15 Things You Need To Do At Least Once In The Shire
Number 6 Is An Absolute Must!
The Sutherland Shire has a bit of a rep: those who live here, never leave. Whether it’s a new bar opening, the call of the waves down at Wanda or a mouth-watering breakfast with your name on it, there’s always something to do or somewhere to go. But if you’re new to the area or are dipping your toes in for a day trip, where do you begin?
The Scout team have taken notes diligently over our collective years spent in the Shire, and we’ve condensed and culled them down. So, clear your calendars, this is our list of 15 of the best things to do in the Sutherland Shire that you need to try at least once.
Settle In For An Afternoon At Salmon Haul
Situated at the southern end of Cronulla, Salmon Haul Reserve is one of the area’s best kept secrets. Overlooking Bundeena, the Royal National Park and Port Hacking, it’s a beautiful spot for fishing, snorkelling, swimming and picnicking - with a pretty unbeatable view. We recommend starting up at Wanda Beach, then walking along the path until you reach the reserve. Don’t forget to pack your bathers!
58 Glaisher Parade, Cronulla
Image credit: Fly Candy
Enjoy Breakfast By The Beach At Next Door
Breakfast (and coffee) is the most important meal of the day, and not only does Next Door serve up some of the most delicious options in the Shire, but they do it right on the North Cronulla Beach shoreline. The Shire is full of fabulous breakfast and brunch options, but Next Door are particularly well loved for their take on Avocado Toast and freshly made Granola.
4/6 Kingsway, Cronulla
Image credit: JSR Visuals
Visit The Shire’s Farmers Market
Held every Saturday at Flora Street car park in Sutherland from 8:00am until 1:00pm, a stroll through the Shire Farmer’s Market is the perfect place to kick start your weekend. The stalls are dedicated to foodies. Tick off your weekly shopping with the best local produce, pick up a freshly baked croissant for breakfast and grab a coffee to cap it all off. Read our complete guide to the Shire Farmer’s Market here.
131 Flora Street, Sutherland
Image credit: Studio Ahwa
Treat Yourself At Bec Bakes
Cakes, slices, and cookies, oh my! Open for walk-ins on Fridays and Saturdays, Caringbah’s Bec Bakes makes a perfect mid-morning stopover. Refuel with one of their bright and seriously delicious looking treats - it’s hard to go past a Tiny Teddie Smash Cupcake for a real nostalgic moment or their OTT Choc Chip Cookies. But heed our warning: it’s very dangerous arriving on an empty stomach!
27 Cawarra Road, Caringbah
Try An Apple Martini At Alphabet Street
Alphabet St is a much-adored watering hole for locals, serving a delicious menu focused around modern Asian cuisine with a Thai lean. Their cocktail menu is the real star of the show, filled with an assortment of Alphabet St originals, including the coveted Apple Martini. What has to be one of the Shire’s most iconic cocktails, we’re yet to met someone not obsessed! Scout tip: Leave the car at home - you can’t stop at just one!
5/8 The Kingsway, Cronulla
Image credit: Studio Ahwa
Take A Walk Through The Royal National Park
If you’re a fan of natural pools, craggy bushland and next-level views of the coastline, you will no doubt be well aware that the Shire is the place to be. A short drive from any Shire suburb, the Royal National Park is brimming with beautiful spots. Favourites include Wattamolla, South West Arm pool, Eagle Rock walk and the Figure 8 pools, but there are plenty of trips for every type of adventurer and level of skill.
Grab A Slice At Queen Margherita
Authentic, Italian woodfired pizzas, a Cronulla beach setting, and a drinks menu packed out with a selection of Spirtizes. Truly, it doesn’t get much better. The team at Queen Margherita are determined to honour true Italian style, and as such, their pizzas are made to the strict discipline of the 'Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana': one (hand stretched) size, no half and half, and no pineapple. Queen Margherita is one of only nine pizzerias that can be called authentically Neapolitan in NSW.
2 Surf Road, Cronulla
Spot Some Whales At Cape Solander
It’s not just the expansive coastal views that bring people to Cape Solander. Given the season is right, it’s also one of the best spots in Sydney to whale watch - and even has a dedicated platform from which to do so. June and July are named as the best months to spot humpback whales during their northern migration, and they’ve been known to hang out within just 200 metres from the coast.
Cape Solander Drive, Kurnell
Indulge In A Seafood Platter At Sealevel
A Shire favourite, Sealevel gets its name for being exactly that: at sea level, offering iconic views over Cronulla’s coastline. With a focus on the finest and freshest seafood, visitors come from far and wide to enjoy their renowned Seafood Platter, which serves two and includes Sydney rock oysters, blue swimmer crab, moreton bay bug, smoked salmon, fresh and barbecued prawns, scallops, beer battered fish, barbecued octopus, crispy sumac squid, tropical fruit and chips. Next level!
2 Kingsway, Cronulla
Get Your Pooch Over To Greenhills Beach
A haven for owners (and lovers!) of four-legged babies, Greenhills Beach is one of the most special spots for a walk. It’s off-leash from 3:00pm to 10:00am during non-daylight savings, and 4:00pm to 10:00am during daylight savings, and there’s always the cutest menagerie of surf-and-sand-loving furry friends to hang out with - though it’s never too packed.
Greenhills Street, Kurnell
Say Cheers At Sunday Road
We’re all about the craft beer movement, and the likes of Sunday Road have brought it to the Shire. Located in an uber-cool warehouse with a loft level and weekly food truck, Sunday Road Brewing is the perfect place for a relaxed arvo session with friends - plus, they’re dog friendly! The team have all the core range favourites ready to go on tap, as well as a selection of one-offs and sours.
147 Bath Road, Kirrawee
Make A Coffee Pit Stop At Audley Dance Hall Cafe
If you’re heading into the leafy Royal National Park, make a detour to Audley Dance Hall Cafe for your caffeine fix. If you’re after something more substantial, the cafe has a great menu that they serve from 8:30am until 4:00pm during the week, and 8:00am until 4:30pm on weekends.
2 Lady Carrington Drive, Royal National Park
Kick back with A cocktail And guac at Cony’s
Right in the heart of Cronulla, you'll find Cony's, a spot where South American vibes are alive and kickin’. You can't deny the sense of fun here. Locals? You’ll spot us diving into Cony’s famous homemade guac and chips and sipping a signature cocktail or two. Scout's personal favourite? The Cony's Margarita, Kiwi Carnival and Strawberrini. Will we catch you at Cony's?
13 Surf Lane Cronulla
enjoy a Paddle At Swallow Rock Reserve or woronora river
If you’re heading to Swallow Rock, pick up a coffee from Jack Gray and saunter down with your paddle board, canoe or kayak. Perfect for summertime dips and year-round shady picnics, this gorgeous, bushy little spot sits along the Port Hacking River and is a firm family favourite. If you’re keen to toss in a line, there’s also a small jetty for launching fishing boats.
Don’t have the gear? Head down to The Boatshed at Woronora and hire a canoe or paddle board from their team! Be sure to treat yourself to brunch or lunch post adventure.
20R Swallow Rock Drive, Grays Point and 131 Prince Edward Park Road, Woronora
Find The Hidden Huxleys Bar
A trip to New York City without the exxy airfares and travel time, Huxleys is a classic speakeasy sports bar right in the heart of Caringbah. Accessed via a secret freezer door within Ugly Pizza, you can expect to find American diner-inspired eats, a plethora of classic cocktails and on-tap beer flowing (beer tower optional).
32 Banksia Road, Caringbah