{"id":238171,"date":"2022-05-02T15:18:35","date_gmt":"2022-05-02T05:18:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=238171"},"modified":"2023-02-16T13:39:58","modified_gmt":"2023-02-16T02:39:58","slug":"the-ultimate-grand-pacific-drive-highlights-trail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/the-ultimate-grand-pacific-drive-highlights-trail\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate Grand Pacific Drive highlights trail"},"content":{"rendered":"

Grand Pacific\u00a0Drive<\/a> takes you from Sydney to Wollongong\u00a0and beyond, travelling the always-beautiful NSW South Coast<\/a>. It runs 140 kilometres from Royal National Park to Shoalhaven, but that\u2019s just the starting point for a fantastic road trip further south that takes in seascapes, national parks, historic towns and much more.<\/p>\n

Here are the key stops:<\/p>\n

1. Royal National Park<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Sea Cliff Bridge and Wollongong<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Shellharbour<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Kiama<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Southern Highlands and Kangaroo Valley<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Batemans Bay and Narooma<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Merimbula and Eden<\/a><\/p>\n

1. Royal National Park<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/h3>\n

Only an hour from central Sydney, Royal National Park<\/a> is home to untamed beaches, waterfalls, swimming holes, remnants of littoral rainforest and significant Aboriginal heritage. Row or kayak from Audley Boat Shed, and swim and surf at gorgeous Wattamolla or Garie beaches.<\/p>\n

Up for a challenge? Walk part or all of the 26-kilometre Coast Track between Bundeena and Otford to\u00a0take in a range of landscapes, from pretty beaches to sandstone escarpments and woodland. Among dozens of easier tracks is the gentle Forest Path, which erupts in spring wildflowers.<\/p>\n

2. Sea Cliff Bridge and Wollongong<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/h3>\n

The 665-metre Sea Cliff Bridge that juts over the waves is stunning. Wollongong<\/a> has a great coastline<\/a>, rock pools and headland pubs, but also top attractions<\/a> such as its Botanic Garden and Art Gallery, which displays some of Australia\u2019s best indigenous art. Also visit Nan Tien, the southern hemisphere\u2019s largest Buddhist temple.<\/p>\n

\"Sea

The Sea Cliff Bridge that juts over the waves is stunning.<\/p><\/div>\n

Wine & dine:<\/h3>\n

Head to restaurant Santino for beautifully crafted upmarket Italian classics with a few Aussie twists. If carbonara with warrigal greens, chilli and spanner crab excites you, book a table. Babyface Kitchen\u2019s dishes aren\u2019t only beautifully plated but, thanks to sourcing from farms and small suppliers, are also packed with flavour. Indulge in the set menu for a memorable meal.<\/p>\n

Stay:<\/h3>\n

You can\u2019t beat the location of Novotel Wollongong Northbeach<\/a>, a stroll away from seashore and has recently been through an extensive refurbishment including the addition of four new dining outlets; beachfront restaurant Palisades Kitchen and Bar, the poolside bar Adrift, North Bar and the Frisky Flamigo Sports Bar.<\/p>\n

\"Coastline,

Witness Wollongong’s great coastline.<\/p><\/div>\n

3. Shellharbour<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/h3>\n

Shellharbour<\/a> is a top stretch of coast for surfing and scuba diving. Bushrangers Bay is one of NSW\u2019s best scuba diving centres, while Bass Point Reserve features six shipwrecks. You\u2019ll also want to paddleboard on tranquil Lake Illawarra. Visit HARS Aviation Museum<\/a> for great vintage aircraft, including a Qantas 747-400.<\/p>\n

\"Bushrangers

Bushrangers Bay is one of NSW\u2019s best scuba diving sites. (Image: Mark Fitzpatrick; Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Wine & dine:<\/h3>\n

