What’s On In The Sutherland Shire This December
Santa Claus, summer and swimming - we’ve officially hit the best time of year
Jack Gray, Grays Point. Image credit: JSR Visuals
Can you hear those sleigh bells jingling? Hear the distant sound of the final school bell ringing? If you can believe it (we can’t) we’ve officially hit December, and as always the Shire is a hive of activity.
There’s something for everyone this month; brand new designer restaurants, stores to wander, workshops to experience, swimming holes to explore, and - let’s not forget - Christmas light spotting to be done. Here’s what’s on in the Sutherland Shire this December.
What’s On In The Sutherland Shire This December
Book In At Bobbys Cronulla
It feels like we’ve been hit with a plethora of new dining joints this year, but Bobbys is not one to be missed. With magazine-worthy interiors designed by renowned studio Tom Mark Henry, and a Euro-reminiscent, seafood-packed menu, this designer hotspot is bound to be in high demand this summer. Get in early and secure your spot - and a cocktail - and enjoy the shoreside views.
Grab A Slice At The Most Colourful Spot In Town
Cute, colourful and secret-garden-like, Hazelhurst just got a little bit better thanks to the addition of everyone’s Italian favourite: pizza. Every Sunday afternoon (3rd, 10th and 17th December), the crew will now be rolling out woodfired pizzas, spritzes and Sunday Road Italian pilsner. BYO picnic blanket, this is one for the whole family.
Tuck Into Blackwood’s New Menu
They say a change is as good as a holiday, so if you’re opting to stay-cay this festive season, you must check out local favourite Blackwood’s new menu. Featuring a few revamps (like the morning glory and zucchini and carrot fritters 2.0) alongside some fresh picks (a seared salmon poke bowl, a new Sarah’s Day Whole Bowl, steak frites and burrata and tomato sugo pasta), it’s definitely worth a visit.
Spend A Day In Bundeena
Adding onto gorgeous vintage-style toy and boutique fashion and homewares store, Little French Heart, is a freshly-opened art gallery, La Petite Maison des Arts. The first exhibition, titled Bundeena a Moi by Tony Fragar, kicked off in early November and has been described as “delightfully and surprisingly off-trend, utopian and romantic”. Designed to create a moment of pause for the viewer, it features a collection of sublime, painterly captures of the local area.
Check Out The New-And-Improved Bianchinni’s
The cafe you know and love, but elevated. The brand new Bianchinni’s promises to deliver on both style and taste with their chic new space and expanded menu, which you are encouraged to share and enjoy with a glass of wine, beer or a specially-crafted cocktail. Be one of the first to experience their dinner service, officially kicking off on December 8th - and book in quick, we expect this one will be very popular! Scout tip: all bookings on their opening weekend (8th, 9th and 10th) will receive a complimentary welcome drink!
Dine In At El Rey
All we want for Christmas is…a margarita tree. You too? The gorgeous, modern-Mexican-inspired venue that is El Rey is making all our wishes come true. Whether you’re gathering for a Christmas party or just a long overdue catch-up, this taco-slinging, cocktail-serving, crispy-tortilla-creating joint delivers on flavour and good times. Open for lunch and dinner every day except Monday, a meal here is always a welcome addition to the week - we suggest trying the Snapper Ceviche, Hongos Tacos and, of course, your pick of the many margies on offer.
Get In The Water
Summer is synonymous with swimming, and the Shire is positively brimming with beautiful spots. From classic surf beaches and sheltered coves to natural pools, waterfalls and creeks, you could spend all season exploring the options. We’ve listed 10 of our favourites, which you can check out here.
Linger Longer At Jack Gray
‘Tis the season for long, lazy lunches, and Jack Gray’s offering is shaping up to be a cracker. For $55 per person, you and your friends, family or colleagues can take a seat on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and dine on their delicious set menu, which features mouthwatering starters and plates designed to share. Start off with a wander around Grays Point, then head over for an idyllic dining experience.
Go Christmas Light Spotting
When the sun starts to set, the twinkling of Christmas lights mark the way through many Shire streets. Pop on some carols and drive or go on foot to Candy Cane Lane, aka Allambie Avenue in Caringbah South, a spot famous amongst locals for its spectacular display of sparkling lights and decorations. If it’s not already, an annual trip down this street is bound to become a family tradition.
Explore We Are Mindful’s Christmas Festival
In celebration of local craftsmanship, the gang at gorgeous slow homewares and fashion store We Are Mindful have put together a collection of thoughtful gifts for your favourite people. Over the festive season, they will also be hosting four creative events: two beading workshops with BEAD with Epona Studios, and two with Part Time Ceramics (one of which is a Sip N’ Clay!).