20 Of The Best Things To Do In Cronulla

An insider’s guide to 20 of the best things to do in and around Cronulla in Sydney’s south.

The best things to do in Cronulla revolve around the ocean. Every day, during the faint lifting of the early light, you will find Cronulla Esplanade busy with a mix of power walkers, joggers, amateur photographers and besuited surfers gathering as if at a shambolic convention.

As the slightest crack of golden light begins to break over the horizon, those with phones pause for long enough to hold them up to the sky and capture it filling with colour. It’s a ritual that bookends the day and one that captures the buzz of the beachside suburb.

But there’s a lot more to do besides. Here are 20 of the best things to do in Cronulla to experience its diverse and spontaneous vibes.

1. Get a spa treatment

You will have ample time to do some soul-searching while nourishing your skin at Endota Spa , just minutes from the beach in South Cronulla. Furthermore, you can stretch, shape, tone or sweat or slow down and find some quiet in the stillness during a soothing stone massage.

a woman having a facial treatment at Endota Spa — Get pampered at Endota Spa.

There are rejuvenation packages on offer at the spa that can be custom-designed to suit your needs. Beauty & Balance is another dedicated space for wellness, an upstairs studio with a whisper-quiet environment that is like a hidden sanctuary.

Follow the Sunrise yoga regular yogis page on Facebook to see when and where you can do the downward dog at dawn. The 6am classes are held in the southernmost corner of South Cronulla Beach and hosted by seasoned yoga professionals. Although it seems ridiculously early, this is peak hour on the Esplanade and the perfect place to be to appreciate those sunrise views. Top off your morning with a swim in a rock pool. Cronulla has some of the best Sydney has to offer. If the weather is inclement, book a class at BHAV in the heart of Cronulla Plaza.

a sunrise yoga class at BHAV — Book a class at BHAV with seasoned yoga professionals.

3. Kayak into Cabbage Tree Basin

Your time in the Shire will take a more reflective turn when you hire a kayak from Bundeena Kayaks and paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin.

kayaking at Cabbage Tree Basin — Kayak all the way to the end of the creek to make the most of your experience. (Image: Sutherland Shire Council)

Moreover, entering the mouth of the basin is a challenge if you don’t know what you’re doing as you have to time it with the ebb and flow of the tide.

paddling at Cabbage Tree Basin — Paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin. (Image: Sutherland Shire Council)

Scan the banks of Bundeena for water birds and sluice past the thick tangle of mangroves that mark the entrance to the waterway. Paddle all the way to the end of the creek to experience the serenity.

a group of kayakers at Cabbage Tree Basin — Hire a kayak from Bundeena Kayaks. (Image: Sutherland Shire Council)

4. Get on your bike

Chain Reaction has been catering to the changing needs of cyclists for three decades. The shop is run by hardcore bike geeks, everyone from recreational riders to international and Olympic-level athletes. Talk to owner Chris about the best bike to hire and where to ride it. He’ll probs recommend the Woolooware Shared Pathway, which wends its way to Shorebird Reserve , an important habitat for migratory birds. The path is undergoing an extension to loop the track behind Shark Park and the new Bay Central Woollooware shopping centre.

a biker walking by the Cabbage Tree Basin betweenMaianbar and Bundeena — Explore Cabbage Tree Basin on your bike. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Learn to surf

Cronulla Surfing Academy has been helping inspire young grommets to get to their feet for the past two decades. Former professional surfer Blake Johnston has also coached some of the area’s rising stars, including Jarvis Earle who is a celebrated local surfer.

surfing at sea, Cronulla Surfing Academy — Ride the gnarly waves in Cronulla.

Beginners will first learn to balance on a foamie, before progressing through to fibreglass. CSA coach and founder Blake Johnston set a Guinness World Record for surfing 40 hours straight in March 2023 to raise money for the Chumpy Pullin Foundation.

a surfer at sea, Cronulla Surfing Academy — Learn to surf at Cronulla Surfing Academy.

