Grand Pacific Drive
Grand Pacific Drive | |
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| General information | |
| Type | Road |
| Length | 140 km (87 mi) |
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The Grand Pacific Drive is a scenic drive in New South Wales, Australia, which starts in the Royal National Park, crosses the Sea Cliff Bridge and continues through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama in the Shoalhaven region, and Nowra on a total length of 140 kilometres (87 mi). The route also includes parts of the Southern Highlands.
History
[edit]Federal tourism minister Martin Ferguson praised the Grand Pacific Drive in 2012 when he presented new signage to promote tourism attractions. By that point the drive had brought about positive economic indications for the area such as a 20 percent increase in accommodation revenue, a 31.6 percent increase in international visitors to the region, a four percent rise in domestic visitation, the region also saw increased consumer spending of $283 million by 3.3 million people.[1]
Due to the spike in tourism levels, traffic measures such as a road toll, reduced parking on weekends or a reduction in curves that slow down traffic were proposed. A proposal to build a bypass from Bulli to Thirroul via the Sandon Point housing estate was ruled out. Roads and Maritime Services undertook a consultation in 2019 but ultimately did not proceed with any measure.[2]
Promotion
[edit]From June to August 2025, a campaign named Go Grand was launched which promoted tourism around the Grand Pacific Drive. The campaign highlighted themes such as Grand Experiences, Grand Flavours, Grand Nature and Grand Stays.[3]
Attractions
[edit]20 kilometres north of Wollongong on the Grand Pacific Drive is the Sea Cliff Bridge which runs for 665 metres (2,182 ft) with views of the ocean.[4] This bridge was commissioned in August 2003 and opened on 11 December 2005 as the section of Lawrence Hargrave Drive that originally ran along this cliff was dangerous. Tourism is at its peak from May to September each year. Along with the Sea Cliff Bridge, the Lawrence Hargrave Drive Bridge also serves traffic needs in the South Coast and runs for 210 metres (690 ft). Both of the bridges have pedestrian and cycling lanes in addition to lanes for traffic. The name Sea Cliff Bridge was coined by Makenzie Russell, an 11 year old student in the region.[5]
Reception
[edit]In 2026, the Grand Pacific Drive was rated the second most pet-friendly road trip in Australia, gaining a total score of 78.8 out of 100 in the methodology used by ROLLiN' Car Insurance. ROLLiN' also measured factors such as the experience and sharability, comfort and environment, pet safety and pet amenities.[6][7]
ROLLiN' also ranked this drive number five on their list of best road trips for food options.[8] The survey also measured the beast road trips for the most trendy food stops, most food stops per kilometre, best-rated food stops and least options.[9]
Insurance provider iSelect ranked the drive number seventh for solo drives, and sixth for families, out of 20 road trips.[10]
References
[edit]- ↑ Ellis, Greg (5 November 2012). "Minister opens Grand Pacific Drive". Illawarra Mercury.
- ↑ McLaren, Nick (3 June 2021). "Could a road toll ease congestion on the Illawarra's Grand Pacific Drive?". ABC News. Archived from the original on 6 July 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- ↑ "South Coast and Southern Highlands launch winter campaign" (Media release). Destination NSW. 13 June 2025. Retrieved 13 July 2026 – via NSW Government.
- ↑ Reid, Sarah; Barber, Kat; et al. (September 2024). Lonely Planet East Coast Australia (8th ed.). Lonely Planet. ISBN 9781837586349 – via Google Books.
- ↑ "Australia's Grand Pacific Drive, a highway suspended above the ocean". We Build Value Digital Magazine. Webuild. 22 June 2022. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- ↑ "Pet-Friendly Road Trips". ROLLiN' Car Insurance. 28 April 2026. Archived from the original on 13 July 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- ↑ Anand, Arshai (5 May 2026). "The 2nd best pet-friendly road trip in Australia is only a short scenic drive from Sydney — with 57 dog-friendly eateries and cliff-hugging ocean views". Secret Sydney. Archived from the original on 21 May 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- ↑ Stubbs, Winnie (18 September 2025). "The best road trips in Australia for food lovers have been ranked, and 3 NSW drives made the top 10". Time Out Sydney. Archived from the original on 13 July 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- ↑ "Australia's Best Roadtrips for Food Lovers". ROLLiN' Car Insurance. 15 September 2025. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- ↑ Lasek, Jeremy (27 January 2026). "Grand Pacific Drive recognised as one of the best Aussie road trips". The Illawarra Flame. Archived from the original on 18 February 2026.
Further reading
[edit]- Roy, Namita; Gretzel, Ulrike (16 November 2024) [1 January 2014]. "Following the theme: impact of marketing awareness on the consumption of themed drives". Faculty of Business and Law. University of Wollongong: 861–865. hdl:10779/uow.27794154. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- "6 of the best road trips from Sydney". Escape. 20 May 2020. 1/6. Archived from the original on 10 November 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- Destination NSW (7 May 2021). "The epic road trip that Sydneysiders are missing out on". Escape. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- Lawrence, Ria (16 September 2024). "This 140km Coastal Drive In NSW Is The Ultimate Spring Road Trip With Small Towns, Rainforests And Pristine Beaches". Secret Sydney. Archived from the original on 11 April 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- Lawood, Christa (11 April 2023). "Three epic road trips to try in New South Wales, Australia". National Geographic. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- Byrnes, Kassia (5 May 2025). "Where to eat, sleep and visiton the Grand Pacific Drive". Australian Traveller. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
External links
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