The Ultimate Grand Pacific Drive Itinerary

Start off in Sydney at the maui Sydney branch. It’s easily accessible from both the city and airport, and this is sure to be a streamline and stress-free process. With the branch located just south of the city, it’s a wonderful opportunity to take a little time to explore the beautiful Royal National Park. Whether you stop by for a picnic, a swim, some fishing or a bush walk, this national park in Sydney is sure to be a great addition to your travel plans. There are some Aboriginal sites to keep a look out for, as well as picturesque beaches to cool off at and native plants and animals to spot along the way.

After exploring the national park and the areas around it, you’re going to want a relaxing place to park up for the evening. We love to stay at the NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park when in Sydney. Set right on the beach and offering great campsites for your motorhome, this will be the perfect tranquil stay for your first night on the road. You’ll have Narrabeen Lake to one side, Narrabeen Beach to the other, and great cafes, eateries and restaurants all within walking distance. There is a water park and playground for kids to enjoy, as well as BBQ facilities, clean amenities and plenty of room to spread out and relax.

The next day it’s time to hit the road and head south towards Wollongong. The drive should only take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, but along the way there are a few spots we suggest stopping in at. Stanwell Tops is one of these spots and is known for its beautiful coastline, soaring cliffs and rolling hills. While here you can enjoy the panoramic views from Bald Hill Lookout, as well as grab a bite to eat in town at one of the cute cafes. A highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive is going over the Sea Cliff Bridge. The 665m long iconic bridge is a great viewing platform of the adjacent sea, as well as an awe-inspiring drive to take on your way to Wollongong.

Once you’ve arrived, you’re bound to find so many things to do in Wollongong. There are a couple of experiences that we absolutely love and highly recommend adding to your travel itinerary. The first is a visit to the Wollongong Harbour and Lighthouse. There are actually two lighthouses in Wollongong, making it the only point on the eastern coast of Australia with two lighthouses. The Wollongong Harbour Breakwater lighthouse stands 12m high and has been restored to its former glory, although now it is inactive. The other lighthouse, Flagstaff Hill lighthouse, is an active lighthouse and is located on Wollongong Harbour.

Another great addition to your list of things to do in Wollongong is a visit to the Wollongong Botanic Gardens. With vast open spaces, incredible plants on show and garden tours to enjoy, this will be a great experience that the whole family will love. Pack a picnic and enjoy some time in the shade under a tree, before wandering up to the lookout from which you can take in the panoramic views.

When it comes to places to park your campervan, you can’t go past the Corrimal Beach Tourist Park. With affordable beachside sites, great facilities and a central location, this promises to be the relaxing stay you wish for on a road trip.

Day three will have you driving a little further south to the popular beach town of Kiama. This area is full of so much natural beauty. From the rolling hinterland to the raw coastline, you’re sure to be in awe of what this surfie town has to offer. If you happen to be in Kiama on the third Sunday of the month, then you must visit the Kiama Seaside Markets. This popular market showcases a range of stalls including handcrafted gifts, locally designed clothing, jewellery, art, vintage clothing, wellness products and so much more. There are also some great food and drink stalls to enjoy and grassy areas to relax by the water on.

There is the famous Kiama blowhole which is the largest in the world. When the swell is up and the tide, you’ll be in for a real treat. The water pushes through a 2.5m opening in the rock face, before being forced out, at times reaching heights of 30m. There are multiple viewing platforms to witness this natural wonder from - the best vantage point we think is from the eastern point. Those who love a good coastal walk are sure to love the Kiama Coast Walk. The total walk is 20km, but you can stop and start wherever you want. Hugging the coastline from Minnamurra River in the north to Gerringong’s Werri Beach in the south, this walk is a must-do. You’ll also pass through the town of Kiama, a perfect excuse for a coffee or bite to eat, as well as the blowhole, meaning you can tick two things off at once.

The Big4 Easts Beach Holiday Park is where we choose to stay when visiting Kiama. With its stunning location right on the beach, great facilities and lovely campsites, this promises to be a perfect stay.

Jervis Bay is next on the road trip itinerary and should only take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to. Once you arrive you’ll be greeted by sparkling white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and lush natural landscapes. There are so many beautiful beaches and bays along the Jervis Bay coastline, but one place that we absolutely love to stop off at for a swim and picnic is the picturesque Honeymoon Bay. This small, sheltered bay is the perfect spot to relax, unwind and feel immersed in nature. Bring a pair of goggles and you’ll be amazed at how clear and full of life the water here is.

The Booderee National Park is where the crystal clear ocean and white sandy beaches meet the bush. This Aboriginal land will be a wonderful place to wander along the walkways, dip in the ocean, and spot the native wildlife, before strolling through the bordering botanic gardens. If you’re after an educational experience then a trip to the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and Gallery will impress. Featuring a world-renowned collection of maritime artifacts and navigational instruments, as well as photographs, paintings, drawings and objects that relate to the history and heritage of the Jervis Bay area, this will be a great addition to your trip.

After a full day of exploring the area, a stay at the Jervis Bay Holiday Park is sure to be just what you need. Set right on the waterway, this lovingly maintained and privately owned park will have you feeling like you’re at your home away from home thanks to its clean amenities and friendly vibe.

The next stop also happens to be the last stop on the trip south, that is the beautiful coastal town of Shoalhaven Heads. The drive here will be a perfect mix of rolling countryside and coastal towns. Then, once you arrive you’ll discover why this place is loved by so many. With its friendly and welcoming village, stunning scenery and natural surroundings, this is the perfect last stop on what will be a fantastic trip. While here you’ll find so many things to see and do, from great dining experiences and beautiful beaches, to lush national parks and scenic walks.

Something out of the ordinary is a visit to the Shoalhaven Zoo and Adventure World. With an impressive collection of native and exotic animals to admire, all set within a natural surrounding with natural rock formations and bushland, this will be an immersive animal experience to remember. If you’re up for a walk then a trip to the Jerrawangala National Park will delight. With lovely walking trails and panoramic views from the lookout, this will be a wonderful way to get a birds eye view of the surrounding area, all the way out to sea.

Your last stay deserves the best camping spot, and Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads is sure to impress. This award-winning park has Seven Mile Beach to one side and Shoalhaven River to the other, making it a peaceful place to retreat to with your campervan. Within easy reach of town, beaches, wineries and national parks, this truly is the spot to stay when in the area.

After what is sure to be a spectacular trip down the coast, it’s time to hit the road and travel north back up to Sydney. This journey will take just under 3 hours so we recommend stopping in at the charming country town of Berry to enjoy a delicious lunch and wander around the shops. The famous Berry Donut Van will be a great place to grab some snacks for the remainder of the drive, as will the Treat Factory.

Then, it’s back in the van and onto Sydney. The friendly team at the maui Sydney depot will be there to welcome you back, making the whole process easy and stress-free. A perfect way to end the ultimate Grand Pacific Drive trip.

See more of New South Wales with one of our itineraries

If you want even more travel inspiration when planning a road trip from the vibrant city of Sydney, then be sure to check out our other travel blogs. We’ve got a bucket list Sydney to Gold Coast itinerary that is incredible and full of adventure. Or if you’re after a more relaxing trip then our Sydney to Coffs Harbour road trip itinerary is sure to delight.

Take the incredible Grand pacific drive with maui

If you’re ready to hit the open road and start exploring, then be sure to hire a maui campervan today.