Oracle of Delphi
KC Hill
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Craig HillGrand Pacific Drive - Get out of Sydney for a day
April 20th 2006 09:10
Very much in the mould of Victoria’s Great Ocean Rd, NSW now has a picturesque driving route of its own called Grand Pacific Drive and it is something to be seen. Despite being a response to a falling rock problem in the northern part of the coastal city of Wollongong, the NSW government have turned a bridge into a tourist destination that will impress anyone, however well-travelled.
The best part of it is it is only an hour south of Sydney, making it a perfect daytrip before the cold weather really sets in. The highlight of the Grand Pacific Drive which takes you from the Royal National Park along the escarpment overlooking a number of fantastic beaches is the 665 metre long Sea Cliff Bridge which goes high out over the ocean. I recommend you stop somewhere before or after the bridge and walk across it so you really take everything in because in a car it is just over too quickly.
The route takes you through some great coastal villages such as Stanwell Park and Coledale so stop off at one of them, have a swim and then grab something to eat. A must stop is the Headlands Hotel at Austinmer towards the end of Grand Pacific Drive. Grab a beer (or whatever your tickle) and sit out the back of the pub at the picnic tables. You’ll have views all around of the escarpment, way over the ocean and further down the coast towards Wollongong. Don’t worry if you get caught up in it (the view or the drinking) because you can stop over at Headlands or one of the caravan parks nearby.
Remember too, if the weather hasn’t been laid on for you or something goes wrong, you can just jump on the freeway and you're back in familiar old Sydney town in an hour.
Check out the website for further info: http://www.grandpacificdrive.com.au
A spectacle and an engineering marvel
The route takes you through some great coastal villages such as Stanwell Park and Coledale so stop off at one of them, have a swim and then grab something to eat. A must stop is the Headlands Hotel at Austinmer towards the end of Grand Pacific Drive. Grab a beer (or whatever your tickle) and sit out the back of the pub at the picnic tables. You’ll have views all around of the escarpment, way over the ocean and further down the coast towards Wollongong. Don’t worry if you get caught up in it (the view or the drinking) because you can stop over at Headlands or one of the caravan parks nearby.
Remember too, if the weather hasn’t been laid on for you or something goes wrong, you can just jump on the freeway and you're back in familiar old Sydney town in an hour.
Check out the website for further info: http://www.grandpacificdrive.com.au
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Comment by Jimbo
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Comment by Glen
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Comment by charles
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Ponderous
Will have to check this out sometime soon and thanks for the tip, Glen!