Grand Pacific Drive recognised as one of the best Aussie road trips
The Illawarra and South Coast has been recognised in a national survey as one of the top 10 road trip destinations across Australia
For those of us who live here, it’s no great surprise, but the Illawarra and South Coast has been recognised in a national survey as one of the top 10 road trip destinations across Australia.
Starting just south of Sydney in the Royal National Park, the Grand Pacific Drive passes through Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama into the Shoalhaven, and is rated highly as a scenic coastal drive offering dozens of highlights along the 140km journey south.
Researchers iSelect analysed more than 20 popular road trip destinations nationwide, assessing factors such as attractions, accommodation, safety, rest stops and mobile phone coverage.
The Grand Pacific Drive ranked seventh overall for road trippers travelling solo, and sixth for family road trips.
An abundance of family-friendly attractions over a relatively short distance was a big plus for the drive, including Symbio Wildlife Park, Jamberoo Action Park, the Kiama Blowhole and Minnamurra Rainforest.
The iconic Sea Cliff Bridge and nearby Bald Hill Lookout are among the most photographed attractions along the drive.
The top-ranked road trip for families is the famous Great Ocean Road in South Australia. It was the runner-up for solo drivers, edged out by the Legendary Pacific Coast drive linking Sydney and Brisbane.
iSelect spokeswoman Sophie Ryan said: “People often rate the Illawarra as a road trip hotspot, particularly when driving along the Grand Pacific Drive because it's a perfect mix of coastal scenery, charming towns and with easy access from Sydney.
“The drive hugs the coastline offering sweeping ocean views, and iconic landmarks such as the Sea Cliff Bridge. For many travelling along this route, stopping in the Illawarra makes for a memorable road trip experience.
“We can also see from the data that the full mobile coverage, many hospitals per 100km, ample rest stops and mild temperatures make it a comfortable and stress-free route.”
When you add in the opportunity to enjoy whale watching and dolphin tours, winery visits, mountain biking at Mount Kembla, cliff-hugging rainforests and some of Australia’s best beaches, it’s little wonder the Grand Pacific Drive has been rated so highly.
According to the survey data, a lack of tourist accommodation is the area most in need of improvement if the Grand Pacific Drive is to surge into the top five road trip destinations in Australia.
