Sydney to Gerringong road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time
The Sydney to Gerringong drive covers a 133km distance in a driving time of around 1h41m. Top road trip stops to add to an itinerary include Symbio Wildlife Park, the Sea Cliff Bridge and the Kiama Blowhole.
The Sydney to Gerringong drive connects the New South Wales capital to one of the most attractive towns along the Illawarra Coast.
Sydney’s enormous collection of experiences includes all-inclusive sunset dinner cruises, behind-the-scenes tours of the Opera House, jet boat thrill rides and historic walking tours. To get the best deals on Sydney accommodation, book here. To find Sydney tours and experiences that suit your tastes, step this way.
Gerringong is close enough to be a handy weekend break destination, although hotels can sell out quickly, so book in advance to secure the best rates on Gerringong accommodation.
Sydney to Gerringong distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Sydney to Gerringong is 133km. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 41 minutes. The drive initially heads through Sydney’s southern suburbs, before threading through Heathcote National Park and Royal National Park. The latter is the oldest national park in the country.
13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book
- (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
- Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
- Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
- See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
- (Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
- Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
- Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
- Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
- Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
- Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
- (🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.
Sydney to Gerringong drive: Along the Illawarra coastline?
The Sydney to Gerringong drive then passes through Engadine, Heathcote and Waterfall before reaching Helensburgh.
If you keep going along the Princes Motorway, you’ll follow the Illawarra Escarpment into Wollongong, with good photo opportunities at the Sublime Point Lookout, Bulli Lookout and Mount Keira Lookout.
It doesn’t add too much time to the journey to divert via Lawrence Hargrave Drive from Helensburgh, however. Good stops before reaching the coast include the Symbio Wildlife Park, the Sri Venkateswara Temple and Kelly’s Falls.
You’ll hit the coast at hang-gliding favourite Bald Hill, which overlooks Stanwell Park Beach.
The scenic take on the Sydney to Gerringong road trip then continues towards Coalcliff Beach before twisting along the striking, coast-hugging Sea Cliff Bridge.
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.
After that you’re into Wollongong’s northern suburbs. Attractions here include the Scarborough Hotel, Wombarra Beach, the Coledale Rock Pool and Austinmer Beach.
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