6. Browse for books

The Best Little Bookshop in Town is a must on any Cronulla itinerary. Talk to the erudite owner Grant who always has great recommendations. Those new to the area should also join the BLB Book Club, which tends towards literary gems. As well as books that focus on everything from fiction to cookbooks, the store is perfect for those looking for a unique gift.

a look inside The Best Little Bookshop in Town — From fiction to cookbooks, the Best Little Bookshop in Town has everything you need.

The Best Little Bookshop in Town also has an extensive range of rare and collectable books. Check out the schedule for the Lotus Rooms where you can sign up for everything from energy readings to yin yoga and meditation.

books on display at The Best Little Bookshop in Town, Cronulla — Find an extensive range of rare books.

7. Check out the Cronulla Surf Museum

Shoes. Cronulla Point. Wanda. Windy Point. The Alley. These are just a few of the surf breaks dotted between Greenhills and Oak Park in Cronulla. The seaside suburb of Cronulla has a long association with surfing. And it has created a terrific training ground for boundary-breaking surfers such as Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo, Richard ‘Dog’ Marsh, Jarvis Earle and Connor O’Leary. Head to the Cronulla Surf Museum tucked away in Cronulla Central to read about the history of the sport in the region.

8. Take a self-guided walk

Cronulla is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘kurranulla’ meaning ‘place of pink seashells’ in the language of the Dharawal-speaking people, the Traditional Owners of the Land.

a street mural at Walk the Walls, Cronulla — The walls become an ever-evolving exhibition of street art.

You can learn about First Nations people at plaques placed along the Esplanade, where the waves have crashed along the coast for millennia. Walk the Walls provides another incentive to get your steps up. The annual event sees the walls become an ever-evolving exhibition of street art.

one of the murals at Walk the Walls, Cronulla — Spot the iconic street murals in Cronulla.

9. Enjoy a Sydney staycation

Call recently revitalised Rydges Cronulla home for a few days and you will be right in position to check out some of the best bars and restaurants in the Shire. Rydges Cronulla has a cool, coastal vibe. The Alley, the hotel’s bar, has live music and DJs. As a result, it is a top spot to hang on a Sunday when the terrace becomes an open-air dance floor. The hotel has a pool and priceless views over North Cronulla Beach. It’s where you will find some of the suburb’s best cafes and bars.

the balcony at Rydges Cronulla with views over North Cronulla Beach — Rydges Cronulla boasts views over North Cronulla Beach. (Image: Rydges Cronulla)

10. Bunker down in Bundeena

Catch the ferry over to the newly revitalised Simpson’s Cottage , which is a chic option in the Royal National Park, just a short ferry trip away onboard the heritage-listed Curranulla.

the Simpson’s Cottage in Cronulla — Step into the newly revitalised Simpson’s Cottage.

Make Bundeena your base for the monthly art trail. It’s one of the best things to do in Bundeena. Locals in the know will also point you toward the Jean General Store . The boutique hardware and general store is run by award-winning interior designer Kelly Ross (Joe’s Bar and Bar Beirut, Canberra, Queenies and Ora). That is to say, it’s worth a visit.

a black dog inside the Jean General Store, Cronulla — Browse through boutique hardware items at the Jean General Store.

11. Catch a gig at the Brass Monkey

The Brass Monkey is an intimate subterranean venue that has played host to some top-tier talent since it opened in 1999. The grungy speakeasy-style bar has established a legacy as a place for live music with acts including Ash Grunwald, Mental as Anything, Matt Corby, Alex Lloyd, Sarah McLeod and Josh Pyke on its hit list.

live music performance at the dimly lit bar in Brass Monkey, Cronulla — Pop by The Brass Monkey for some live music.

Locals in the know will always book dinner and a show as the Middle Eastern fare being served up here is led by chef Edoardo Scepi of nearby Yalla Sawa, one of the best restaurants in the Sutherland Shire.

a plate of food at Yalla Sawa, Cronulla — Yalla Sawa serves up excellent Middle Eastern fare.

12. Go for a swim at Salmon Haul

A lot of the tourist traffic along the Esplanade stops around Shelly Park. But keep on heading south and you will wind up at Salmon Haul which is surrounded by a natural rock shelf at the base of a cliff. Sure, the beaches in Cronulla are some of the best in Sydney and the waves will always beckon. But don a mask and snorkel here and you will find a starting point for that annual conversation you have about making a sea change. For a change of pace, you can pull up here in your party boat over the summer months.

