The best new restaurants in the Sutherland Shire

1. Fior

Head to Fior in the Sutherland Shire suburb of Gymea and you’re likely to find punters packed in tighter than a tin of anchovies. Chef Tristan Rosier and his partner Rebecca Fanning, also run Jane and Arthur in Surry Hills and they saw an opportunity in the area when they moved nearby to raise their young family. Tristan’s attention to detail extends beyond the food: he engaged Luchetti Krelle to help reimagine the space, which was occupied by Caruso’s Italian for more than two decades. If Jane and Arthur are distinctly Australian diners, Fior is like their next-gen sibling from Italy who has an ironic mullet, wears chinos and doesn’t mind dishes that riff on modern classics. Rosier successfully demonstrates how Italian food can evolve with seasonal Australian ingredients. All the pasta is made in-house, as is the gelato. Start with the former, finish with the latter.

2. Folk Lounge & Dining

Restaurateur and chef Albi Cuni has endeared himself to locals for more than a decade at the helm of Albi’s Taverna in Cronulla. But the timing was right to make a move and the chef has been lured to helm Folk Lounge & Dining at Tradies Gymea where he continues to showcase modern-day Mediterranean food and mod Oz classics. The sophisticated new space is all olive-green banquettes, bare timber tables and terrazzo. Here, you’ll find the expansive menu broken up into tapas, appetisers, pizza, pasta, burgers, mains, sauces, salads, desserts and gelato. Even the kids’ menu is more refined than most with plates of pasta Napoletana proving a popular option for kids and therefore time-poor parents on the go. Diet be damned. You can always dedicate the rest of the weekend to wellness.

table full of dishes at Folk Lounge & Dining at Tradies Gymea

Find an expansive menu of incredible food at Folk. (Image: Leigh Griffiths)

3. Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare

First he conquered the Sydney suburb of Alexandria with Pino’s Vino e Cucina . Now restaurateur Matteo Margiotta wants to give residents of the Sutherland Shire a taste of his homeland and heritage with his stylish new sister venue in Cronulla. Matteo, who arrived in Australia 14 years ago from Rome, has promoted his ‘right-hand-man’ Cristiano Patacca (Otto’s, est.) to the position of executive chef to oversee both restaurants. And together the duo has collaborated on a menu of decadent dishes that Matteo says his Dad, Pino – featured on the logo – would appreciate. Signatures include a seafood grigliata mista, Roman cacio e pepe on thick, hand-rolled pici pasta and decadent lobster pasta. Margiotta says he chose the historic building in Cronulla because it’s “in the heart of community" where he moved with his wife and two daughters during the pandemic.

pasta dish at Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare in sutherland shire

Treat yourself to hand-rolled pasta and mouthwatering creations.

4. Sista Gin Bar

Sista Gin has a fine reputation for serving sensational cocktails, many of which include gin, making it one of the best new bars in Cronulla. The intimate bar tucked away on Cronulla St has an intimate retro speakeasy vibe with raw bricks and green velvet chairs making for a congenial space. In addition to the gin aficionados being drawn to the bar for well-crafted cocktails, Sista Gin ensures patrons are well fed. Hungry after your morning surf? Refuel on prawn and saffron linguine and wild mushroom risotto. Or order an array of small plates of tapas to share: think soft tacos stuffed with pulled beef or pumpkin and sage arancini. There are also more casual offerings such as charcuterie boards, cheeses from near and far and grilled halloumi.

cocktails lined up at Sista Gin Bar sutherland shire sydney

Taste sensational cocktails at Sista Gin Bar.

Return to the classics

Want to know what to do in the Sutherland Shire over a long weekend? Visit for the surf and the sunshine. Then get buzzed for the restaurant scene. In addition to Cronulla’s much-loved restaurants such as Queen Margherita of Savoy, Giro’s Osteria, Alphabet St, SeaLevel, The Pines and Summer Salt, visitors will find Jensen’s worth the jaunt to Kareela Village and a swag of top spots to enjoy a cocktail in the Sutherland Shire . While the bustling beachside suburb in Sydney’s south has everything from swanky lounge bars like Papa Js (an offshoot of Jensens) to beach-chic luxe shacks like Bobby’s, it also has low-key hangs that are further afield. Sunday Road Brewing and Hairyman Brewery are both worth plugging in your satnav. There’s a lot to love about the brand-new Bay Central Woolooware too. Shoppers are flocking to the upmarket food court for everything from burgers to banh mi. The food court defies pigeonholing: pinball from Levain Sourdough Pizza to Ishq and Dilara Kebabs and Street Food.

Experience as much as possible by staying a night (or several) at beachside Quest Cronulla and Rydges Cronulla , or centrally located Quest Woolooware Bay .

fresh seafood at Hurricanes Grill & Bar in sutherland shire

Don’t forget Sutherland Shire’s much-loved restaurants, like Hurricanes Grill & Bar.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

The best new places to eat and drink in the Sutherland Shire

The Sutherland Shire has long been a favourite for foodies, and some favourite new arrivals (and buzzy institutions to boot) are sprinkling even more stardust over Sydney’s southern suburbs.