Wondering how to find the secret Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout near Wollongong on the Grand Pacific Drive? The second most photographed bridge in NSW (after Sydney Harbour Bridge) is the Sea Cliff Bridge on the NSW South Coast.
The 665m bridge has seen thousands of people walk across it to admire it’s beauty and can be seen from the Stanwell Tops lookout point in the Illawarra Region.
If you’re wondering how to get to the top of the Sea Cliff Bridge, how to get down and where to park – it’s all in this guide as I’m sharing my personal experience of how to find it.
| IMPORTANT INFO Please be aware someone recently lost their life doing this short hike. If you are going to attempt it, please exercise extreme caution and stay away from the cliff edges. Always wear hiking boots, and I strongly advise do NOT to take children on this walk at all. Although the path I mention isn’t illegal, it’s not to say that it’s a well-trodden dirt track or safe. Do not go the illegal way to the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout by the train tracks, you’ll be fined at least $400 if you’re caught doing so! |
You can get to Sea Cliff Bridge by train!
How does one get to the Sea Cliff Bridge near Wollongong spot to really capture the bridge in all its glory?
The good news is, there are 2 train stations nearby. You can get from Sydney CBD on the South Coast line to either Coalcliff Station or Scarborough Train Station, so you don’t necessarily need a car to get there. It’s just 15 minutes to the bridge from either station.
If you’re driving from Sydney, it’s just over an hour’s drive to Stanwell Tops and the Sea Cliff Bridge via Grand Pacific Drive.
How to find the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout Entrance
Sea Cliff Bridge parking area is small and can get very busy. Keep driving down the Grand Pacific Drive from Stanwell Tops and once you drive over the Sea Cliff bridge, you’ll see a small car park on your right at the end of it, just big enough for two cars.
This is where the entrance to the path is. You can also just park at the South end around the corner and walk back.
Once you walk into the bushes, you’ll see a massive tree with a million branches. This obviously doesn’t look like the right way, but it actually is.
There will look like various paths along the way which is confusing. As long as you stay to the right and work your way up through the hill, you’ll come to the top to the Sea Cliff bridge lookout.
When you make your way up to the Sea Cliff Bridge lookout, you’ll see the path continues on. Just walk up the steep hill another minute or so and the view gets even better!
This entire walk took 10 minutes to get to the top secret lookout so it’s not too difficult. However, don’t rush the walk as you are on a cliff edge and and rock falls can happen.
Things to know before you go to the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
- Appropriate Footwear – I would strongly recommend wearing hiking boots or sturdy shoes as it’s not the safest climb in the world.
- DON’T TAKE CHILDREN – I definitely wouldn’t recommend taking children up there as it’s quite steep in sections and there’s not a lot to hold onto. Exercise extreme caution if you do.
- Time it right – Because I went up there in the afternoon, the light wasn’t great for the best view. I’d recommend going early in the morning to catch the sunrise and the blue skies will help you see further.
- Don’t go on the illegal track – I have heard there’s another way up to the hill by the Clifton School art college and playground, and along the railway tracks. This track is actually illegal so I wouldn’t be trying that. An Instagrammer pointed out to me that the police caught him and his friends going along this path and they were all fined $400 each and this was a good few years back so I’m sure the fine will be much bigger now!!! We don’t condone trespassing and your route decision is at your own risk.
After you finish your Sea Cliff Bridge walk, head over to The Scarborough Hotel for lunch. It’s a cracking pub on the cliff which you can read all about in our Best things to do in Wollongong guide!
Places to visit on the way to Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
Sea Cliff Bridge lookout is an adventure in itself but you don’t want to miss the captivating landscapes on the way. From pristine beaches and seaside villages to lush rainforests and iconic landmarks, your drive is a chance to make a full day of it.
Kiama is only a 50 minute drive from the Sea cliff Bridge lookout point and is the perfect place to stop and make a day of it. Check out all of our places along the drive and then spend your afternoon exploring the best things to do in Kiama and the best things to do in Wollongong.
1. Royal National Park
A pit stop in the Royal National Park is a must when you’re driving along the Pacific Highway coast in New South Wales, Australia. This place is like Mother Nature’s playground, and it’s just an hour away from Sydney. It;s actually the oldest National Park in Australia too.
When you stop by, get ready to be blown away by the rugged cliffs, green rainforests, quiete lagoons, and hidden beaches. Whether you’re picnicking or exploring the native wildlife, the Royal National Park is a fantastic spot to pause and recharge during your coastal adventure.
Check out our Royal National Park guides to help you plan your trip:
- 13 Tips For Visiting The Figure 8 Pools In Sydney
- 15 Best Royal National Park Walks In Sydney
- How To Get To Wedding Cake Rock In Royal National Park
2. Try Paragliding at Stanwell Tops Lookout Point
Stanwell Tops Lookout Point, perched high along the Grand Pacific Drive, is a true gem of the coastal landscape. You can even see a glimpse of the Sea Cliff Bridge from here as it winds around the cliff edge.
It’s a popular spot for hang-gliders and paragliders, who launch themselves into the open sky. It’s a bucket list adventure for any thrill seekers and I couldn’t think of a better spot to try it.
3. Madden Falls
A little bit of a detour off the Princes highway is Dharawal National Park and the charming Maddens Falls. This may be a great spot to visit after the Sea Cliff Bridge lookout if you’re wanting a longer walk. The trail is worth it for the stunning views of the cascading waterfall in the bushland forest.
4. Sandon Point Boatsheds
Who doesn’t love a rustic boatshed? The Sandon Point boatsheds are weathered, charming and iconic, set with a picturesque backdrop of the beach. You can definitely get some beautiful photographs here if quaint coastal nostalgia is your thing.
5. Breakwater Battery Museum
A short 20-minute drive from the Sandon Point Boat Sheds takes you to the one-of-a-kind Breakwater Battery Museum in Port Kembla. Constructed in 1939, the Breakwater Battery served as a coastal defence during World War 2. It’s really eerie but super cool to see in person.
6. Bombo Headland Quarry
This former quarry is about a 50 minute drive from the Sea Cliff Bridge lookout but worth driving South for. Over millions of years, this magical landscape has been transformed into towering basalt columns that are stunning.
The columns can reach up to 25 meters high and are incredible cool to see in person. With a beautiful view of the ocean, the Bombo Headland quarry the landscape is out of this world and will be one you remember for a long time.
More travel guides on the NSW South Coast
Looking for more adventures on the NSW South Coast? Check out our popular guides below!
- Best Things To Do In Wollongong
- Best Things To Do In Jervis Bay
- 15 Best Things To Do On The South Coast
- 21 Best Things To Do In Berry
- Cascade Falls Walk: A Family-Friendly Hike In Macquarie Pass National Park
- The Ultimate Guide To Southern Highlands in NSW
Don’t forget to watch our Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout Video!
How to find the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
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