How to find the Secret Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout 

Sea Cliff Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in Australia, and it is easy to see why. But not many people can find the secret lookout where you can take even more amazing pictures from.

Located on the Grand Pacific Drive, about an hour and a half south of Sydney, in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge spans a stunning section of coastline. And while the views from the bridge are incredible, there’s a hidden lookout point that offers an even more fantastic perspective.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to find the secret lookout point so you can enjoy the views for yourself!

Key Points

• Sea Cliff Bridge is an iconic structure in Australia that spans the coastline of New South Wales.
• To really take in its beauty, you need to see it from above at the Sea Cliff Bridge lookout.
• The easiest way to get there is by car, and limited parking is available at both ends of the bridge. You can also get there by taking a train from Sydney straight to Scarborough Train Station or Coalcliff Train station.
• Be very careful when you are on the secret lookout as unofficial lookouts like this one often have rock falls and mudslides – go at your own risk! Also, note that the trail leading up tot he lookout is highly vertical and bumpy so wear sturdy shoes.
• To find entrance of path leading up to lookout: Cross bridge after parking car on south end ocean side road; Look for small opening in bushes with danger sign nearby; Go through opening; You will see ropes & yellow markings on some trees – this is your clue that you are in right place!

What is the Sea Cliff Bridge

Welcoming tourists annually, the Sea Cliff Bridge is an iconic structure that spans the coastline of New South Wales, Australia. Located in Wollongong, the bridge spans a length of 665 metres and is designed to offer stunning views of the coastline.

The Sea Cliff Bridge was built to replace part of the Lawrence Hargrave Drive, which had to close permanently in August 2003 because rocks constantly fell from the cliff.

The Sea Cliff Bridge, completed in 2005, connects the two coastal cities of Coalcliff and Clifton.

While some people opt to cross the bridge by foot via the pedestrian walkway or by car, to really take in its beauty, you need to see it from above.

At the Sea Cliff Bridge lookout, you don’t need a drone to get aerial views or perfect shots of the bridge winding around the cliffs.

Where is the Sea Cliff Bridge

Let’s start by discussing how to get to the Sea Cliff Bridge. The easiest way to get there is by car, and limited parking is available at both ends of the bridge. If you don’t have your own car, you can hire one here.

If you’re coming from Sydney, take the Princes Highway south until you reach Wollongong. From there, follow signs for the Sea Cliff Bridge. The drive should take about an hour. I have pinned the exact location on the map below.

You can also get to the Sea Cliff Bridge by public transport! You have two options if you decide to visit by taking the train.

Take the train from Central or Town Hall if you’re coming from Sydney. Head in the direction of Kiama on the South Coast Line. Always double-check that your train stops at Scarborough station, as some trains skip this station. The train from Sydney to Scarborough only takes an hour and twenty minutes.

If you want to go straight to the bridge lookout without walking the entire bridge, stop at the Scarborough Train Station and allow 10 to 15 minutes to walk there from the south end of Sea Cliff Bridge.

Stop at the Coalcliff Train station and allow yourself 15 minutes to walk to the start of the bridge. 

Finally, you can visit the Sea Cliff Bridge by booking a tour. The only tour we could find that takes you there, and let’s you walk along the bridge is this one.

Things to know before you go

Be very careful when you are on the secret lookout. Unofficial lookouts like this one often have rock falls and mudslides. Though tragic, each year, a handful of people die at this lookout after the earth beneath them just crumbles. Go at your own risk.

Something else to note is that the Sea Cliff Bridge trail is highly vertical and bumpy and can be very slippery and muddy when wet. Exercise extreme caution!

We strongly recommend wearing sturdy shoes. This won’t be a walk in the park, and you will need to climb the hill. We were not wearing hiking boots and still did okay.

How to find the entrance to the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout

The easiest place to park when you go to the Sea Cliff Bridge is on the south end, in the car spaces on the ocean side of the road; this is where the lookout is.

The entrance to the path leading up to the lookout is not marked – remember, this is an unofficial track.

Cross the bridge after parking the car and look for the ‘Sea Cliff Bridge’ sign. Look for a small opening in the bushes with a danger sign nearby. Go through this small opening in the bush, and you see some ropes and yellow markings on some trees. This is your clue that you are in the right place.

The trail to Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout

Although there is a steep incline, the walk to the top took about 10 minutes.

After you enter the bushes, continue up and right on the dirt track for most of the walk. Kind strangers have thoughtfully painted yellow marks on some of the trees and attached ropes for you to hang on to – follow these to stay on track.

After walking for a few minutes, you will come to an area where you must take a left turn and walk directly up a very inclined hill. From here on out, be extremely careful!!

The yellow markings should guide you along the way to the top of Sea Cliff Bridge. Eventually, you’ll see an opening that takes you to the lookout point.

Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout

Once you reach the Sea Cliff Bridge lookout, you’ll be rewarded with plenty of space to walk around and take in the incredible views.

You’ll find different sections on the lookout, each with its own great viewing platform. You can see the Sea Cliff Bridge and the expansive coastline, including the Royal National Park.

You will also find a seat to sit and enjoy the views – or recover from the walk-up.