13. Go on a whale watching tour

The humpback highway loops around the Royal National Park and hugs the coastline all the way to Cape Solander, one of the best places to see whales in Sydney.

a humpback whale jumping gracefully out of the water — Keep your eyes peeled for whales while cruising around Cronulla. (Image: Todd Cravens/Unsplash)

The season for cruising with Cronulla Whale Watching runs from June to October when the most common whales to see are humpbacks. But the local boat charter company has also seen southern right whales, minkes, orcas and pilot whales while cruising around Cronulla. The boats leave from Cronulla Public Wharf and bookings are a must.

an aerial view of whales swimming at sea — The most common whales to see are humpbacks. (Image: Will Turner/Unsplash)

14. Take your fur baby for a beach walk

Greenhills Beach is one of the best places in Sydney to take your dog for a walk. It’s an off-leash zone between 3pm and 10am during non-daylight savings hours and between 4pm and 10am during daylight savings. You’ll find four-legged furry friends of all shapes and sizes on the beach which sums up the spirit of the local community. The walkability is pretty good on the hard-packed sand and there’s plenty of parking too. You will meet hundreds of canines and their owners along the dog-friendly trail.

the Greenhills Beach in Cronulla — Go for a walk with your fur baby at Greenhills Beach.

15. Take a picnic to Darook Park Beach

Let’s Graze Co . is run by Wiradjuri woman Kay who curates gorgeous grazing boxes to go. Kay also sets up and styles picnics and grazing tables for any occasion, be it a date night, Christmas party or proposal. From a sweet and simple picnic package to a complete picnic package, the company makes dining al fresco a breeze.

the picnic setup of Shire Picnic Co — Set up your picnic in style with Shire Picnic Co.

Shire Picnic Co. will also set up your picnic and style it with everything from garlands to themed backdrops. The catering company will also pack up your hamper post-chicnic down at Darook Park Beach, one of the best places for a picnic in the Shire.

the Darook Park Beach in Cronulla — Head to Darook Park Beach for a picnic. (Image: Mark Sariban)

16. Order a seafood platter by the sea

The focus at Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare is, as the name suggests, ‘of the sea’ and the sister venue to Pino’s in Alexandria is now one of the best in the Shire. The signature dish prepared by executive chef Cristiano Patacca (ex-Otto, est.) is a raw seafood platter with a bounty that includes Abrolhos scallops, East33 oysters, ama-ebi prawns, caviar and yellowfin tuna tartare toasts.

a seafood platter at Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Cronulla — Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare elevates fine seafood dining by the sea. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

The restaurant is a fulfilling fantasy of what a fine diner by the sea should look like. And, thanks to restaurateur Matteo Margiotta, the building dating back to 1908 remains a much-loved community hub.

a chef holding a plate of cooked shrimp at Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare — Seafood lovers unite at Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

17. Take a dip in the sea

Rising with the sun is a long-held ritual in Cronulla with a rotating cast of characters that huff and puff along the path that snakes for some five kilometres from Greenhills Beach to Hungry Point Reserve. Regardless of the outside temperature, swimming is a year-round thrill. Shelly Beach Ocean Bath is one of the more accessible pools, with a ramp leading down to the water. You can also meet up with the Shark Island Psycho Swimmers (SIPS) who meet at Cronulla SLSC at 6.30am each day to swim around the island.

the Shelly Beach Ocean Bath in Cronulla — Take a dip in the Shelly Beach Ocean Bath. (Image: Destination NSW)

18. Sundowner by the sea

In the early evening, the cacophony of squawking seagulls and cockatoos is soon replaced by the sounds of people laughing and clinking glasses. It’s likely they’re toasting their good fortune to live so near to the sea. There are many great bars to enjoy a sundowner in Cronulla.

the beachfront dining of Bobbys, Cronulla — Head down to the oceanside restaurant, Bobbys.

