Sea Cliff Bridge near Wollongong, NSW: How long is it and where is the lookout?
The Sea Cliff Bridge in Coalcliff, NSW, is 455.6 metres long. The unofficial and potentially dangerous lookout is by the Sea Cliff Bridge sign in Clifton at the southern end.
Since opening in 2005, the Sea Cliff Bridge near Wollongong in New South Wales has become something of an Australian icon.
The cantilevered bridge snakes its way around the cliffs of the Illawarra. It’s exposed to the pounding ocean, and much of the Sea Cliff Bridge’s drama comes from the feeling of driving above the surf.
The Sea Cliff Bridge is in Coalcliff on the Illawarra, on the coastal route from Sydney to Wollongong. It is part of Lawrence Hargrave Drive, the main road connecting Coalcliff, Helensburgh and Stanwell Park Beach to Wollongong. The original Lawrence Hargrave Drive was built into the cliffs, but was highly prone to rockfalls.
6 fantastic Wollongong experiences to book before you arrive
- Tandem hang-gliding flight from Bald Hill – float down towards the beach.
- One hour private surf lesson in Woonona – learn the basics, and get standing on your board.
- Illawarra Fly ziplining course and treetop walk – test your nerves high up in the canopy.
- Tandem skydive with beach landing – feel the rush of freefall.
- Explore the city on a scavenger hunt – a fun way to get to know Wollongong better.
- Half day deep sea fishing adventure – haul in some big boys.
How long is the Sea Cliff Bridge near Wollongong, NSW?
The Sea Cliff Bridge on the Grand Pacific Drive is officially 455.6 metres long. If it looks longer, that’s because there are actually two bridges. The adjoining Lawrence Hargrave Drive Bridge is 210 metres long. The two bridges are often thought of as one entity, but there’s a small section between them that isn’t elevated, just normal road.
Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout near Wollongong, NSW
It is possible to walk or cycle along the Sea Cliff Bridge should you wish to, but others may prefer to just take a photo from the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout. But first up, a proviso – this is not an official lookout, and there’s an element of danger involved. The walk to the lookout is steep, and highly prone to rockfalls. This doesn’t stop thousands of people making their way up to the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout anyway.
To reach the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout, you need to park by the Sea Cliff Bridge sign at the southern end of the bridge in Clifton. From here, a short, unsigned dirt track should take you up to the vantage point. The walk should only take about 20 minutes, but it is steep and potentially slippery.
Perhaps the best views, however, come on a scenic Sea Cliff Bridge helicopter flight from Shellharbour Airport.
Wollongong accommodation options worth mulling over include the Adina apartments, the coastal Novotel Northbeach and the Best Western City Sands, which is on a golf course.
More New South Wales travel
Go kayaking on Tuggerah Lake from Canton Beach in Toukley.
Enjoy the pools at the Angourie Resort in Yamba.
Discover how virgin sugar cane rum is made at Husk Distillers in Tumbulgum.
See coastal pyrotechnics in Kiama at the Bombo Headland and Kiama Blowhole.
What are the best things to do in Warners Bay, Lake Macquarie?