20 of the best things to do in Cronulla

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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.

 2. Sign up for sunrise yoga

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 guacamoleThe 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.

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole
See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast
Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior
Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast
Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital
Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf  serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie
Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast
Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast
Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple
Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park
Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Fall asleep listening to the waves.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.