Visit Cronulla, in Sydney’s South, and you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the city. This neighbourhood suburb is renowned for its beachside eateries, relaxed vibe, and fantastic bars and restaurants. With four kilometres of coastline and four different beaches – Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla and Cronulla – this is the perfect place for a beachside weekend away.
FRIDAY
2:00pm: Check in to Rydges Cronulla Beachside
Book the family in for a resort-style stay at Rydges Cronulla Beachside with stunning beach views, contemporary rooms, an outdoor pool and complimentary use of hotel bikes and beach toys. Grab a sandcastle kit or cricket gear and head down to the sand, just steps away.
3:30pm: Buy a cone from Ice Creamery & Espresso Bar and head to South Cronulla Beach
With more than 70 flavours to choose from, plus cakes and great coffee, there is definitely something to suit all tastes at this colourful ice creamery. To make things even better, it’s right on the beach so you can take away and enjoy a stroll along the beachfront.
5:30pm: Sunset drinks at Next Door Cafe
This bright and open-air bar, cafe and restaurant overlooks North Cronulla Beach: the ideal spot for an afternoon cocktail or wine. Children are welcome and there’s a kids’ menu if you’d like to grab them an early dinner.
7:00pm: Dinner at Giro Osteria
Giro Osteria is one of a string of innovative eateries in Cronulla making this southside beach suburb a hot foodie destination. The bonus? The view of North Cronulla Beach is stunning.
9:00pm Nightcap at The Blind Bear
Enjoy two quirky drinking holes in one. Tucked away inside American-style whiskey saloon The Blind Bear on Cronulla Street, you’ll find Happy Panda, an edgy Asian fusion cocktail bar.
SATURDAY
7:30am: Have an early breakfast at Zimzala
Perched on the edge of the ocean, Zimzala offers amazing beach views. This casual eatery has a relaxed atmosphere and serves up traditional cafe breakfast favourites such as eggs benedict, corn fritters and classic eggs your way with bacon.
9:00am: Yoga on the beach with Ying Bean
Find your zen on a yoga mat seaside with the effervescent and energetic yogi, Ying Bean. Let Ying take you through your paces in the pretty location of Shelly Beach Park, weather permitting. Ying also offers yoga and mindfulness classes for the little ones some afternoons.
10:00am: Explore local street art on Walk the Walls Cronulla Street Art Trail
Meander through the local streets and laneways on this dedicated street art trail. The artistic styles vary with stencils, posters, sculptures and urban graffiti styles. Visit Sutherland Shire Council website and download the virtual map and street art booklet.
11:00am: Get some retail therapy in Cronulla Nestled among this beachside suburb are some hip boutiques with everything from beach-to-bar sundresses to sustainable homewares and swimwear. On Surf Road in Cronulla, drop into Roar for statement pieces and bespoke accessories from their curated collection of Aussie and international designers. Put Zaliah on your boutique list for designer leather, linen and knitwear. Fur bomber jackets and pastel blazers are a highlight at Meet That Store, while at Dutchee Dutchee, this local family-owned fashion store stocks cute sundresses, jumpsuits and delicate necklaces.
1:00pm: Takeaway lunch from Loaf Sandwiches
This cute gourmet bolthole is owned by three local ladies, passionate about abundant tasty sandwiches. Choose your favourite filling along with a locally roasted coffee, then head to the picturesque Salmon Haul Reserve to eat lunch al fresco.
2:00pm: Explore the Cronulla Beach Walk
One of the best walks in the Sutherland Shire is from North Cronulla Beach down to Bass and Flinders Point. Start outside your hotel at North Cronulla Beach and wind past rock pools, cafes, playgrounds and lavish homes overlooking the water. The entire walk is about 4km and takes one hour one way.
5:00pm: Pre-dinner drink at Croydon Lane Wine & Tapas Bar
Croydon Lane is a hidden gem with an intimate atmosphere and pretty garden. They often host live music and there are colourful share plates along with an impressive wine list.
7:00pm: Dinner at C.C. Babcoq
This chic and fun eatery is all about contemporary comfort food with big, bold flavours. On the menu expect smoked meats, tasty rotisserie chickens and spiced vegetables: all designed to be shared with family and friends.
SUNDAY
9:00am: Breakfast at Blackwood Pantry
Experience casual dining at its best at Blackwood Pantry,owned bythree local blokes and plating up tasty seasonal fare such as soft-boiled egg with tandoori sweet potato.
11:00am: Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Hop on the historical trail in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, where you can discover its rich Aboriginal culture and explore Captain Cook's Landing Place. Along the way grab a coffee, milkshake or snack at the classic milk bar, Milkhouse Kurnell.
1:00pm: Lunch at Sealevel Restaurant & Bar
Finish your coastal Cronulla Playcay with a long lunch by the water at Sealevel. With a focus on fresh local seafood, modern interiors and floor-to-ceiling glass bringing the beach views in, this is a pleasant way to say goodbye to Cronulla.
