How far is Clifton from Sydney?

Clifton is about an hour from the Sydney CBD by car. It is about 7 km south of Stanwell Park along the coast road.

How long is the Sea Cliff Bridge?

The Sea Cliff Bridge is 665 metres long. It opened in 2005 to replace a section of Lawrence Hargrave Drive that was closed by rockfalls in 2003.

Can you walk across the Sea Cliff Bridge?

Yes. A footpath runs along the ocean side of the bridge between Coalcliff and Clifton. There is parking near both ends. A return walk takes about 45 minutes.

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Clifton

The village at the end of the bridge.

Along the coast: ~7 km south of Stanwell Park
Train: No station. Use Coalcliff or Scarborough.
Best for: The bridge, and a drink after it

Why visit Clifton?

Clifton is where the Sea Cliff Bridge lands. The 665-metre curve of road was built out over the ocean after rockfalls closed the old cliff road in 2003, and it opened in 2005.

Before the bridge, Clifton was a small mining town with a pub and a School of Arts hall. Both are still here, on the cliff above the road.

Park at the southern end of the bridge and walk back across it. The footpath sits on the ocean side, so you get the full drop to the water.

Things to do in Clifton

Walk the bridge

Sunrise is best. It gets busy with photographers on weekends.
The Imperial

An old cliff-top pub. Check opening hours before you plan lunch around it.
School of Arts

The old hall still hosts community events, gigs and markets.

Where to swim in Clifton

Clifton has no swimming beach of its own. Walk north across the Sea Cliff Bridge to Coalcliff rock pool, or drive a few minutes south to Scarborough–Wombarra beach.

Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches. Ocean pools close on a roster for cleaning, so check Wollongong City Council before you plan a swim around one.

Where to stay in Clifton

A handful of houses and rentals sit along the cliff. Coalcliff, Scarborough and Thirroul are all close by.

How do you get to Clifton from Sydney?

Clifton has no train station. Get off at Coalcliff or Scarborough, both a short walk or drive away.

By car, Clifton is about an hour from the Sydney CBD. Take the M1 Princes Motorway, or drive through the Royal National Park and down Lawrence Hargrave Drive for the scenic route, which reaches this end of the coast first.

Compare train, scenic drive and motorway →

Clifton at a glance

Key facts about Clifton
Detail	Clifton
Distance from Stanwell Park	~7 km
Train station	No
Train from Central	n/a
Ocean pool	No
Surf club	None
Best for	The bridge, and a drink after it
Neighbours	Coalcliff (north), Scarborough (south)

Clifton FAQs

How far is Clifton from Sydney?: Clifton is about an hour from the Sydney CBD by car. It is about 7 km south of Stanwell Park along the coast road.
Is there an ocean pool at Clifton?: No. Clifton has no swimming beach of its own. Walk north across the Sea Cliff Bridge to Coalcliff rock pool, or drive a few minutes south to Scarborough–Wombarra beach.
How long is the Sea Cliff Bridge?: The Sea Cliff Bridge is 665 metres long. It opened in 2005 to replace a section of Lawrence Hargrave Drive that was closed by rockfalls in 2003.
Can you walk across the Sea Cliff Bridge?: Yes. A footpath runs along the ocean side of the bridge between Coalcliff and Clifton. There is parking near both ends. A return walk takes about 45 minutes.