EV road trip: Your guide to driving from Sydney to Kiama

Make the most of a road trip down the NSW South Coast with tips for smooth driving, easy charging, and unforgettable coastal stops.

One thing I’ve always said I’d miss if I ever moved overseas is the distinctive charm of Aussie coastal road trips. The combination of stunning natural beauty, endless ocean views, and that signature laid-back vibe makes for an experience like no other. It’s a thought I was reminded of while on a weekend road trip down the South Coast of NSW from Sydney to Kiama and its surrounds. It just delivers the goods: spectacular views, great food, and that relaxed vibe I was so in need of. 

What made the trip even better was that I got to do it in the new all-electric Porsche Macan. I don’t own an EV (though I’m definitely curious about making the switch), but the idea of cruising along the coast with zero emissions is certainly appealing and the Macan’s smooth handling and quiet performance made it feel effortlessly luxurious. 

Here’s how I made the most of a weekend away on an EV road trip from Sydney to Kiama.

Morning

A.P. Bakery

Grab pastries to go or relax on the sunny rooftop.

All road trips should start strong with coffee and an indulgent breakfast. If the weather is sunny, make a beeline to A.P Bakery in Surry Hills. Head through the ground floor of Paramount House and up the elevator to the rooftop, where you’ll be greeted by a lush urban oasis and a menu of high-quality baked goods. Think: warrigal greens and ricotta pie, vanilla cream and rhubarb croissants, and mango, coconut and almond Danish.

Sea Cliff Bridge

The Sea Cliff Bridge is one of the most scenic spots on the South Coast. (Image: Destination NSW)

Make your way to the Royal National Park to take the scenic route to Wollongong. In doing so you’ll pass through the picturesque Stanwell Tops and embark on one of Australia’s most iconic drives over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Approximately 665 metres long, it offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline. The bridge has a designated pedestrian walkway for visitors to enjoy the scenery.

Afternoon

Lunch in Wollongong

Trucking along to Wollongong, stop in for lunch at Restaurant Santino. This trattoria-style eatery’s menu features a variety of modern Italian dishes, from handmade pasta to fresh seafood and expertly crafted sides. Don’t miss the conchiglie with prawn, salmon roe, sorrel, and bisque, and the potato salad with green goddess dressing, capers, fefferoni, and mint oil. Pair this with one of the mocktails like the Bizarro Spritz.

Head out for a stroll along Wollongong City Beach. The coastal views and fresh air are the perfect way to unwind before hitting the road again. 

Check-in to Oceanview Kiama

This luxe stay exudes modern coastal charm.

Continue your journey until you hit Kiama. One of the best and most convenient places to stay is at Oceanview Kiama. This spacious beachfront apartment is in the heart of town and sleeps up to four guests. The modern coastal interiors and ocean views are the perfect balance of luxurious and laid-back, fostering the right ambience for unwinding after a day of exploring or to just while away a few hours on the balcony. 

The EV charging station at The Pacific is right next to the beach.

If you’re travelling in an EV, you’re in luck – there’s a convenient charging station less than a minute’s walk away at The Pavilion. Kiama Council has installed two Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, making it easy to top up your car. I personally charged the Macan for about an hour to make sure it was fully topped up after having driven it around Sydney for a few days (a full charge provides a range of 516-612 kilometres), but if you need more time, it’s no problem – just leave your car parked there at any point during your stay. Fees are as follows:

Connection Fee: $0.50

Per kWh Charge: $0.50

Idle Fee: $5.00 for every 10 minutes after the vehicle is fully charged.

There is a range of websites and apps available to plan your EV road trip. I used the free PlugShare app, which provides comprehensive coverage of charging stations across Australia.  

