Adorable road warriors we were, traversing the scenic Grand Pacific Drive and picturesque South Coast and Southern Highlands towns over a sunny winter weekend, minivan rental racking up rewards points, Lil Nas X blaring on the stereo. Overall, just slightly less gritty a scene than any Mad Max re-boot.
Our endearing itinerary:
South of Sydney to Bald Hill Lookout
Day Tripping Tip -- taking the parallel motorways will bring you to the south much quicker, but the Grand Pacific Drive is still the move for all the goodness along the way: rolling beaches, picturesque towns, and a hilltop lookout that must have been named after many of the shaved head mid-life bikers who frequent it. (sabay ilag)
Further South to Sea Cliff Bridge
Day Tripping Tip -- A famous stretch of the Grand Pacific Drive, it's a must-try experience if only for the "See? Cliff! There, Castle!" dad-joke opportunities
Further South to Nan Tien Temple
Day Tripping Tip -- A surprise gem in this neck of the woods, the sprawling grounds and large temples house several dining/lunch options but all are vegetarian so forced to good mag-gulay ang mga bata mwahahaha
Further South to Kiama
Day Tripping Tip -- Kiama's a lovely place with a gorgeous town center and lots of restaurants and the famous Kiama Blowhole - the largest in the world! - that we know now should be visited when the tide is coming in otherwise the blowhole is just...a hole.
West inland via Jamberoo road
Day Tripping Tip -- Jamberoo is an awesome name and its countryside is beautiful (it's where they filmed "Babe" the pig movie) but for the love of God do not drive the narrow, winding mountain road while heading/facing/staring into the setting winter sun OMG I was so stressed I thought I would buy the farm just like "Babe". (no really, Squinters is a thing)
Dismount and Destress at Bowral
Day Tripping Tip -- After a beautiful/harrowing sunset drive, nothing feels better than dropping anchor at a lovely B&B and enjoying its fine food, warm pool and soft beds (booked at a discount online; terms and conditions apply; offer may not include hot LLDD-Hyphen-L)
(the next day) South to Fitzroy Falls
Day Tripping Tip -- you'renow rested and relaxed, and the whole rest of the Southern Highlands region is known for its gorgeous land and freshwater-scapes...soo...DO go chasing waterfalls! Don't stick to the rivers and lakes that you're used to! (just don't be moving to fast)
Back up North to Berrima
Day Tripper Tip -- Before finally heading home to Sydney, the family must still pass by the historic village of Berrima and check out Bendooley Estate for its lovely resto/winery/farm/bookbarn. You'll want to stay and enjoy the place forever but, alas, you must make your drive back to the city before all the jams set in
jams? get it? i'm gonna dad joke 'til I can't no more
