Grand Pacific Drive: The Coastal Road from Wollongong to the Royal National Park

The Grand Pacific Drive is the scenic coastal road connecting Sydney's Royal National Park to Wollongong, and it ranks among the most celebrated short drives in New South Wales. The route passes through the Sea Cliff Bridge, a cantilevered bridge that curves around a coastal headland south of Coalcliff, offering an unobstructed view over the Tasman Sea. Further south, the historic towns of Stanwell Park, Thirroul and Austinmer have beaches, cafes and pubs popular with day-trippers from both Sydney and Wollongong. The drive is approximately 140 kilometres if started from Sydney, or around 50 kilometres from Wollongong city to the northern entry at Helensburgh. It is a popular motorcycle route and particularly rewarding in clear weather.