A road trip from Sydney to Gerringong is a remarkable experience that is ideal for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts. You will love the panoramic ocean views, dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches along the Illawarra Coast.
The road trip also offers delightful stops, such as the scenic Sea Cliff Bridge and the iconic Kiama Blowhole. If you would love the opportunity to taste a variety of wines brewed in the region, there are a couple of vineyards, cafes and dining spots along the way. This unique combination of scenic attractions and cultural and dining experiences makes the Sydney to Gerringong road trip an irresistible adventure.
Before Starting Your Journey
As you plan your road trip, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. One is that the Sydney to Gerringong drive spans a distance of 133 km. This is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes of driving time, but considering the stopovers and sightseeing, you can expect the road trip to take up to a full day.Depending on what's on your travel itinerary, you should prepare for a scenic drive through suburbs, national parks, and notable attractions like the Sea Cliff Bridge. Be sure to carry your camera, a bottle of water, and some picnic snacks. Similarly, embrace a curious and adventurous spirit.
Starting the Journey from Sydney
If you are in a group, chances are most of your travelling companions will be coming from different places. This would make Sydney the meeting point where you can group before the road trip begins. Based on the time allocated to the road trip, you can spend some minutes exploring the architectural masterpieces, galleries, and gardens to catch a behind-the-scenes tour of the immersive cultural experiences.Your time in Sydney is also the perfect opportunity to stock up on essentials like snacks, water and other personal items you may need. Besides being mindful of the traffic conditions, especially during peak hours, you also want to check the weather forecast so as to prepare for any weather changes and pack accordingly for a comfortable adventure.
Royal National Park
This is perhaps the first stop on your road trip after driving for about 40 minutes from Sydney. It's located between Wollongong and Sydney and is a popular tourist attraction with endless opportunities to explore and reconnect with nature. You and your team can take about an hour of bushwalking and cycling around the many trails and along the clifftops. If time allows, check out the Wattamolla and Garie beaches, which offer great opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and paddle boarding.
Other attractions include the Jibbon Head, where you can marvel at the aboriginal rock art. There are also some scenic lookout spots like Eagle Rock and Governor Game, where you can stop for whale watching during the whale migration season.
Iconic Sea Cliff Bridge
The Sea Cliff Bridge stands as a captivating highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive, a scenic route that stretches 140 kilometres from the Royal National Park to Nowra. This bridge boasts a rich history and has been welcoming a lot of visitors since its opening in December 2005.
When driving to the Sea Cliff Bridge, you can stop by the Bald Hill Lookout, which offers great views and amenities for visitors. The bridge has been designed to blend seamlessly with its coastal surroundings, offering a stunning backdrop for photos and a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. Whether you are walking along the bridge or admiring it from afar, you will love the memorable experience of this iconic landmark.
The Charm of Kiama
Another attractive stopover is Kiama, an area known for its gorgeous beaches and, most notably, the Kiama Blowhole. You can spend anywhere from one hour to two hours in the area, and some of the attractions you can explore besides the blowhole include the Kiama coastal walk, Werri Beach, and the Kiama Harbour.The Kiama Blowhole presents a natural phenomenon where seawater is propelled upwards via a small outlet in the coastal rock formations. This creates a display of water spouts that catches the visitors in awe and admiration. Beyond the blowhole is a series of local cafes, shops and art galleries where you can shop for handcrafted goods and unique souvenirs. A stopover at Kiama is worth your time, whether you'd love to marvel at the Kiama Blowhole only or extend the fun by exploring the handcrafted goods and farm-to-table cuisine.
Arriving in Gerringong
After stopping over at various attraction sites, you will get a chance to relax and unwind after arriving in the small town of Gerringong. This coastal town is home to lots of fun and memorable activities, from surfing and swimming to whale watching and horseback riding. The beach life in Gerringong is next to none, thanks to Werri Beach, which attracts a lot of locals and visitors throughout the year. It's here that you can sink your toes into the soft sands as you enjoy the evening breeze while soaking in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.Once you are done with the beach activities, you can explore some local wineries and have a taste of the region's crisp whites or sparkling blends. You'll also get a chance to learn about the region's wine-making history and take some souvenirs with you.
Plan for a week getaway in Gerringong? Explore our post Best things to do in Gerringong
Find your Google Maps direction from Sydney to Gerringong here!
Where to Stay in Gerringong
After a long day of exploration, you want to retire to a comfortable and serene environment where you can relax and unwind. Luckily, Gerringong accommodations offers a lot of options to suit every taste. At The Holidays Collection, we have a wide range of guest houses, from contemporary apartments to high-end beach houses.If you are in for an idyllic beach house, get ready to experience the ultimate relaxation at a beachfront holiday house where the crashing waves greet you each morning. One perfect example is The Oasis, located at 144 Renfrew Road, Werri Beach. This accommodation home is located less than a minute walk from the beach and is perfect for beach lovers.
For those travelling in a group, there are a couple of guest houses to accommodate all of you in one property. An example is the Fairview + Studio, located about a five-minute drive from Werri Beach. This property can accommodate a maximum of 10 adults, with a studio bunk for children.
Regardless of the accommodation option you want, be sure to get in touch with us, and we'll help you choose one that best suits your needs. Book your spot directly via our website to ensure the best rates and exclusive deals. Not only will you save 15% -20% of what you would pay with sites like Airbnb, Stayz, or Booking.com, but you'll also support local businesses directly and ensure a more personalized booking experience.
