{"id":2641,"date":"2022-06-06T10:51:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-06T10:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=2641"},"modified":"2023-11-28T01:01:02","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T01:01:02","slug":"the-grand-pacific-drive-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/road-trips\/the-grand-pacific-drive-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"The Grand Pacific Drive Itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"grand<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The name says it all. The Grand Pacific Drive is considered one of the most spectacular drives in Australia for good reason. What lies ahead are 240 kilometres of pure scenic views of coastline, rainforest, national park, historic villages and iconic marvels natural and man-made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because we want you to have everything you need for a truly epic road trip along this incredible stretch, we\u2019ve done the research for you. Here’s the perfect Grand Pacific Drive itinerary for an unforgettable road trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, where does the Grand Pacific Drive start?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Good question. The Grand Pacific Drive starts in the Royal National Park, 45 minutes south of Sydney\u2019s CBD. Pick up your SIXT vehicle from any of our Sydney car hire<\/a> location, or our Sydney Airport<\/a> location if you\u2019re flying in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sydney to Wollongong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

99 km south of Sydney | 2-hour drive <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your first stop is The Gong. There\u2019s certainly no shortage of activities here! Scuba diving, sky diving, surfing, and fishing are just a few off the top of the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And those of you looking for something a bit more relaxing, there\u2019s the botanical gardens, a historic harbour, the beachfront Blue Mile, and 17 stunning beaches to choose from. Stop by Stanwell Tops on your way through to Wollongong and checkout the amazing views. This dynamic water-side city is becoming a must-see destination in its own right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"stanwell<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Must see:<\/strong> The iconic Sea Cliff Bridge \u2013 665 metres of coastline. You\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re driving over the crystal blue waters of NSW.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting your journey in Wollongong? Simply pick up your car hire in Wollongong<\/a> from our SIXT location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wollongong to Shellharbour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

20 km | 25-min drive<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This charming seaside town is perfect for cycling, nature walks and…more beaching! Pristine coastlines greet you on one side with calming countryside on the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A World War II shipwreck is popular among divers as is the ocean pool with locals and tourists alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Shellharbour Village offers a vast range of delicious restaurants, cafes, and gift shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Must try:<\/strong> Shellharbour is famous for its fish and chips, so grab a picnic blanket, get some to take away and don\u2019t forget the tartare sauce! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shellharbour to Kiama<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

15 km | 15-min drive <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re thinking Kiama Blowhole, you\u2019re right on the money! Home to the ferocious natural wonder, Kiama is yet another picturesque stop on the Grand Pacific Drive.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"kiama<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n


It\u2019s known as the Heart of the South Coast, and it\u2019s easy to see why. Here, you can experience the magic of the Kiama Coastal Walk, hike up to the Saddleback Mountain Lookout or sample some tasty local treats at the Farmers\u2019 Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Must see:<\/strong> There\u2019s not one but two blowholes in Kiama. The second one, Little Blowhole, although not as big, is still every bit as impressive. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kiama to Shoalhaven<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

72 km | 1-hour drive<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What a place to finish up your road trip of the Grand Pacific. The Shoalhaven region is regarded by many Australians as a premier holiday destination thanks to its unmistakable beauty as well as the variety of ways to unwind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stroll the white sandy beaches or enjoy a wildlife tour in Jervis Bay, indulge in some culinary delights among the popular food and wine establishments in Milton or Cambewarra. The choice is yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"jervis<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/strong> You\u2019re on the best shucking trail on the coast \u2013 oysters are a specialty in Shoalhaven so head to <\/em>Jim Wilds Oyster Servic<\/em>e<\/em>. You won\u2019t be disappointed!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beauty of the Grand Pacific Drive is that it can be done as a day trip or stretched out across several days, giving you a chance to explore the above townships for longer. You can easily extend your SIXT car hire, should you choose to stay in one or more of these towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who knows, you might even decide on a sea change after you\u2019ve taken the Grand Pacific! Feeling fancy? Why not hire a luxury car<\/a> for your Grand Pacific Drive journey? Experience freedom with a Mercedes<\/a> or BMW today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The name says it all. The Grand Pacific Drive is considered one of the most spectacular drives in Australia for good reason. What lies ahead are 240 kilometres of pure scenic views of coastline, rainforest, national park, historic villages and iconic marvels natural and man-made. Because we want you to have everything you need for…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":108,"featured_media":2639,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[65,112],"class_list":{"0":"post-2641","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-road-trips","8":"tag-sydney","9":"tag-wollongong","10":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\nThe Grand Pacific Drive Itinerary | Wollongong Car Hire Ideas<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Where to stop when you finally take that unforgettable road trip and conquer the Grand Pacific Drive, plus must see and do recommendations.\" \/>\n<meta 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