Welcome to the Sutherland Shire! The perfect place to soak up Australia’s beautiful nature whilst eating, drinking and exploring your way through the weekend. So round up your friends, family and furry friends, and pop down to the Shire this weekend where you’ll fall in love with this beautiful area of Sydney.
We’ve compiled a list of the must see’s and do’s in the Shire to make this weekend easy and stress-free, with activities and restaurants to suit everyone (that also won’t break the bank).
Saturday:
The Laneway Caringbah
Firstly, you’ll want to start off your busy, action-packed weekend on a high with lots of energy. So head on over to The Laneway at Caringbah for your daily brew and all your brekkie faves. They open from 6am, serving up french toast, toasted granola, fritters, and eggs anyway that you please (and lots more!) And if you want to start your weekend off with a bang, book in for their Bottomless Brunch with unlimited mimosas and rosé.
Surfschool Cronulla
If you’re venturing east to Sydney’s beaches, taking a surf lesson is a must! Surfing is in the heart of Australian beach culture and the Cronulla Surfschool caters to people of all ages and skill levels. From providing all the equipment including wetsuits, boards and sunscreen, to teaching you how to keep safe in the ocean, they will have you riding like a pro in no time. Whether it’s your first time ever or you’re an experienced surfer, the friendly and knowledgeable instructors will help you have the best time, and learn a new skill that you’ll never forget.
Blackwood’s Beach
If you’re looking to find the best of the Shire beaches, look no further than Blackwood’s Beach. It’s perfect for the kids, and offers shelter from big swell and winds in a secluded, locals-only setting. You’ll feel safe, whilst enjoying the beauty of the Shire beaches.
South Cronulla Barefoot Bowls
When on a beach holiday, lawn bowls are a must. There’s not many sports you can do barefoot whilst holding a beer, so if you haven’t tried it, the South Cronulla bowling club is the place to do so. You’ll enjoy some friendly competition, and bookings aren’t required. Just pop in on Saturday after 4pm.
Happy hour at Northies
Northies hotel is located beachside at Cronulla and offers dining, drinks, a sports bar and a great happy hour from 4:30pm – 6pm every day. It’s a true Cronulla institution that is a must-visit for its welcoming, seaside atmosphere. Plus, the menu is delicious and has something for everyone, ranging from pub classics to salad bowls, tacos and woodfired pizza.
Cronulla Sharks NRL
If you pick your weekend right, you’ll be able to catch a Cronulla Sharks home game where you can witness the locals get around their team in Sydney’s most popular sport. So make sure you bring your white and blue to cheer on this NRL team. And even if you aren’t an avid fan, you’re still in for a spectacular afternoon.
Sunday:
Eagle Rock Coastal Walk
It wouldn’t be a complete weekend in the Shire without a trip into the Royal National Park! Eagle rock can be seen at Curracurrong Creek from the cliffs, and is a 2 hour return walk from Wattamolla on the Coastal Track which just happens to be one of the best walks in Sydney. The track winds along Sydney’s beautiful coastline, with spectacular views of the native bushland and ocean cliffs.
Cony’s Cronulla
You’ll find very few people who say they don’t like South American tapas, and even less who will turn down fresh ceviche, chili frijoloes tacos, grilled local scallops, and black angus steak. At this alfresco restaurant, you’ll find incredible dishes from sustainable and local suppliers, and delicious cocktails that you’ll never want to put down. Cony’s is truly one of a kind, from its menu, to the friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome. And if you’re lucky, you might be able to meet Cony herself!
Take your furry friend to Greenhills Beach
Greenhills is the only dog friendly ocean beach in Sydney! So treat your pup to a wide, open stretch of soft sand that’s always bustling with lots of other doggie friends. Note that dogs are only allowed on the beach before 10am and after 4pm. There are cafes around the beach as well for takeaway snacks and drinks whilst your pup plays on the beach.
Nina’s Chocolates
As the weekend comes to a close and you’re about to head home, make one last stop at Nina’s Chocolates for a small treat from an award-winning chocolatier in Gymea. Think caramel bon bons, dark chocolate ganache, whisky fudge, and truffles. Mix and match which ones you want and take them home to enjoy throughout the week (or eat them all straight away).