Detour #64: Grand Pacific Drive, Sydney, Australia
Australia’s Grand Pacific Drive is one of the most Instagram-friendly routes in the world. Honestly, just spend a few minutes on the planet’s most popular photo-sharing platform and you’ll find thousands of shots of this scenic Sydney adventure.
It’s like a snapshot of the best of Australia, taking you from the country’s biggest city, past beaches, through rainforest and small townships. And all in less than 90 miles.
Starting in Sydney you head south, winding through the Royal National Park on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. Soon enough you’ll reach Sea Cliff Bridge, perched on its stilts some 670m above the Pacific Ocean. Hugging the cliff walls, it follows the contours of the coast and literally every mile is a photo opportunity.
Take a moment to grab your breath at Wollongong, catch some rays at one of its 17 beaches or check out the flora and fauna of the Symbio Wildlife Park. Or just grab a coffee at one of Wollongong’s many cafes.
When you’re ready to move on you’ll pass along the gorgeous Sapphire Coast – with many more stops to get the camera out – before reaching Shoalhaven on the Hyams Coast. Again you’ll want to stop for a good while and take in the scenery, eat at one of the award-winning restaurants or sample a Chardonnay from one of the local vineyards.
The Grand Pacific Drive has its own website and describes the journey as “One drive. One ocean. Endless experiences.” If you ever find yourself Down Under, you know where to go.
Words Nik Berg Twitter | Instagram
Photography Benjamin Punzalan / Holger Link / Kane Taylor / Mudassir Ali / Silas Baisch / Unsplash
