South Coast to Country Private Tour via the Grand Pacific Drive

The journey, in full

Your private Grand Pacific Drive tour will get an early start at 7.30am and drive down past the Royal National Park, the oldest national park in Australia. You'll stop at Stanwell Tops for stunning views over the spectacular rugged Southern Coastline. You continue along the scenic coastal road, known as the Grand Pacific Drive, and visit the engineering marvel of the Sea Cliff Bridge. Jutting out from the cliff face and majestically sweeping over the waters of the Pacific Ocean, this is one of the South Coast’s most photogenic experiences. Take the short 15 minute walk, look down into the crystal clear aqua waters and you might see one of the massive manta rays which are prevalent in the area. Visit two very different but both delightful seaside towns of the region. Enjoy a morning tea stop (own expense) at the boutique township of Thirroul. This charming area is popular for its beautiful beaches, magnificent views, buzzing café culture and thriving artistic community. Thirroul is where English writer D.H. Lawrence wrote much of his novel “Kangaroo” in 1922. Next stop is Kiama and a trip to its famous blowhole. This natural rock formation routinely spouts sea water 20 metres into the air. This beautiful town is rich with seaside history and sports an impressive lighthouse dating from the 1880’s. Leaving the coast behind, you head inland and we begin our climb to Mt Cambewarra Lookout. Enjoy a café lunch (own expense) while looking out over the panoramic views across nearby farmlands, the Shoalhaven River and out over the South Coast beaches, right up and down the east coast. The lookout provides 145km of incredible views and is 678 metres (2,225ft) above sea level. Sit back and relax on one of the most scenic drives on the South Coast as you travel from the top of Cambewarra Mountain to the delightful Kangaroo Valley. Take in lush rainforest ferns and timbers, as well as outstanding views over the coastal plateau and ocean below. Kangaroo Valley has been claimed by some to be the most beautiful valley in Australia and sits along the Kangaroo River. The home for thousands of years to the Aboriginal Wodi-Wodi people, it was first settled in 1817 and has changed very little in the past 130 years. The gorgeous sandstone Hampden Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in Australia. You continue through this lush countryside to the breath-taking Fitzroy Falls. Take an easy walk along the rainforest track to very top of these falls. This is a spectacular national park experience. In addition to the sight of this magnificent waterfall, you could very well hear a lyrebird singing on the track. This native bird is noted for its unusual ability to mimic both natural and artificial sounds from their environment. Sit back and relax on your journey back to Sydney as your travel through the Southern Highlands and some of the most delightful scenery in New South Wales.