Wedged between Botany Bay, Port Hacking and Bate Bay, Cronulla is a popular beachside suburb in Sydney’s south. Surf breaks and swimming spots dot its peninsula while cosmopolitan restaurants and bars cater to the area’s relaxed urban lifestyle. Natural areas rich in Indigenous heritage dominate the nearby Kurnell Peninsula where Captain James Cook made landfall in 1770.

Things to do

Test your bodyboarding, kitesurfing or board-riding skills at Cronulla Beach, which is connected via a long esplanade to North Cronulla Beach. There are several local surf schools if you’re just starting out, as well as ocean rock pools where families with young kids can play safely in calmer waters. Deep-sea fishing charters are also on offer, with the chance to lure in snapper, perch and flathead in the nearby reefs.

You can jump aboard a ferry at the Cronulla Wharf to access the scenic landscapes of Royal National Park or the scenic coastal village of Bundeena, which is renowned for its abundance of art studios. Cruises are also available along the Hacking River, offering insight into the region’s Aboriginal and colonial history.

On the headland that stretches north of Cronulla lies Kamay Botany Bay National Park, where local Aboriginal people encountered the Endeavour crew in 1770. Historic sites and bronze sculptures are featured on the Burrawang track, while Cape Solander is an excellent spot for viewing humpback whales on their annual migration between May and November.

Getting around

Cronulla is around an hour by train from Sydney’s Central railway station and just 30 minutes’ drive from Sydney Airport. Buses are the main means of getting around the suburb, with both taxis and ride-share services also available. Much of Cronulla is pedestrian-friendly and easy to explore on foot.