The Shire’s Best Boating Bays
Your guide to a day out on the water: Port Hacking edition
Maianbar
Not much compares to a day out on the water. The Sutherland Shire is home to some of the best water ways in Sydney and we are here to tell you where to head on the Hacking, whether you’re taking the boat for a spin, fish, picnic or afternoon cruise.
South West Arm
Nestled within the Royal National Park, South West Arm is the perfect bay for those seeking a shady, secluded spot to spend a day on the water. A favourite among families, it's also a popular picnic destination. Simply tie your boat to a tree or drop anchor, and enjoy a drink in one hand and nibbles in the other. Where the freshwater creek meets the saltwater bay, the tranquil waters create a top fishing spot for locals.
Image by: Ozlndo Bushwalk
Maianbar
Maianbar, a large sandbank in the middle of the bay, is one of the best boating spots on the Port Hacking River. This iconic destination has attracted boat-goers for years, offering the perfect place to park on the sand while family members enjoy swimming in the shallow, crystal-clear waters. Suitable for swimmers of all ages, it's also a favourite for furry friends, often seen splashing around and chasing their balls. During daylight savings, Maianbar becomes a prime location for an early dinner, complete with a stunning sunset backdrop.
Image by: Destination NSW
Lilli Pilli Point
A popular spot for a fish, picnic or biscuit ride is Lilli Pilli Point. This bay is a favourite among Sutherland Shire residents. During low tide the sand bank becomes visible and many pull their boats up onto the shore for a picnic or walk. Although like many sandbanks, take caution when walking due to sting rays. If your kids are begging to go behind the boat for a biscuit, donut or tube, this bay is big enough and wide enough to really take them for a spin.
Image by: Dillon Seitchik-Reardon
Jibbon
Across the bay from Oak Park, lies Jibbon, a top boating location within The Royal National Park. Jibbon is the perfect, sheltered spot to drop an anchor, have lunch, go for a swim, enjoy a fish and even meet up with a few fellow boating friends. The deep waters at Jibbon also make it a popular stop for an overnight stay as many sailing boats, catamarans and more drop their anchor for the night.
Image by: Fly Candy
Gunnamatta Bay
With its very own boat ramp, Gunnamatta Bay is another popular fishing destination that stretches along the sandy shores of Bay Lane, The Fisheries, and Darook Park. It’s also the perfect launch point for a sunset cruise. Around the left headland of the bay lies Cronulla Bate Bay, while to the right is the Port Hacking River. Many people fish from their boats here, with local fishermen saying bream and flathead are the most popular catches. Scout tip: Grab some delicious takeaway from Pippi’s and enjoy it on the water for the ultimate bayside experience.
Image by: Fly Candy
Audley
Further from the shady and secluded South West Arm is the tranquil boating spot of Audley, where gum trees hang and streams run. Audley is another top fishing area and is praised as a perfect picnicking location by many locals. The spot is far from the open ocean thus there are no wild waves or choppy waters. This makes for a calm and peaceful place to crack open a beer or bottle of wine and enjoy a cheese platter under the sun.
Image by: Scott Cameron Photography
We hope our boating guide inspires you and your family to explore The Shire’s most serene and scenic bays as the warm weather approaches.
