The Coastal Road Trip That Locals Don’t Want You to Know About
The Coastal Road Trip That Locals Don’t Want You to Know About
Most travellers stick to the big names—Bondi, Byron, the Great Ocean Road. But if you’re after something quieter, slower, and more personal, there’s a stretch of coastline between Kiama and Tuross Head that quietly delivers. No giant crowds. No overhyped stops. Just that perfect blend of surf, seafood, and sleepy towns. It’s a coastal road trip that’s still flying under the radar—and the locals are totally fine with keeping it that way.
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Why Skip the Usual Coastal Routes?
The classics are popular for a reason—but they’re not peaceful. If you’re after beach walks without buskers, fish and chips without a queue, and views that aren’t blocked by tour buses, this drive gives you all of that. You’ll still get dramatic headlands, rolling waves, and excellent cafés. Just with room to breathe.
Where the Drive Starts: Kiama’s Underrated Edges
Most people stop at the Blowhole and leave. Don’t. Kiama’s outskirts—like Bombo Quarry, Easts Beach, and the Minnamurra River mouth—offer chilled starting points with fewer visitors and plenty of places to just sit, swim, or paddle. From there, take the Princes Highway and start hugging the coastline.
The Best Hidden Beaches Along the Way
You won’t need to jostle for towel space at these spots:
Mystics Beach (Killalea): Technically near Shellharbour, but feels a world away
Seven Mile Beach (Gerroa): Wide, quiet, and often empty in the early morning
Merry Beach (Kioloa): Slight detour inland then out again, but worth it for wallaby sightings and remote feel
Tuross Beach: The kind of beach locals don’t brag about because they want it to stay this way
Pack a picnic. These beaches don’t have much in the way of shops—but that’s the point.
Low-Key Towns Worth a Night (or Two)
Forget flashy resorts. Go where things are a little more lived-in:
Gerringong: Great coffee, surf vibes, and good bakeries
Mollymook: Low-key luxury with a few great spots to eat
Narooma: A bit further afield, but fantastic for an overnight stay with its sea cliffs and sea life
Tuross Head: This one feels like a secret. Lake meets ocean. Slow pace. Great base to unwind
Fresh Eats Without the Waitlist
It’s not about fine dining. It’s about places where the seafood was likely caught that morning.
Pilgrims Café (Milton): Veggie, but full of flavour
The Fish Shop (Bermagui, if you extend the drive): Straightforward, fresh, unpretentious
Boatshed Café (Tuross Head): Right on the water, perfect for a lazy lunch
Local IGA stores and roadside farm stalls also offer great options for making your own platter with ocean views.
Uncrowded Lookouts and Sunrise Spots
Bring a thermos and start early at:
Bald Hill Lookout (Stanwell Tops): Slight detour north, but a great sunrise over the sea
Warden Head Lighthouse (Ulladulla): Easy walk, excellent 360 views
Tuross Lake entrance: Morning light on still water = magic
No Instagram queues. Just you, the view, and maybe a curious pelican.
How to Make the Most of This Route
Travel midweek if you can—weekends are busier, but still calm compared to the big-name routes
Don’t rush—spread the drive over 2–4 days so you can actually settle into each place
Use local tip-offs—check noticeboards, ask baristas, follow local hashtags
Pack light beach gear—some of the best spots involve short walks in
Final Notes Before You Hit the Road
This coastal drive isn’t flashy. It’s not plastered all over TikTok or guidebooks. That’s why it works. It lets you slow down, roll the windows down, and feel like the road is yours for a little while.
Need a reliable car hire that fits your travel style? YesDrive has flexible options to help you explore without limits.
