Kiama has joined forces with four other local government areas to Go Grand in promoting the tourist attractions of the South Coast and Southern Highlands.

The coordinated regional tourism campaign is designed to boost visitation during the winter months and support local tourism operators across the Grand Pacific Drive.

Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands have united under four key themes for the winter tourism season: Grand Experiences, Grand Flavours, Grand Nature and Grand Stays.

Destination Kiama chair, Councillor Matt Brown said when he was NSW Tourism Minister nearly 20 years ago he helped launch the Grand Pacific Drive campaign and a lot of that infrastructure is at the centre of this latest push for most tourists to discover the region.

“It’s really good that our local tourism organisations and councils are coming back to that campaign,” he said.

“We have these amazing rounds, starting up north with the Sea Cliff Bridge and going down south. We really want to make it more than just a drive, we’re looking at grand experiences and grand food.

Illawarra Fly's zipline tandem.

“In Kiama at this time of year, one of the best things you can do is go to the Illawarra Fly and spend beautiful winter days looking over the escarpment. It’s really special and now that the Jamberoo Mountain Road is open, it’s one of the best experiences families can enjoy locally.

“It’s a fully iconic experience. You get put in a harness and whiz through the trees on a zipline, it’s very fun.”

The Go Grand is not just targeted at tourists from the rest of NSW and beyond with local residents also being encouraged to explore the region’s many eye-catching destinations.

“We are spoilt for choice as locals. If people haven’t seen the new and improved Minnamurra Rainforest and its walking tracks, or gone to the Illawarra Fly, make sure you do,” Cr Brown added.

“At the Kiama Visitors’ Centre you can get tickets for these things and really good advice on spending a day out and about.

“We don’t need to travel very far to have a great experience, whether it’s up in the Southern Highlands or down in the Shoalhaven, there’s so much to do - walking tracks, wineries, bed an breakfasts, there’s so much to see and do.

Killalea State Park. Kramer Photography

“I encourage people to visit something new or something they haven’t seen for a while in their own backyard.

"Kiama is proud to be part of the Go Grand campaign, celebrating our undeniably grand landscapes – from volcanic cliffs and rolling green hills to hidden waterfalls and iconic coast walk.

“But it’s the warmth of our community and the richness of our experiences that make a visit truly unforgettable.

“Whether it’s browsing seaside markets, indulging in local flavours or joining a vibrant winter event, Kiama offers moments that linger long after you leave.

“Partnering with our Top Tourism Town neighbours across the South Coast and Highlands shows that when we work together, the journey becomes even grander.”

You can pre-purchase tickets online on illawarrafly.com.au.

Shannan Perry-Hall, GM, Destination Sydney Surrounds South, said the Go Grand initiative was a landmark example of regional collaboration, “positioning the South Coast and Southern Highlands as NSW’s premier winter road trip destination”.

The established touring route of the Grand Pacific Drive offers a connected and easily navigable itinerary for holidaymakers to plan a winter getaway through some of NSW’s most picturesque and experience-rich destinations.

“From the National Surfing Reserve at The Farm, Killalea, and the Shell Cove Waterfront Precinct, to HARS Aviation Museum and the lush Macquarie Pass National Park, Shellharbour offers diverse, unforgettable grand experiences,” Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris Homer said.

Shoalhaven Tourism cultural & community services manager Kristy Mayhew said the Go Grand campaign would benefit their tourism operators in the off-peak season.

“Data tells us that spend is down and cost of living is hurting local businesses, so if you can take a short break and make it grand, the South Coast and Highlands await,” she said.

Grand Pacific Drive is a 140km scenic touring route that begins in the Royal National Park and winds its way through spectacular coastal and hinterland landscapes.