The best things to do in the Sutherland Shire

Right on the southern Sydney coastline and surrounded by rivers and waterways, the Sutherland Shire is a beautiful daytrip from Sydney or a weekend escape where you can swim, boat, hike and explore nature. Get out in the sunshine and finish off the day with an excellent meal and fab cocktails from beachside Cronulla’s restaurants and bars.

You can get here by train – take the Cronulla line – by car and by bus, and it’s about a 30-40 minute drive from Sydney.

Here are our favourite things to do in the Shire and some secret spots to share with you too.

Swim and snorkel at Salmon Haul Beach

A quiet little spot on the edge on the peninsula, Salmon Haul is a fave for crystal clear water, great snorkelling and swimming away from the crowds. It’s rocky and has a bit of a Euro vibe. We love it. Just go down the stairs from Glashier Parade or Cowra Place. Pack a towel, sunscreen, snorkel and a picnic.

Take the ferry to Bundeena

The little green and gold ferries run across the Port Hacking from Gunnamatta Bay to Bundeena. Visit Bundeena for a day trip – there is so much to do in Bundeena, from swimming, hiring SUPs and kayaks, hiking and beachcombing. We love it across the water, and the ferry ride is special in itself as a little activity. Grab the ferry for the Gunnamatta wharf and buy your tickets on board. Here’s the timetable.

Hike to Karloo Pools

This is an easy bushwalk to the crystal clear Karloo swimming hole in the Royal National Park. Just park on the eastern side of Heathcote train station and follow the signs. Go early, because it can get busy, and take a picnic. It’s stunning. Here’s some more info. Take your swimmers, water, snacks and beware – the water is freezing!

Relax at Hospital Bay jetty

Sit here for lunch or a coffee and enjoy the serenity! It’s a little secret spot at the end of Gunnamatta Road in Burraneer, and a few years ago when the council was going to remove the old jetty  – it was built in 1912 – as it was getting a bit rundown, the residents joined together and instead, the council upgraded it. Now it’s even prettier and the area’s history was protected. You can fish here, swim or launch your SUP.

Walk from Wanda Beach to Boat Harbour

I love this walk in the morning as the sun rises, and the return from Wanda out to the point is the daily 10,000 steps I like to do. If you want to do more you can start further around Bate Bay, from North Cronulla you can run all the way on the sand. Boat Harbour is a popular spot for weekend picnics – you can access the beach through the national park and pack up for the day, swimming, snorkeling, surfing and relaxing – although it doesn’t get super busy so get their early.

Swim and play at Gunnamatta Bay

This beautiful little bay is shallow and clear and perfect for families with smaller children. There’s a netted swimming area and pool – kids and adults alike love jumping off here – and you can spot little starfish in the shallows and watch the Bundeena ferries as they sail past. It’s just a couple of minutes walk from the train station, and the main street and little cafes are close by. There’s also a fab playground, lots of shade, toilets, BBQs and a covered picnic area. When the tide is low you can walk along the sand to Dark Park, another favourite spot.

Boating on the Woronora River

Abut 20 minutes west by car is Woronora River and the Boatshed where you can hire tinnies, kayaks and canoes and explore up the river. It’s really pretty, it backs onto the National Park and you can swim in the river. Perfect for a day trip.

Swim at the Needles

We used to walk here when I was little, all the way along the fire trail to the pristine and isolated swimming hole in the middle of the bush. When Woronora Heights was built, access to the Needles became very easy and while it’s busier these days, it’s still a lovely spot for a swim, a swing of the rope swing and a day in the sun. Park as close to the junction at Wororona Road and Mt Carmel Place, and just walk around the gate and down the sealed Woronora Road until you get to the waterhole. It’s an easy walk down but the hill up can be a bit of a challenge.

Have a great time!