Grand Pacific Drive

An Iconic Australian Coastal Drive: Overview

The Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal routes, stretching 140 kilometres from Sydney to Shoalhaven in New South Wales. Renowned for its dramatic ocean cliffs, lush national parks, and charming seaside towns, this journey showcases must-see attractions such as the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, the Royal National Park, and the spectacular Kiama Blowhole.

Explore the Grand Pacific Drive Your Way

At The Road Trip Oz, we make it easy to experience the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond – whether you want total freedom, the ease of a guided experience, or something in between.

• Self-Drive Tours – Perfect for independent travellers who love flexibility. We provide detailed, personalised route notes, so you can explore at your own pace, stopping whenever and wherever you like.
• Small Group Tours – A sociable, cost-effective way to travel with like-minded adventurers. Led by an expert guide, you’ll get all the benefits of a well-planned trip, without the hassle of organising it yourself.
• Private Guided Tours – The ultimate experience. With your own local guide, you’ll enjoy complete flexibility and insider access to hidden beaches, scenic lookouts, and off-the-beaten-path gems.

The Grand Pacific Drive is the perfect addition to any Sydney itinerary, or it can be seamlessly combined with a coastal journey south to Melbourne for an even more breathtaking adventure.

Seasonal Highlights on the Grand Pacific Drive

Every season offers something different along the Grand Pacific Drive. Whether you’re travelling in peak summer or a quieter winter escape, your guided road trip is tailored to match the season.

Summer (December–February): Beaches & Festivals

• Relax on the white sands of Austinmer Beach and Shellharbour.
• Avoid summer crowds with insider tips for quick access to popular attractions.
• Experience local summer festivals and fresh seafood along the coast.

Autumn (March–May): Scenic Drives & Wine Experiences

• Enjoy mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning ocean sunsets.
• Visit Berry’s boutique wineries, charming cafés, and artisan shops.
• Begin your road trip from Sydney, ending in Melbourne to capture autumn’s coastal beauty.

Winter (June–August): Whale Watching & Rainforest Adventures

• Spot migrating whales from the best coastal lookouts, guided by expert advice.
• Experience Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for spectacular canopy views.
• Warm your spirit at the serene Nan Tien Temple, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Buddhist temple.

Spring (September–November): Adventure & Coastal Charm

• Enjoy warm waters at Jervis Bay’s Booderee National Park for snorkelling without summer crowds.
• Experience thrilling skydiving adventures over Wollongong’s coastline.
• Explore riverside walks and indulge in fresh oysters at Nowra’s local markets.

Best Stops Along the Grand Pacific Drive

Iconic Highlights

• Sea Cliff Bridge: Iconic coastal bridge offering breathtaking views.
• Royal National Park: Australia’s oldest national park, featuring lush rainforests and scenic trails.
• Kiama Blowhole: Witness this natural spectacle as ocean waves explode dramatically skyward.

Hidden Gems

• Coalcliff Beach: Quiet, picturesque beach with tranquil rock pools.
• Austinmer Ocean Pools: Calm ocean pools perfect for a peaceful swim.
• Gerringong Headland: Lesser-known lookout with panoramic coastal vistas.

Where to Stay

Choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your experience on the Grand Pacific Drive. Here are some recommendations to suit different styles and budgets:

Mid-Range Comfort

• Headlands Austinmer Beach: Enjoy modern comfort with excellent coastal views.
• The Sebel Kiama: Comfortable waterfront stay conveniently close to attractions.
• Park Ridge Retreat, Gerringong: Peaceful accommodation just minutes from pristine beaches.

Luxury Stays

• Tumbling Waters Retreat, Stanwell Tops: A secluded boutique stay boasting spectacular coastal views.
• Bannisters by the Sea, Mollymook: Indulge in luxurious accommodations with stunning ocean vistas.

Our travel experts can tailor accommodation choices based on your group’s size, seasonal considerations, and personal preferences.

Combining The Grand Pacific Drive with Other Destinations

The Grand Pacific Drive is just the beginning. Whether you want to explore iconic Sydney, head inland to the Blue Mountains, or continue your coastal adventure to Melbourne via the scenic Princes Highway, we make it easy to connect the dots.

At The Road Trip Oz, we craft seamless itineraries that link Australia’s must-see destinations into one unforgettable journey. So if you’re dreaming of a wider adventure, we’ll tailor your trip to include more of Australia’s incredible landscapes, hidden gems, and bucket-list experiences.

Choosing the Right Rental Car for Self-Drive Tours

Picking the right rental car can make all the difference on a road trip. Here’s what to consider:

• Compact & Standard Cars – Easy to park and fuel-efficient, great for solo travellers or couples.
• SUVs – Extra luggage space and a smoother ride if you’re planning to explore beyond the main route.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs) – An eco-friendly option with convenient charging stations along the way.
• Vans – Ideal for families or larger groups, giving you more space and comfort for extended trips.

Not sure what’s best? Our team will help you choose the right vehicle as part of your trip planning, ensuring your self-drive adventure is hassle-free and perfectly suited to your needs.

Why Choose The Road Trip Oz?

At The Road Trip Oz, we’re experts in creating unforgettable Aussie adventures without the stress of planning, navigating, or figuring it all out on your own. With local knowledge, insider access, and an eye for detail, we make sure you experience the very best of Australia, without missing a thing.

We know every traveller is different, so we offer three flexible ways to explore:

• Private Guided Tours – Let a local expert take the wheel, tailoring every stop to your interests. No maps, no stress—just an effortless, personalised experience.
• Self-Drive Freedom – Prefer to go at your own pace? We’ll give you custom route notes, insider tips, and everything you need to explore Australia independently, with confidence.
• Small Group Experiences – Join a group of like-minded travellers for a social, expertly guided journey that’s both seamless and cost-effective.

No matter how you choose to travel, we’ll handle the details so you can relax, explore, and soak up every moment. Let’s make this your ultimate Australian road trip.

Book Your Ultimate Road Trip Experience

Ready to explore the breathtaking Grand Pacific Drive your way? Contact The Road Trip Oz today to start planning your personalised guided, self-drive, or small group adventure along Australia’s stunning south coast.

Secure your unforgettable coastal experience now!