Travel articles usually try to appeal to specific demographics – families, singles, honeymooners, people with pets, retirees, friends; the list goes on. But what about appealing to one of your most faithful companions? The one who takes you to work each morning and who loyally brings you home after a long day…the one who is forced to look at nothing but boring streets and highways for eternity?
You might be shocked to know that your car is secretly wishing you’d take her along the Grand Pacific Drive. Seriously. She has 140km worth of reasons, all involving breathtaking views for you, and smooth, lovely cruising for her.
This stunning drive, which commences 45km south of Sydney’s CBD and finishes as you enter the Shoalhaven region just north of Nowra, was recently fitted with 200 new signs to direct you to all the interesting and scenic sights of the area. Information bays along the route provide a relaxing rest stop where you can learn cultural and historical facts. The clear signposting will ensure you don’t miss anything – whether you’re after the Bald Hill Lookout or the Kiama Blow Hole, your car will be happy to take you there.
Although the entire drive is worth taking, Holiday Inspirations decided to go for a short break, exploring the region between Sea Cliff Bridge and Shellharbour.
Sea Cliff Bridge: This dramatic 665 metre bridge was opened in December 2005 at a cost of $52 million dollars and is only 23km north of Wollongong. If you really want to experience the bridge, consider driving it first with your car, and then taking a Harley Davidson joyride along it. Or pack your bicycle and feel the sea breeze as you peddle along the bike path on the bridge. If you want to take your time, you can walk along the pedestrian path and keep an eye out for whales!
Consider staying in a beach house in the lovely seaside neighbourhood of Austinmer. Austinmer Beach is worth exploring, and there are plenty of lovely boutiques and cafes to stroll along.
As you continue along the drive, pull into the quaint seaside village of Thirroul. There are some lovely places to stay here. One example is Thirroul Beach House, where you’ll find yourself nestled between Thirroul Beach, a popular place which is patrolled by lifeguards, and McCaullies Beach, a more private setting.
To the south of Thirroul, you’ll encounter the third largest city in New South Wales; Wollongong. Here you can marvel at her beauty from above, while trying a tandem skydive or tandem hang glide, or you can try diving beneath the waves and snorkel or scuba along the coast. This city has everything to make a fun holiday in its own right, from fantastic restaurants, tours and attractions to relaxing beaches and fishing spots.
There is no shortage of great places to stay either. Whether you’re after a boutique hotel, apartment, or private holiday home, you’ll find plenty of comfortable options.
But sooner or later, your car will be restless again, so it’s time to continue exploring the Grand Pacific Drive. The fabulous coastline will continue to lure you along the road, with the promise of more fun and beauty in our final stop – Shellharbour.
This is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway, a fishing trip, or a fun-filled short break with the family. Bushrangers Bay at Bass Point is a must see, but snorkel or scuba gear will really make it memorable. Bushrangers Bay is the region’s only marine aquatic reserve and boasts plenty of sea life in an excellent sheltered site. There are numerous unpronounceable species that will impress even the most experienced divers.
Families will have fun exploring the HARS Aviation Museum and the Illawarra Light Railway Museum, before heading out to Killalea State Park for a picnic. The park has a playground for the kids, BBQ facilities, and plenty of interesting places to walk around or swim.
Things to bring on your drive:
This small portion of the Grand Pacific Drive is packed with fun and beautiful places to visit, so don’t forget your camera! You’ll also want to pack a cossie and sunscreen so that you can fully enjoy the coastline, and you may want to bring a fishing line as there are loads of great catches in these coastal towns. If you can fit them, also consider bringing bicycles as there are some amazing tracks to explore.
About the Author
Kylie-Jane Degeling is a freelance writer who has lived in Adelaide, Yulara (Uluru), Alice Springs and Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a rotating basis.
Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveller, Kylie now enjoys family holidays with her husband Alex, and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, “I have been lucky to see Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find holidays they would enjoy.” Kylie currently works as a travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.
Kylie Jane Degeling wrote this article
