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[title]Nothing says Aussie summer like sunrise coastal walks, seaside dining and perusing farmers markets. What if we told you that you can do all of that in winter too? The Sutherland Shire has it going on 365 days a year, and we actually reckon winter is the best time to head out on a day trip, soak up some sunshine and check out what’s happening.
Our ideal day in this coastal corner of Sydney starts with a leisurely stroll along the Cronulla Esplanade. It’s a leisurely 4-kilometre track that’s an hour’s worth of parks, cafés, playgrounds, rock pools and scenic coastal vistas to boot. While you’ve still got your walking boots on, check out the weekly Shire Farmers Markets in Sutherland every Saturday morning for homemade treats and some of the area’s most delightful seasonal produce.
For a super special weekend outing, check out the Cronulla Winter Market, popping up on August 16 and 17 at Don Lucas Reserve. More than 150 stalls are taking over the beachside precinct with gourmet eats, handcrafted goodies and live music. Don’t forget to bring your pup along too – they’re very welcome.
The Shire acts as a brilliant launching pad for plenty of marine exploring; head out on a Cronulla Whale Watching Cruise or venture to the remote Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park. It’s easily one of the best places in Sydney to spot majestic travellers on the humpback highway.
You can also catch the historic ferry to Bundeena. It’s a beautiful sleepy little seaside town and is a gateway to the Royal National Park. There, you can hike a taster of The Coast Track. The whole stretch is 26 kilometres, but we won’t tell anyone if you only record a cheeky 3 kilometres and call it a day.
When you’ve built up an appetite from all that exploring, take the opportunity to check out the new Parc Pavillion complex. It’s home to four amazing venues: the family-friendly Parc Bistro; buzzing bar, Mr Monro’s; The Terrace for cocktails and bites or Call Me Mamma for fun and vibrant dining.
Of course when we’re talking about getting a feed, you can’t go past Bobby’s. The Mediterranean restaurant’s beachfront views are splashed all over Instagram and for good reason. There’s also Hazel Kitchen and Bar tucked in Gymea: which is so much more than an elegant art deco eatery. Attached to Hazelhurst Art Centre, post-lunch entertainment is on tap: take a stroll through the gallery.
If you’re still in an artsy mood, catch a show at The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre with everything from school holiday workshops and engaging kids shows to hilarious comedy acts and mind-boggling plays.
If you’re really looking for a way to warm up, a run will do it for you. Join in on the ‘Sutherland 2 Surf’ Fun Run on July 20. You can either jog or stroll the 11-kilometre track that’s been celebrated for over 50 years now.
Want to find out more and plan your ideal Sutherland Shire daytrip or staycation? Head here.