Make a day of this mighty 12km track. Those without private wheels can jump on the 987 bus from Cronulla Station and start the trek from the Polo Street stop. You’ll be starting on the service trail as you head south-east around the Kamay Botany Bay National Park gates, but will gradually encounter sandy bush tracks and more defined coastal cliff paths with incredible views out towards the ocean. Some sections of this trail are unmarked and a little rugged, so bringing a map and some forward planning is wise.
Once you pass the Cape Bailey Lighthouse and head down towards the Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve, it’s a matter of keeping the ocean to your left and meandering along the sand. Aim for the distant buildings of Cronulla to complete the second, more cruisey leg of this journey that ends with you back in town, ready to down a beer.
Should I pack snacks? The fine eateries of Cronulla can certainly provide the post-hike edible goods, but if you like to munch carrot sticks at the halfway point, the lighthouse is a perfect snack pit-stop on this route that takes around 4.5 hours one way.
