Why this road
Barely half an hour longer than the motorway, and a completely different trip. First the eucalyptus forest of the world's second-oldest national park, then the lookout where hang-gliders launch over the sea, then a string of small beach villages squeezed between the escarpment and the Pacific. The Sea Cliff Bridge was built to replace a cliff road that kept being hit by rockfalls, and today it is the highlight of the drive.
The route
- ASydney
Head south through the suburbs towards Sutherland. Weekday mornings are busy, so leave after the rush.
- 1Audley
The old heart of Royal National Park, with its weir and boatshed on the river. From here the road winds south through the bush.
- 2Bald Hill Lookout
The road leaves the forest and the view opens up along the coast towards Wollongong. Hang-gliders take off from here.
- 3Sea Cliff Bridge
The bridge curves out over the sea at the foot of the cliffs. Park at either end and walk across on the ocean side.
- 4Austinmer
One of the prettiest beach villages on the way, with an ocean pool cut into the rocks.
- BWollongong
The end of the drive. The lighthouses on the harbour headland are a good place to stretch your legs.
Stops worth it
Twenty minutes for the view and the hang-gliders. There is a café and parking at the top.
Walk the bridge rather than just driving it. Small car parks at Coalcliff and Clifton, at either end.
Light and the best time
Late morning to early afternoon is best. Heading south, the sea is on your left. Around midday the sun is high in the north, behind you, and the water below the cliffs turns turquoise. Early in the morning you look into the rising sun over the sea, beautiful for a sunrise photo at the bridge, but hazy. In the late afternoon the escarpment throws its shadow over the coast road, in winter as early as mid-afternoon. Leave Sydney around 9.
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are ideal: mild, clear and less busy. Summer from December to February is hot and the beaches are crowded on weekends and in the school holidays. In winter the air is clearest and humpback whales pass the coast, roughly from May to November. The road is open all year, but storms can close Lawrence Hargrave Drive for a while.
By vehicle
Lovely with the roof down, especially along the cliffs and over the bridge. In the national park the road is shady and cool.
Curvy through the national park and popular with riders on weekends. Watch out for cyclists, who love this road too.
Easy driving all the way. Weekends are busy, so start early if you want parking at Bald Hill and the bridge.
Good to know
Royal National Park charges a vehicle entry fee for visitors, paid at the entry stations or online, check NSW National Parks for current prices and when it applies. Sydney's motorways have tolls that are collected electronically only, with no cash booths, so ask your rental company how tolls are billed. Australia drives on the left. Parking at Bald Hill and at both ends of the Sea Cliff Bridge is limited on sunny weekends.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does the Grand Pacific Drive take from Sydney to Wollongong?
About 1 h 45 without stops, roughly half an hour more than the motorway. With stops, plan half a day.
Do I have to pay to drive through Royal National Park?
The park charges a vehicle entry fee for visitors. Check the NSW National Parks website for current prices and the rules for through traffic.
Can you walk across the Sea Cliff Bridge?
Yes, there is a footpath on the ocean side. Park at Coalcliff or Clifton and walk.
When can you see whales from the Grand Pacific Drive?
Humpback whales migrate along the coast roughly from May to November. Bald Hill is a good lookout.