Cronulla

Perched on a peninsula surrounded by water, this coastal jewel in Sydney’s south invites you to enjoy nature. Experience surf breaks, coastal bushwalks, stunning foreshore parks and secluded swimming spots. Add cosmopolitan cafes and bars, relaxed waterfront dining and a laid-back beach lifestyle, and you’ll find Cronulla to be an inviting seaside destination.

Highlights

On the water

The star attraction is a beautiful expanse of beach. The long esplanade connects Cronulla Beach with North Cronulla Beach and Wanda Beach, as well as the Cronulla Rock Pool. All three are patrolled and popular with surfers, bodyboarders, kitesurfers and swimmers. Along the esplanade, you’ll find white sandy beaches, pretty parklands, cafes and ocean rock pools that make for calm swimming spots.

Scenic coastal views over The Esplanade and South Cronulla Beach, Cronulla

South Cronulla Beach, Cronulla

Cronulla is a famous surf beach and here you can learn the thrill of riding a wave into shore at various local surf schools, such as Cronulla Surfing Academy. You’ll also find plenty more activities, from snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding to sailing and fishing. Deep sea fishing charters depart from Cronulla Wharf, where the ferry also leaves for pretty Bundeena and the Royal National Park, just across the water.

Couple enjoying a day in the sun at Cronulla Rock Pool, Cronulla

Cronulla Rock Pool, Cronulla

Cronulla Ferries offers various cruises of the splendid Port Hacking River, including a three-hour discovery tour where you'll learn about colonial explorers and local Aboriginal cultural heritage. Champagne breakfast and sunset dinner cruises are also popular. The scenic 4km Cronulla Beach Walk takes you along the coast to Bass and Flinders Point, where Port Hacking meets the ocean.

Majestic humpback whales migrate along the coast between May and November. A great vantage point to spot them is Cape Solander. To get there, board a bus for Kamay Botany Bay National Park from Cronulla or alternatively embark on a whale-watching cruise. If you prefer to hang out at Cronulla Beach all day, you might be lucky and see dolphins playing in the waves.

Bird's eye view over Cronulla Rockpool, Cronulla

Cronulla Rockpool, Cronulla

Events & culture

Cronulla’s fantastic surf beach hosts various sporting events, including Iron Man and Iron Women events. Check out the events calendar to see what’s on. There are also a number of festivals throughout the year, such as CronullaFest and the Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival.

If art is your thing, ensure you have enough time to visit the Hazelhurst Arts Centre in nearby Gymea or follow the Walk the Walls Trail for spectacular street art.

Couple walking through the sunlit Cronulla Park, Cronulla

Cronulla Park, Cronulla

Eat & drink

Cronulla offers a great line-up of restaurants and cafes. Start with fantastic coffee and Greek treats at cafe Ham, enjoy a relaxed brunch menu at Blackwood Pantry and upscale Thai at Alphabet St. Head to Henry’s Cronulla or The Pines for a sun-drenched seafood lunch and cocktails. The Brass Monkey is a local institution and popular live music venue serving up Mediterranean-inspired plates.

People enjoying the alfresco dining along The Esplanade near South Cronulla Beach, Cronulla

The Esplanade, Cronulla

Getting there

Part of Cronulla’s appeal is that it’s the only Sydney beach directly accessible via train, a 50-minute ride from Central Station. Alternatively, it’s a 40-minute drive from Sydney CBD.

 

Travel inspiration

Sydney day trips: Cronulla

Sydney day trips: Cronulla

Head to Cronulla for a relaxed day of beachside bites, small bar sips and coastal trails with rock pools and rich history. You'll feel far away from the city in this surfside haven in Sydney’s south.

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