Sydney to Batemans Bay road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
Sydney to Batemans Bay road trip: Illawarra and Wollongong
At Helensburgh, there’s a decision to make – keep going along the highway, or divert down Lawrence Hargrave Drive. The latter route is more scenic and doesn’t add a massive amount of time to the journey.
Either way, you can stop to see the Aussie wildlife at Symbio Wildlife Park. Go the coastal route and you can take the Sri Venkateswara Temple and Kelly’s Falls, before reaching the coast at hang-gliding hotspot Bald Hill. This overlooks Stanwell Park Beach.
The coastal roadtrip then goes past Coalcliff Beach and one of Australia’s top Instagram spots – the Sea Cliff Bridge. Built around the cliffs, this bridge snakes its way over the sea.
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.
Afterwards, you’re into Wollongong’s northern suburbs, where the Scarborough Hotel, Wombarra Beach, the Coledale Rock Pool and Austinmer Beach are among the top attractions.
Stick to the highway and options for a stop include the Bulli Lookout, the Mount Keira Lookout and the Wollongong Botanic Garden.
Either way, you end up in Wollongong. Wollongong attractions include the twin lighthouses on the harbour.
Wollongong accommodation options worth looking at include the Adina aparthotel, the facility-heavy Novotel Northbeach and the golf course-focused Best Western City Sands.
Next section: Kiama and Gerringong.