Traffic on the humpback highway is getting busy, with the northern whale migration season well underway, and there is no better place to view these majestic mammals than the headlands around Kiama.

On Sunday, the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) will hold its 26th annual whale census and is calling on the community to head to their favourite coastal destination to help track the cetacean travellers.

Humpbacks are not the only natural wonder on offer in the region this winter and a new regional tourism campaign is encouraging people to hit the road and support local businesses during these tough economic times.

Five councils, including Kiama, have joined forces with Destination Sydney Surrounds South for the Go Grand campaign, showcasing the natural wonders, accommodation, food and attractions on offer across the South Coast and Southern Highlands.

Shannan Perry-Hall, the general manager of Destination Sydney Surrounds South, grew up in Bawley Point but it wasn’t until she moved interstate that she realised the unique beauty of the region.

“We are spoilt for choice on the South Coast and Southern highlands,” says Ms Perry-Hall.

“There is such a broad range of experiences on offer in quite a small area. So people can jump in the car on a Thursday night, take Friday off work and travel from Sydney or Canberra and be on the coast or in the highlands in a matter of hours for a weekend getaway.”

Best of all, the hard work has been done by the Destination teams who have put together detailed itineraries for the winter tourism campaign’s four key themes: Grand Experiences, Grand Flavours, Grand Nature and Grand Stays.

There is even an itinerary for a family getaway for the upcoming school holidays.

“Winter is always a lot tougher for tourism businesses,” says Ms Perry-Hall. “And with difficult economic times at the moment, people aren’t spending money as much as they have done in the past.

“But that’s the beauty of this campaign, it’s about grand experiences, many of which are free, rather than grand expenses.”

And with activities already mapped out according to areas of interest, there is no mental planning load required. You can just pack a bag, jump in the car and wind your way up or down Grand Pacific Drive, says Ms Perry-Hall.

So what does the tourism guru’s ideal road trip look like?

“Well I would start in Kiama, it’s an easy drive from Sydney or Canberra, and there’s a heap of amazing accommodation options, so it’s a great first stop for a winter road trip,” she says.

“I’d stay overnight at the Sebel and grab a share plate at Little Betty’s for dinner. Then the next morning I’d do the Kiama Coastal walk to spot whales and sea eagles and then grab a coffee and croissant from Slow Dough.

“I’d go south for a spot of shopping and lunch in Gerringong and then head away from the coast into the Highlands.

"There are some spectacular short walks at Carrington or Belmore Falls and then in the afternoon it’s time for some wine tasting. There are a lot of great accommodation and dining options in the highlands with the essential winter fireplace and comfort food.”

Ms Perry-Hall also recommends a visit to Ngununggula Art Gallery while in the highlands, before heading south to the spectacular Bundanon in the Shoalhaven.

“I am a coast girl at heart so I’d head back to the water to do some whale watching at Jervis Bay or even swim with the whales with local tourism operator Woebegone Freedive,” she says.

“You can do all of these wonderful experiences over a couple of nights in different regions and really embrace the winter road trip or just use Kiama as your base because everything’s quite close.”

Ms Perry-Hall is also encouraging locals to get involved in the campaign and act as tour guides for family and friends.

“People have a real sense of pride for where they live and they are able to showcase not just all the activities on offer but also their favourite coffee shop, restaurant, winery or activity,” says Ms Perry-Hall.

“There is no better holder of knowledge than a local and the food scene across the region is really growing with a focus on paddock to plate and fresh local produce.

“There are also some great wineries and breweries and activities like swimming - the water temperature and clarity are great at the moment - whale watching and bush walks. What more could you want for a winter getaway?”

So pack your bags, hit the highway and if you are travelling along Grand Pacific Drive this weekend choose your favourite headland to join in the ORRCA whale census.

Whale spotters will need to register online and log their chosen location before census day on June 29.

ORRCA will email all participants a Census Day kit which includes a sighting fact sheet and access to the organisation's Data Collection App to log sightings on Sunday.