Kiama Blowhole and Kiama Lighthouse

The Kiama Blowhole and Kiama Lighthouse sit adjacent to one another. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Kiama Blowhole and Kiama Lighthouse are two of the most iconic landmarks in the area, they sit next to one another and are just a 10-minute walk away. The Kiama Blowhole is one of the largest natural blowholes in the world. This 2.5-metre hole in the rock platform shoots water up to 30 metres into the sky when the tide is churning from the south-east. You can take a casual stroll through the rock formations while admiring the coastal views.

Evening

Fish and chips by the beach

Indulge in fish and chips oceanside.

It wouldn’t be a coastal trip without enjoying fish and chips by the beach. By The Sea Takeaway Kiama offers top-notch beer-battered fish (chicken salt is a must), calamari, and grilled barramundi at affordable prices. If you don’t like seafood, they also serve a range of burgers and Indian curries. Grab some takeaway and walk over to Storm Bay to get stuck in while admiring the beautiful calming ocean vistas.

Morning

South Werri (Ourie) Ocean Pool, Gerringong

Kickstart your day with a refreshing dip in the South Werri Ocean Pool.

First thing in the morning, drive 15 minutes down to Gerringong for an early morning swim at the South Werri (Ourie) Ocean Pool. This 33-metre pool at the southern end of Werri Beach is an idyllic and peaceful place to swim away from the surf. 

After your swim, it’s worth taking a leisurely drive around Gerringong as you’re treated to spectacular ocean and cliff views and rolling green hills. The Macan’s sunroof really added to the summer vibes, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Take a scenic drive around the picturesque Gerringong.

Breakfast in Gerringong

Make the most of the views by having breakfast at Sea Vista Cafe. Tuck into avocado toast, eggs benedict, or a smoothie bowl while admiring the unspoilt beach and ocean scenes.

Afternoon

Kiama coastal walk

Stretching 20 kilometres from Kiama to Gerringong, the Kiama Coast Walk is one of the most picturesque walks on the East Coast passing windswept headlands and pristine beaches. The walk is broken into three sections: North, Mid, and South, with each section ranging from 5 – 8 kilometres. As the accommodation is close to the blowhole, it’s a great starting point, with the walk leading you to Loves Bay. You’ll pass by stunning beaches and lush landscapes, and from May to November, you might even spot whales migrating along the coast.

Evening

Dinner at Silica Restaurant

After a walk, indulging in a well-earned meal is only right and Silica Restaurant dishes up modern Australian against a spectacular outlook of Surf Beach. Savour fresh plates that hero locally-grown produce such as orecchiette with mushrooms, garlic pangrattato, and Pecora Dairy Yarrawa and caramelised pineapple with The Pines caramel gelato, and zabaglione. Takeaway is also available and includes battered or grilled fish with chips, grilled fish, calamari, and fresh wraps.

Morning

Breakfast at Native

Start the day right with a hearty breakfast from Native Kiama.

For breakfast, head straight for Native, a laidback cafe that offers an all-day brunch menu. Highlights include Gran’s Granola, a house-made blend served with yoghurt and seasonal fruit, and the haloumi breakfast bagel with avocado and tomato relish. Take your meal outside and sit amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Terralong Street.

Minamurra Falls walk

The walk will reward you with cascading waterfall views.

The 20-minute drive to Budderoo National Park is truly delightful as you pass by rolling green hills with dramatic cliffs as the backdrop. The Minamurra Falls walking track in the Minnamurra Rainforest is a 4.2-kilometre return journey (1-2 hours) through dense subtropical rainforest where you’ll likely spot some friendly lyrebirds. The reward is Carrington Falls, a breathtaking 50-metre waterfall that cascades into a deep gorge. 

Note: The Grade 4 walk is predominantly uphill on the way to the waterfall and has no wheelchair accessibility. 

Lunch in Wollongong

For a relaxed meal on your way home, head to The Scarborough Hotel in Scarborough, approximately one hour from the rainforest. The pub sits on a cliff boasting a panorama of the Pacific Ocean, extending up the coast to Sydney. Nab an outside table to enjoy casual bites like snapper and prawn pie.

Discover our guide to the best things to do in Kiama