The chic Waterfront Tavern, flanked by boardwalks at the new Shellharbour Marina, is a great dining spot. Georgia Rose Shell Cove does a great<\/p>\n

brunch. Relish on Addison dishes up inventive cafe lunches and less casual mod-Oz evening meals, such as crispy pork belly or gnocchi with lamb ragout. Save room for scrumptious desserts.<\/p>\n

Stay:<\/h3>\n

Four-star Shellharbour Village Motel<\/a>, set in leafy grounds, has family and luxury suites as well as regular rooms. It\u2019s ideally placed to make the most of the town and beaches.<\/p>\n

\"Shellharbour

There are plenty of waterfront dining options in Shellharbour. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Kiama<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/h3>\n

Kiama Blowhole is the signature sight, but you\u2019ll find Kiama<\/a> lively with restaurants, shops<\/a>,<\/u> markets and frequent festivals, all surrounded by national parks. The 22-kilometre Kiama Coast Walk<\/a> is gorgeous, especially during whale watching season, and is an easy walk<\/a> with plenty of cafes along the way.<\/p>\n

\"Blowhole,

Kiama Blowhole is the signature sight<\/p><\/div>\n

Wine & dine:<\/h3>\n

Seek out local favourite Blue Swimmer<\/a> in Gerroa which will suit you in any mood. From great fish and chips to seared scallops with creamy fennel puree it has all the basis covered. Indulge in Australian fine dining at Silica Restaurant & Bar<\/a> right on Surf Beach. Dishes include braised octopus, smoked duck breast, roast fish and sinful desserts. There\u2019s also a takeaway selection.<\/p>\n

Stay:<\/h3>\n

The spectacular architecture and clifftop setting of Dovecote<\/a>, just south of Kiama, is superb. Choose from two luxury holiday homes; the chic furnishings are matched by majestic views.<\/p>\n

\"Werri

Take a dip in one of Kiama’s stunning beaches.<\/p><\/div>\n

Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/h3>\n

Beaches, lighthouse lookouts and villages immersed in 200 kilometres of scalloped coast typify Shoalhaven<\/a>. Laid-back, lovely Jervis Bay<\/a> is a top spot for whale watching<\/a>. Enjoy ocean life from below by snorkelling or scuba diving in the marine park, where you might encounter sea dragons, giant cuttlefish and fur seals.<\/p>\n

\"Beach,

Visit the pristine beaches of Shoalhaven.<\/p><\/div>\n

Wine & dine:<\/h3>\n

Cupitt\u2019s Estate<\/a> near Ulladulla has a winery, microbrewery, fromagerie and restaurant serving hearty farm-to-plate fare. Enjoy a tasting of cool climate wines beforehand at the cellar door.<\/p>\n

Stay:<\/h3>\n

Sleep among the vines in a luxury pod at Cupitt\u2019s Estate. Another great place to both dine and stay is Bangalay Luxury Villas<\/a>, which offer luxe lodgings in a peaceful setting. Small, friendly Anchor Bay Motel<\/a> overlooks the Crookhaven River right by the wharfs in Greenwell Point, an excellent fishing spot. Spacious rooms feature queen-size beds and kitchenettes.<\/p>\n

\"Whale

Jervis Bay is a top spot for whale watching.<\/p><\/div>\n

And beyond…<\/h2>\n
\"Koala,

Meet the koalas at Symbio Wildlife Park.<\/p><\/div>\n

Southern Highlands and Kangaroo Valley<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/h3>\n

Historic towns, cafes<\/a>, antiques shops, cellar doors<\/a> and the outstanding Bradman Museum are all reasons to pause in the Southern Highlands<\/a>. Kangaroo Valley<\/a> has a historic township, scenic golf course and great food scene. You can kayak on the Kangaroo River and in Shoalhaven Gorge, one of Australia\u2019s best flat-water kayaking destinations.<\/p>\n

