Wollongong's most popular coastal tourist drive reopened for traffic on 12 December 2005. Closed for 2 years to allow for the construction of a spectacular $49 million 665 metre 'Sea Cliff' bridge, this coastal drive is once again reinstated as the regions premier tourist drive, with the added attraction of the amazing bridge.

The bridge itself has become a major attraction because it happens at exactly the point where the Illawarra Escarpment plunges into the South Pacific Ocean, delivering an amazing driving experience. With a guarded shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, the bridge offers people a great view of the ocean and whales as they migrate throughout the year.

To increase visitor awareness of the route, a new marketing name has been adopted - Grand Pacific Drive. This is a major new tourism route linking Sydney to Wollongong, and beyond to neighboring regions including Southern Highlands, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Canberra.

Other photos (click to see a larger version)