Morning: Surf & sand

Once you arrive by train to Cronulla, it’s a short stroll to Cronulla Beach, known as South Cronulla to locals. Coming out of the station, walk towards Beach Park Avenue, which will lead you down to the beach in about five minutes. From there, go ahead and choose your own beach adventure: catch some waves (or book into a lesson with Cronulla Surfing Academy if you are still learning), take a leisurely stroll along the Esplanade or simply relax on the golden sand. Perhaps grab a coffee from Barefoot on the Beach cafe – situated right on the beach. 

South Cronulla Beach

Cronulla is home to four ocean pools tucked along the coastline. You can find two ocean pools at Cronulla Beach close to the Esplanade. The larger one is an immense tidal pool (think Olympic-sized) with a sandy bottom and lovely flat rock formations and natural pools surrounding it. Take a walk down the coast and you’ll find the two other pools: Shelly Park Ocean Pool and Oak Park Ocean Pool. Take your pick and swim with the locals, soaking up the fresh air and sunshine.

Cronulla Rockpool, Cronulla

Afternoon: Brunch & hikes

Dining in Cronulla is all about ocean views, light and colourful brunches, and innovative cocktails. The casual eatery Next Door combines them all and it’s right on South Cronulla beach. The all-day brunch menu traverses the globe, with something for everyone. Try the truffle and parmesan arancini, chilli scrambled eggs or charred pita.

The Esplanade, Cronulla

Work off lunch with a walk to Bass and Flinders Point to learn all about the history of these intrepid explorers and their rowing boat, Tom Thumb II. To get there, follow the Esplanade past Cronulla Park and Cronulla Lifesaving Club. Look out to sea and spot Shark Island and walk past the beautiful green space of Shelly Beach. Once you reach Oak Park Ocean Pool, it is a little further to your end point, which has a detailed monument about the famous explorers from Captain Cook’s ship, who mapped out Port Hacking way back in 1796.

Cronulla Park, Cronulla

Evening: Sunset & cocktails

Make your way back up the coast but instead of retracing your steps, veer west and pass by Gunnamatta Bay for stellar sunset views. Continue back to the city centre where the choice for dinner, drinks and live music abound – no matter how big of a night you’re in the mood for.

Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths, Cronulla - Credit: Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths

For dinner, Pino's Vino e Cucina al Mare‘s seafood-centric menu and dreamy dining room is sure to impress. Or book a table at Sealevel, a long-standing restaurant serving modern Australian fare, with plates including beer-battered deep sea perch, fresh pappardelle pasta and a seafood platter for two. Not ready to head home? Make a detour to the pint-sized drinking hole Las Chicas for a cocktail – try the Spicy Mamacita or the Lychee Blossom.

Pino's Vino e Cucina al Mare, Cronulla - Credit: Sutherland Shire Council

If you’re up for a gig, continue to The Brass Monkey – one of those rare long-running live music venues that still draws the crowds every weekend with its line-up of local and international bands. Housed in an old-fashioned basement lounge, the food (think generous Mediterranean tasting plates) is an added bonus. Keep one eye on the time as the last direct train back to the city leaves around 11.30pm most nights.