If you’re looking for a scenic day trip from Sydney with plenty of picture perfect stops along the way then you should definitely head down the Grand Pacific Drive which hosts the famous Sea Cliff Bridge.

Sydney’s Royal National Park

New South Wales is home to hundreds of gorgeous coastal towns, scenic walks and drives. One of which is only an hour south of Sydney so incredibly easy to do as a day trip.

One of the most popular beach stops in the Royal National Park would be Wattamolla Beach. If you’re heading there in summer, be sure to arrive super early, otherwise not only can the traffic be impossible, but the car park closed because it is full!

There is a beautiful walk you can do alongside the beach, there are a few rocky stairs but the view when you get to the lookout are spectacular.

Figure 8 Pools

The famous Figure 8 Pools are also part of the Royal National Park. This is a day trip on its own. Be sure to read the full blog post because you can’t just turn up at any time of the day to see the pools. Click here to find out when you can visit this incredible natural rock formation.

Where does the Grand Pacific Drive Start?

The drive starts at the base of the Royal National Park, around an hour south of Sydney.

How far is the Grand Pacific Drive?

The drive is around 140km, which sounds like a lot but the drive is a scenic coastal drive and not only takes you through the national park but rainforests and gorgeous coastal towns such as Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven Coast.

The Sea Cliff Bridge

The Sea Cliff Bridge makes the Grand Pacific Drive. Without it, it would simply just a drive. The 665m bridge is certainly a highlight of the drive and there are spots to stop the car and jump out for some photos and to enjoy the view.

If you’re there at the right time of year, you can also see the whales migrating north or south!

Stanwell Tops

It is worth stopping at Stanwell Tops to see the bridge from a high vantage point. It is really good perspective and a lovely spot to relax and grab an ice-cream!

When you get to Otford Lookout, you will be amazed by the view.

There is plenty of space to relax and enjoy your ice cream or stretch your legs. The view down to the beach are amazing, and of course, you can see the spectacular sea cliff bridge!

What we loved about the whole area was that you can walk along the rocks and get the view from underneath the sea cliff bridge! It gives the whole area a different perspective.

Sydney Secret Beaches

If you’re looking for our best secret beaches of Sydney, click here! But shh, don’t tell anyone – they are secret!!

Do you have travel insurance?

Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.

Alternative accommodation

If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.

For more things to see and do in NSW, click here!

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine