Kiama Coast Walk — keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales close to shore between May and November. Once you’ve seen the Kiama Blowhole, you may also like to check out Little Blowhole too. Located just off Tingira Crescent, 2km south of the Kiama township, its spray reaches remarkable heights and can be seen from a viewing platform or on the rocky foreshore.

Browse local galleries and boutiques  

There are some pretty shops in Thirroul and Kiama with a mix of beach-style fashion, furniture and homewares. Check out Noel & Gladys and Luca Luna in Thirroul for a curated collection of interiors, gifts and botanicals. In Kiama, don’t miss lifestyle stores Indigo Rose and Deer Willow.  

While in Wollongong, take a peek inside Wollongong Art Gallery, one of the largest regional galleries in Australia. It’s in an Art Deco building housing thousands of artworks including important Aboriginal and Torres Strait collections and documents of local regional history. 

Kiama Blowhole Credit: Destination NSW

Couple watching the water plume from the Kiama blowhole.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Kiama Blowhole Credit: Destination NSW

Couple watching the water plume from the Kiama blowhole.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Wollongong Art Gallery, Wollongong Credit: Destination NSW

Visitor enjoying the artwork on exhibition at the Wollongong Art Gallery.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Wollongong Art Gallery, Wollongong Credit: Destination NSW

Visitor enjoying the artwork on exhibition at the Wollongong Art Gallery.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

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