📷 Photo by Paddy Pohlod on UnsplashGrand Pacific Drive: Sydney to Kiama
A two-day coastal run south of Sydney through Royal National Park, over the Sea Cliff Bridge and past Wollongong to the blowhole at Kiama.
- Distance
- 138 km (86 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 30 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 9
- States
- New South Wales
- Updated
- May 5, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 138 km (86 mi) with 9 stops, from Sydney to Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. About 1 h 30 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New South Wales · More road trips from Sydney
Route description
Leave Sydney early and head south for about 45 km to Royal National Park, Australia's oldest national park. The sealed road to Wattamolla finishes at a lagoon and a waterfall that drops into the sea. Swim only in the calm lagoon, as the ocean rocks are dangerous. There is no fuel inside the park, so fill up in Sutherland first.
Return to the Princes Highway and then follow Lawrence Hargrave Drive along the escarpment, about 35 km. The stop of the day is the Sea Cliff Bridge, a 665 m curve over the water between Clifton and Coalcliff, which you can drive, walk or cycle. Pull over at the lookouts near Stanwell Park to watch hang-gliders on clear days.
Wollongong is the half-way point, about 80 km from Sydney by the direct road. Walk around the old harbour and the Breakwater Lighthouse, then drive 10 minutes to the Nan Tien Temple at Berkeley. Wollongong has plenty of fuel and food stops, and it is a sensible overnight base if you want to stretch the trip over two days.
The last leg runs about 40 km south to Kiama, passing Shellharbour on the way. See the blowhole at Blowhole Point, which works best in a strong swell, and walk the harbour to the old lighthouse. If you have time, drive inland 10 km to Minnamurra Rainforest for the boardwalk. Sydney is roughly two hours back by the M1.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Sydney
New South Wales - 237 km
Wattamolla, Royal National Park
NatureRoyal National Park, New South WalesIn Australia's oldest national park, a lagoon and small beach sit behind a waterfall that drops straight into the sea. Calm days are good for swimming, but cliffs and swell make the ocean side hazardous.
- 321 km
Sea Cliff Bridge
ViewsClifton, New South WalesA 665 m curved bridge hugging the escarpment between Clifton and Coalcliff, opened in 2005 after rockfalls closed the old road. It has a shared path for walkers and cyclists and is a highlight of Grand Pacific Drive.
- 426 km
Wollongong
New South Wales - 52 km
Wollongong Harbour and Breakwater Lighthouse
HistoryWollongong, New South WalesA small working fishing harbour in Wollongong, overlooked by the Breakwater Lighthouse and Flagstaff Hill fort. Fishing boats unload at Belmore Basin, and the headland walk gives good views of the surf and the city beaches.
- 610 km
Nan Tien Temple
HistoryBerkeley, New South WalesA large Buddhist temple complex near Wollongong, among the biggest in the southern hemisphere, built by the Fo Guang Shan order in the 1990s. Visitors can walk the grounds, join a meditation session or try a vegetarian lunch.
- 727 km
Kiama
New South Wales - 81 km
Kiama Blowhole
NatureKiama, New South WalesA natural blowhole in the rocks by Blowhole Point that shoots seawater high into the air when a large swell arrives. A short walk from the main street, it is most impressive in a strong swell.
- 915 km
Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park
NatureJamberoo, New South WalesA patch of subtropical rainforest behind Kiama with a raised boardwalk through strangler figs and palms, ending at Minnamurra Falls. Lyrebirds are often heard and sometimes seen along the track.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Sydney → Sea Cliff Bridge · 58 km · 0 h 38 minOn the way: Wattamolla, Royal National Park.
- Day 2: Sea Cliff Bridge → Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park · 80 km · 0 h 53 minOn the way: Wollongong, Wollongong Harbour and Breakwater Lighthouse, Nan Tien Temple, Kiama, Kiama Blowhole.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually February–May and October–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January and June–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Grand Pacific Drive: Sydney to Kiama?
2-day road trip of about 138 km (86 mi) with 9 stops, from Sydney to Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. About 1 h 30 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Grand Pacific Drive: Sydney to Kiama?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 30 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Grand Pacific Drive: Sydney to Kiama start and end?
It starts in Sydney and ends in Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park.
Which states does Grand Pacific Drive: Sydney to Kiama pass through?
New South Wales.
When is the best time for Grand Pacific Drive: Sydney to Kiama?
The most pleasant months are usually February–May and October–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January and June–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