Wine & dine:<\/h3>\n

You can\u2019t beat a lazy lunch at The Friendly Inn<\/a>, whose shady beer garden overlooks Kangaroo Valley<\/a>. It has classic pub fare plus a few surprises, such as a Tex Mex salad and vegan curry.<\/p>\n

Stay:<\/h3>\n

Kangaroo Valley has many romantic retreats<\/a> but Terrewah Farm<\/a> is a family-friendly choice, with farm animals for the kids and luxuries and generous views to please the adults.<\/p>\n

\"Hyams

Waters as clear as can be.<\/p><\/div>\n

Batemans Bay and Narooma<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/h3>\n

Rivers and lagoons meet the ocean in the Eurobadalla region<\/a>. Kayak on Tuross Lake, where the water is so clear you can see the stingrays and mullets below. Mogo Zoo<\/a> features endangered species such as lemurs, snow leopards and red pandas, and has terrific behind-the-scenes experiences.<\/p>\n

Wine & dine:<\/h3>\n

The Oyster Shed<\/a> near Batemans Bay\u2019s landmark iron bridge has the freshest, fattest oysters you\u2019ll ever taste, pulled from the Clyde River.<\/p>\n

Stay:<\/h3>\n

If you want a room (and a swimming pool) with a view, check into The Whale Inn<\/a>, which sits above Narooma\u2019s sumptuous lagoons. It offers deluxe, family and spa suites.<\/p>\n

\"Illawarra

Get a birds-eye view at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures.<\/p><\/div>\n

Merimbula and Eden<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/h3>\n

The Sapphire Coast<\/a> is wrapped in magnificent beaches and headlands. Hike and mountain bike in national parks, fish from wharfs, and jump in the sea for a swim or surf. The new 27-kilometre Wharf to Wharf Walk<\/a> between Tathra and Merimbula is stunning. Pack a picnic and head inland to enjoy a tasting at North of Eden Gin Distillery<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wine & dine:<\/h3>\n

The region\u2019s seafood and oysters are outstanding. Pividori’s<\/a> Tathra Beach has elegantly simple seafood dishes (plus carnivorous alternatives) and overlooks spectacular dunes.<\/p>\n

Stay:<\/h3>\n

For a unique stay, Green Cape Lightstation Keepers\u2019 Cottages provide self-catering heritage accommodation with brilliant views; you can whale-watch without even leaving your veranda.<\/p>\n

For more information about what to see and do, where to eat and stay, visit grandpacificdrive.com.au<\/a><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Grand Pacific\u00a0Drive takes you from Sydney to Wollongong\u00a0and beyond, travelling the always-beautiful NSW South Coast. It runs 140 kilometres from Royal National Park to Shoalhaven, but that\u2019s just the starting point for a fantastic road trip further south that takes in seascapes, national parks, historic towns and much more. Here are the key stops: 1. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":238467,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"advertorial.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[]},"categories":[857],"tags":[7245,7222,7249,1513,4394,5514,4628,5911],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe ultimate Grand Pacific Drive highlights trail - Australian Traveller<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The ultimate highlights trail of NSW's South Coast's iconic Grand Pacific\u00a0Drive and beyond; what to see, where to eat and where to stay\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/the-ultimate-grand-pacific-drive-highlights-trail\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The ultimate Grand Pacific Drive highlights trail - Australian Traveller\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The ultimate highlights trail of NSW's South Coast's iconic Grand Pacific\u00a0Drive and beyond; what to see, where to eat and where to stay\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/the-ultimate-grand-pacific-drive-highlights-trail\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Australian Traveller\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AustTraveller\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-05-02T05:18:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-02-16T02:39:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Sea-Cliff-Bridge.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Brian Johnston\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@AustTraveller\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@AustTraveller\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Brian Johnston\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The ultimate Grand Pacific Drive highlights trail - Australian Traveller","description":"The ultimate highlights trail of NSW's South Coast's iconic Grand Pacific\u00a0Drive and beyond; 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