Peter and Vicki's Travel Blog: The "Grand" drive to Huskisson.

Our destination today was Huskisson on the South Coast of NSW.

We had a coffee with Julie and Ken at Brighton-Le-Sands before jumping on the Princess Highway and heading south. We joined the “Grand Pacific Drive” just south of Sutherland and followed it all the way to Nowra! An amazingly beautiful and ultra-scenic drive!

Nice start to the day spending some time with Julie and Ken

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In the Royal National Park
Audley - river and picnic grounds

Our lovely Aussie bush! - lovely drive!

The first part of the drive took us through the beautiful Royal National Park, finally popping out onto the coastal precipice, Otford Lookout. High above the Pacific Ocean you have an incredible view down the coast to Wollongong. The Sea Cliff Bridge distinctively jutted out over the ocean just south of Stanwell Park, snaking its way around the rugged cliffs - it was a bit of a thrill traveling on it for the first time!

Awesome view down the coast to Wollongong and Port Kembla

The Sea Cliff Bridge - great bit of engineering to avoid cars being "rocked' from the cliffs!

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Bald Hill and the dare - devil hang gliders!

Before we dropped down to Stanwell Park and crossing the Sea Cliff Bridge we were thrilled at Bald Hill by the hang gliders leaping off the cliff and soaring effortlessly with the air currents ! Quite a sight!

Stanwell Park

After enjoying seeing the attractive little towns scattered along the coast down to Wollongong we headed for Kiama to visit the famous Blowhole. Unfortunately it was a day of rest for it and all was calm and quiet! Kiama is lovely! We’ll be back for a longer stay!

Coledale Beach
Now there is a great spot for some relaxing! Couldn't get much closer to the beach!!
On our return! :)

Austinmer

The historic hotel in Bulli - just one of many beautifully preserved historical buildings along the coast.

So green!

What a beautiful beach!

Sleeping today!

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Looking south from Blowhole to Kiama Heights.
A two hour walk( 6kms one way) takes you along the cliff tops and through former dairy pastures from Kiama Heights to Werri Beach. Interpretive signage highlights the local history and geology.

The Kiama Lighthouse

Kiama Harbour

The lovely gardens and building in Kiama township - pretty as a picture!

We ducked off the highway again at Gerringong - another lovely coastal town! and went through Gerroa, along Seven Mile Beach and National Park, then back to the highway at Nowra - the Shoalhaven River guiding us.This brought us to the end of the very scenic “Grand Pacific Drive”. The Princess Highway may get you quickly to Nowra but the extra time enjoying the stunning scenery and interesting towns and places along the Grand Pacific Drive make it very worthwhile!

How's this for countryside!
All like this along this stretch of coast.

Looking down to Gerringong and Werri Beach

Seaside Gerringong Golf Course - spectacular ocean and mountain views!

On to Huskisson which has hosted the Australian Long Course Triathlon Championships over the past few years! On arrival we caught up with Alice - one of Pete’s athletes,her friend Janey, and Luke and Amanda. All were ready for the race tomorrow!

Huskisson was founded in 1840 and is nestled on the shores of Jervis Bay and the banks of the Currambene Creek which empties into the Bay. Very picturesque!