Visit The Alley to watch the waves thudding onto the sand. Bob on down to Bobbys for a boogie. Head to Hurricane’s Bar & Grill to watch the mixologists muddle up a cocktail or three. Or head to contemporary bar Cony’s for cocktails and guacamole. The Pines Terrace is also a top spot to start and end your day.

a mixologist preparing a cocktail at Hurricane’s Bar & Grill, Cronulla — Watch the mixologists muddle up a cocktail at Hurricane’s Bar & Grill.

19. Pre-dawn coffee at Grind

There’s a lot to do on the food and beverage front besides going out for a quiet cocktail or dining out at some of the Shire’s best restaurants. After a swim, surf, morning walk or run, Cronulla locals tend to swap the sand and sea for coffee and gossip at one of the many cafes dotted around the beachside suburb in Sydney’s south.

a spread of food on the table at Blackwood Pantry, Cronulla — Blackwood Pantry serves up generous brunch plates. (Image: Blackwood Pantry)

Whether it’s a languorous day in summer, or a bright winter’s day, going out for coffee is a great way to start the day. Choose between cafes such as The Press, HAM, The Pines Cronulla and Blackwood Pantry, all of which attract very eclectic crowds. Nun’s Pool will also win you over with its friendly service, robust pastries and good coffee.

beachside dining at The Pines Cronulla — Make a pit stop by the beach at The Pines Cronulla. (Image: Rachel Kara)

20. Go and see the Cronulla Sharks play

Cronulla has a thriving NRL fan base. Get a feel for the pulse of the suburb by venturing into Cronulla Sharks territory during the season. Catch the train from Cronulla to Woolooware and then follow the crowds cheering on the boys in the black, white and blue. Get a ticket for family hill and kick off your shoes so you can lie on the grass. Get in early for the next season by making a booking at Golden Boy Asian , the new Chinese restaurant overlooking the mangrove end of the Cronulla Sharks home ground.

Chinese dumplings at Golden Boy Asian, Cronulla — Enjoy Chinese dumplings at Golden Boy Asian.

Check out a local’s guide to 15 of the best restaurants in Cronulla.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

20 of the best things to do in Cronulla

An insider’s guide to 20 of the best things to do in and around Cronulla in Sydney’s south.

1. Get a spa treatment

3. Kayak into Cabbage Tree Basin

4. Get on your bike

5. Learn to surf

6. Browse for books

7. Check out the Cronulla Surf Museum

8. Take a self-guided walk

9. Enjoy a Sydney staycation

10. Bunker down in Bundeena

11. Catch a gig at the Brass Monkey

12. Go for a swim at Salmon Haul

13. Go on a whale watching tour

14. Take your fur baby for a beach walk

15. Take a picnic to Darook Park Beach

16. Order a seafood platter by the sea

17. Take a dip in the sea

18. Sundowner by the sea

19. Pre-dawn coffee at Grind

20. Go and see the Cronulla Sharks play

The pop-up Sydney swimming spots set to reopen in time for summer

A historic Sydney swim site just reopened in time for summer

The Sydney CBD stay that feels more like your dream apartment

The Brighton Hotel brings resort-style luxury to Sydney’s south

Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Central Coast oyster experiences

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

Organic dining

Paddock-to-plate dining

An insider’s guide to 20 of the best things to do in and around Cronulla in Sydney’s south.

1. Get a spa treatment

2. Sign up for sunrise yoga

3. Kayak into Cabbage Tree Basin

4. Get on your bike

5. Learn to surf

6. Browse for books

7. Check out the Cronulla Surf Museum

8. Take a self-guided walk

9. Enjoy a Sydney staycation

10. Bunker down in Bundeena

11. Catch a gig at the Brass Monkey

12. Go for a swim at Salmon Haul

13. Go on a whale watching tour

14. Take your fur baby for a beach walk

15. Take a picnic to Darook Park Beach

16. Order a seafood platter by the sea

17. Take a dip in the sea

18. Sundowner by the sea

19. Pre-dawn coffee at Grind

20. Go and see the Cronulla Sharks play

The pop-up Sydney swimming spots set to reopen in time for summer

A historic Sydney swim site just reopened in time for summer

The Sydney CBD stay that feels more like your dream apartment

The Brighton Hotel brings resort-style luxury to Sydney’s south

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Central Coast oyster experiences

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

Organic dining

Paddock-to-plate dining