Sydney to Jervis Bay

Start your trip off right with a flat white and a drive through the national park. Just four kilometres off the A1, and barely inside park limits, The Audley Dancehall and Cafe offers the best coffee around. Stop in for a full brekkie on their terrace by the river or just grab a cuppa to go before heading further into the park for the morning. This 151-square-kilometre park could honestly take up a day or two on its own. From the beaches and lagoons to the waterfalls to the lush forests, seeing everything would take more time than a single weekend road trip would allow. But simply driving through the park can be rewarding in itself. Between overlooks and the beauty just inches from your windscreen, taking the extra time to leisurely roll through definitely beats taking the highway.

If you take Sr. Bertram Stevens Dr. through the park, then a quick stop at Governor Game Lookout is a must. The overlook serves up a sweeping vista of the ocean as well as seasonal attractions. In the winter breaching humpbacks can be seen during their migration to warmer northern waters. In the spring, the hills leading down to the water erupt in spectacular colour from blooming wildflowers. There is a path that leads from the overlook to the beach below if you feel like you have enough time for a longer stop before moving out of the park.

Taking Lady Wakehurst Dr. out of the park will drop you right at the Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops. This stop looks out over the Sea Cliff Bridge where it hugs the coast and seems to hover just above the water. This is also the best vantage point for watching the many hang gliders who flock to the area as they float effortlessly through the sky. Once you have taken in the sights, head across the Sea Cliff Bridge for the next stop.

Once you cross Sea Cliff Bridge, on your left is the Scarborough Pub. Great views and a great place to stop for a bite to eat or an ice cream.

Depending on the weather, a quick swim at Little Austinmer Beach is an excellent way to refresh and recharge before the next part of your trip South.

After 50 or so minutes cruising down the highway, get off on the Gipps St exit and follow the signs for the Kiama Blowhole. This attraction was created by the ocean wearing the rocks in a peculiar way. Now the blowhole capable of launching 50 litres of water almost 25 metres into the air before raining back down on anyone in the area.

Less than 15 minutes south of the blowholes, this sleepy little beach town is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs. You can spend a half-hour or a half-day wandering the streets and popping in and out of little shops and boutiques. The town is known for its wine and beer scenes as the home of Crooked River Wines and Stoic Brewing.

Moving down the coast another 14 kilometres you’ll find the quaint town of Berry. Berry oozes country charm with stunning heritage buildings and quaint cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss the famous donut van and for foodies there are so many specialist stores.

Jervis Bay is around an hour from Berry and an easy drive with great views of the rolling hills. Be sure to explore beyond Jervis Bay throughout your stay. Milton is a beautiful village to visit for lunch and some shopping. Mollymook, Ulladulla, Burrill Lake also worth visiting for a day.