Grand Pacific Drive

Just because your road trip starts from Royal National Park doesn't mean you can't spend an hour or two frolicking in this 15,000-hectare natural playground. The national park is the second oldest in the world and brims with over 100 kilometres of walking trails.

From here, buckle up and start your journey south. Follow Lawrence Hargrave Drive towards one of the most iconic sections of road in the country, the Sea Cliff Bridge. Take in the bridge in all its epic-ness from the lookout in Stanwell Tops. If that view has got you feeling peckish, you're in luck. Food trucks often park at the viewing platform, selling chips and burgers to hungry road-trippers.

From the lookout, hit the road again and drive over the bridge itself. This stretch of highway is the definition of spectacular. Try to keep your eyes on the road through. (We know it's tough.)

Next stop, Wollongong! (Or "The Gong", as locals affectionately call it.) Perched between the mountains and the sea, The Gong is a fab mashup of city, coastal and country lifestyles.

It's time to dive into the water that has framed your journey to this point. The city's north is blessed with an abundance of sandy beaches, the most popular being Austinmer. Swim, surf, explore rockpools, or find a spot along the 250 metres of golden sand to roll out a towel and bliss out.

Once you've had your fill of beachy goodness, head into the heart of The Gong to explore the city's creative culture. Sample moreish delights in the many world-class bars and restaurants, or wander the downtown streets where galleries and street art take the spotlight.

The drive from Wollongong to Shellharbour is only 20 kilometres, but you'll find plenty to see and do along the way. Most of the drive follows Windang Road along the peninsula which separates Lake Illawarra from the Pacific Ocean.

Lake Illawarra is a cornucopia of outdoor experiences. Cruise around on a boat tour, or better yet, hire your own and spend a day coasting the water. Head out on a stand-up paddle board at sunrise. The fishing here is legendary too, so why not try your hand at catching your own dinner.

If you're hungry for a feed, but want to give fishing a miss, continue into the heart of Shellharbour, famous for its renowned fish and chip joints. This town is also perched between two local surf haunts, Shellharbour North and Shellharbour South beaches. And there's even more epic breaks to be had nearby in the Killalea Reserve, a dedicated National Surfing Reserve.

If you're a complete surfing novice, no stress. Take a lesson from a local at the Pines Surfing Academy. You'll be out there with the pros in no time.

Just south of Shellharbour is the 72-hectare Bass Point Reserve, a natural wonderland with a heck of a lot of postcard-worthy vistas.

This coastal jewel is not just a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive because of how gorgeous the scenery is, it is also one of the most important archaeological sites on the NSW coast. Head out on the self-guided Indigenous Cultural Walk to learn about the historic significance of this site.

If you're itching to get back into the glittering Pacific, chuck on your flippers and head for Bushranger's Bay, a protected aquatic reserve with fantastic snorkelling.

Then hit the road to Kiama, the next stop on the Grand Pacific Drive. It's just a 20-minute drive to Kiama's top drawcard, its famous blowhole.

Ditch your wheels and lace up your walking shoes: the blowhole is located along a part of the 22-kilometre Kiama Coast Walk. The walk winds along the coastline from Minnamurra River through Kiama and on to Gerringong's Werri Beach to the south. From May to November, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales making their way up the coastline.

The laid-back town of Kiama is the perfect beach break, popular with families and surfers chasing world-class breaks. Spend some time exploring the friendly settlement and check out its fascinating history at the Historic Terrace Houses and the Pilot's Cottage Museum.

Set off again towards the region of Shoalhaven. Your first stop on this leg of the road trip should be the warm and welcoming town of Gerringong. This place has all the ingredients of a laid-back Aussie beach town, particularly its charming stretch of sand, Werri Beach.

Continue south to Crooked River, which flows into the northern edge of Seven-Mile Beach, yet another of the gorgeous stretches of sand along the Grand Pacific Drive.

After enjoying the delights of the shoreline, non-drivers might like a cheeky tipple at Crooked River Wines, one of the many wine producers along the journey.

Stop by Berry, where for 55 years the Famous Berry Donut Van has been supplying the small town with a never-ending supply of piping hot, cinnamon donuts.

At the southern end of Seven Mile Beach is Shoalhaven Heads, a coastal township surrounded by pristine natural attractions, and even more incredible eats. Splurge on a premium dining experience to sample the freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters paired with local wine and spirits.

Continue to the South Coast town of Nowra, set on the banks of the Shoalhaven River. Because of the vast array of rich farmland and vineyards in the surrounds, Nowra is heaven for foodies. Sit down at any of the restaurants in town, loosen your belt buckle and prepare for gastronomic bliss.

The good thing is, once you've finished chowing down on the town's edible offerings, you can work off all those glorious calories on the Nowra Historical Walk.

The final leg on your Grand Pacific Drive Road Trip is the 30-minute drive from Shoalhaven to the aquatic and natural wonderland of Jervis Bay. This large, sheltered bay is the gem of the South Coast, boasting snow-white sand, turquoise waters and a menagerie of wildlife.

The area is home to two national parks, Jervis Bay National Park and Booderee National Park, as well as the Jervis Bay Marine Park, so it's pretty safe to say that this is a place that's stunning both above and below the water.

The crystal-clear waters of the marine park can be enjoyed in a bunch of different ways. Take your pick from swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, boating or Jet skiing.

Swim at any of the beaches surrounding the bay. Hyams Beach is the most famous stretch of sand in the bay, but if don't like to share, try secluded Chinaman's Beach, Blenheim Beach or Orion Beach.

You can't leave this place without exploring its underwater magic either. Pull on your flippers and head to Point Perpendicular and Beecroft peninsula for some legendary snorkelling and scuba diving.

After basking in the aquatic delights of the area, get back on dry land and explore the offerings of Jervis Bay's two national parks. Follow the White Sands walk and Scribbly Gum track in Jervis Bay National Park. This trail follows the shoreline of Hyams Beach before winding through coastal forest. Tread lightly and keep a lookout for fuzzy locals like koalas and gliders

Then top off your journey in Booderee National Park. This stunning coastal environment is of great importance to the Koori people of Wreck Bay. Head out on an Indigenous cultural tour of the scared landscape to learn about the significance of this region.