Stunning coastal drives from Sydney

The recently built addition to the Grand Pacific Drive in between Sydney and Wollongong.

When it comes to popular day trips from Sydney, the Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains are at the head of most folks' lists.

But with such a beautiful coastline north and south of the harbor city, ocean drives are also a favorite of surfers, backpackers and any traveler getting away from the big smoke.

With the sun shining, surf beaches and inlets along the New South Wales coast beckon everyone in Sydney.

Here are six options, all drivable in less than five hours.

1. The Grand Pacific Drive to Jervis Bay

The Grand Pacific Highway takes you over the Pacific Ocean.

Jervis Bay is known for its white sand beaches and dolphin watching and this awaits at the end of a three-hour road trip south of Sydney, along the Grand Pacific Drive.

But there’s even more to see on the way, including Nan Tien Temple outside the seaside city of Wollongong, the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere.  The Kiama Blowhole -- where water furiously spurts out of rocks if there's a big swell -- and Lighthouse are worth stopping at, too.

Restaurants to check out: World Famous Fish N Chips in Huskisson. The wait is long, but the steak fries and large fried flounder fillets make up for it. Also, in the boutique town of Berry, Our Bookshop & Café can stimulate your taste buds as well as intellect, while Hungry Duck was just awarded a hat -- both are on the Princes Highway.

2. Royal National Park to the Southern Highlands

The untouched coastline that is the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney.

Bypass Route 1 to hug the National Park's coastal roads that meander through rainforest, cliff-side lookouts and rock pools on this three-hour trip.

The northern suburbs of Wollongong are quaint, including Stanwell ParkStop by Stanwell Park -- typical of the area's vibe where artists and surfers coexist.

Shortly after Wollongong, the drive cuts inland toward Moss Vale, leading through parts of the Upper Kangaroo Valley -- one of the world's genuine nagtural basins -- and Macquarie Pass National Park.

Winery to visit: Located just northeast of Bowral in Mittagong, Tertini Wines offers a small range of award-winning Rieslings and Pinot Noirs. After a tasting, guests can sit at barrel tabletops to enjoy coffee and snacks. 

3. South to Narooma

There are plenty of secluded beaches the further south you go.

This drive passes through the coastal areas of the Princes Highway south of Ulladulla, towards the Victorian border.

As you drive south, a continuous line of beaches is on your left and national parkland and your right.

Fishing and water sports are popular down south, but heritage towns are also inundated with museums, animal parks and wineries.

Tour to take: Hop on a half-day tour from Narooma to Montague Island, home to both Little Penguin and fur seal colonies. You can also stay overnight in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage.