Jervis Bay Road Trip from Sydney: A Full NSW South Coast Guide
The drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay is one of NSW's most rewarding road trips — and with 2.5 hours between Sydney and Huskisson, it's perfectly positioned as a weekend escape or the start of a longer coastal journey. The route takes you through some of the most scenic sections of the NSW Illawarra coast — the dramatic Bulli Pass, the restored Victorian-era city of Wollongong, the beautiful Kiama coastline, and the charming hinterland town of Berry. Each of these deserves its own stop, and spreading the journey over a full day rather than rushing makes the road trip itself part of the experience.
| Total Distance | Approximately 200km from Sydney |
|---|---|
| Drive Time (direct) | 2.5 hours |
| Drive Time (with stops) | 4–6 hours — make it a road trip |
| Best Stops | Kiama, Berry, Nowra |
The Route: Sydney to Jervis Bay
From Sydney, take the M1 South (Princes Motorway) through the Royal National Park to Wollongong. The Bulli Pass section of the route provides spectacular views down to the Illawarra coast below — absolutely worth stopping at the lookout. Continue south through Wollongong and follow the coast road through Thirroul, Austinmer, and Thirroul (the scenic coastal route) before rejoining the Princes Highway south through Kiama. From Kiama, continue to Bomaderry/Nowra and then east to Huskisson.
Best Stops Along the Way
Kiama is the best road trip stop between Sydney and Jervis Bay — the famous Kiama Blowhole, beautiful foreshore, excellent cafes, and a well-maintained town make it worth at least 1–2 hours. Kiama's Blowhole Point provides spectacular ocean views and the blowhole itself can shoot water 60 metres into the air in good swell. Berry, approximately 30 minutes before Nowra, is an outstanding stop for lunch — the main street has several highly regarded cafes and restaurants in a beautifully preserved historic setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best route from Sydney to Jervis Bay?
- The Princes Motorway through Wollongong then the Princes Highway through Kiama and Nowra is the main route and the most practical. For a more scenic option, take the coastal road through Kiama and Gerringong instead of the motorway.