10 fun things to try this Winter

We get it. It’s frosty and the desire to stay indoors, order UberEats and turn on a movie is at an all-time high. But don’t let the cooler temps stop you from making the most of all the Shire has to offer this winter. Here’s our ultimate guide to living your best life this month. Now put on a coat and have some fun!

1. Enjoy A Beachside Two-Course Feast for $55pp at Zimzala

Available every Friday night throughout winter, treat yourself to a romantic, beachside dinner at Zimzala for only $55pp. Guests can choose any two courses from the menu (excluding oysters, the seafood tasting plate and seafood platter). Our picks? Mixed mushroom risotto, chilli crab linguine and oven-roasted pork belly. Yum!

2. Gather The Crew For The Ultimate Bottomless Session

The Shire’s bottomless phenomenon is impressive and if you ask us, the perfect excuse to organise a catch-up with mates. Henry’s, Laneway and Highfields certainly offer a few of the Shire’s best.

Henry’s bottomless session includes two hours of free-flowing wine and beer, alongside delicious eats. Think oysters, truffle polenta chips, crispy flat head tacos and more. Next is Caringbah’s Laneway Cafe. Score a seat in their outdoor courtyard and enjoy a bottomless brunch, alongside any menu item for only an extra $35pp. Guests can choose from 1.5 hours of endless mimosas or free-flowing rosé.

If a pub backdrop is more your style, try Highfield’s bottomless lunch which features entrees, mains, sides, dessert and 2-hours of endless drinks. Take your pick from a selection of cocktails, wines, sparkling and tap beer! To view all bottomless sessions in the Shire this winter, click here.

3. Keep warm with a sauna at Lacure

One of our favourite ways to destress and most importantly, get warm, is a visit to Lacure. Lacure is a unique health and wellness spa located in Caringbah South that specialises in recovery, relaxation and rejuvenation. Not only is their Infrared Sauna a great way to switch off, but helps with detoxification, cardiovascular health, weight loss and pain relief.

4. Enjoy $5 drinks and $5 food At The New Rydges Pop-Up by MasterChef Finalist And Shire Local Aldo Ortado

Known as ‘$5 Fridays’, 2022 MasterChef finalist and Shire legend Aldo has taken over The Alley at Rydges Cronulla. From 5:00pm to 7:00pm every Friday, enjoy $5 drinks and $5 food. The menu features the ultimate post-work-week feast with the likes of fish tacos, prawn dumplings, wings, loaded fries and more. $5 drinks include spritz, sangria, cider and VB. Live music occasionally makes an appearance too!

5. Sing along to live music at Next Door

Next Door is certainly a local favourite and we know why. Good food, epic cocktails and great vibes always make it the perfect night out. Throughout winter, Next Door is spicing things up with Friday Night Live. Guaranteed to help you wine down after a long week, acoustic sets play till 9pm, whilst $8 wines and $6 craft tins are on offer. As for the food, if you haven’t tried their new winter menu, run. Don’t walk.

6. Roam the new Fred's Providore

A foodie haven, once you visit Fred’s, we guarantee you’ll be back weekly. Located along Cronulla Mall, Fred’s offers a range of high-quality produce, sauces, pasta, cheese, meats and so much more. We highly recommend their Azteca margarita mixes (opt for the grapefruit for something different) and Fabbrica pasta packs for the ultimate at-home date night. Stop by for their weekly cheese tasting, every Friday from 4pm to 5pm, to try before you buy!

7. The Butcher and The Chef events at Jensens

If it’s by Jensens, you know it’s going to be good. New to their events calendar, this September Jensens has introduced a very exciting dining experience: The Butcher and The Chef. Held every Thursday evening in their exquisite private dining room, the night embarks on a meat and wine experience, in collaboration with Stapleton’s Butchers and Fisher Fine Wines.

Guests will enjoy a 5 course-aged meat dinner, whilst James Rowe from Fisher Fine Wines talks you through the perfectly paired wine. Only seating 20 guests, tickets are limited. Jump over here to browse the menu or secure your spot.

8. Explore the Shire's Farmers’ Markets

There’s no better way to start your weekend than with a stroll through the Shire’s Farmer’s Market. Held every Saturday morning from 8am to 1pm in Sutherland’s Flora Street Carpark, the markets are full of fresh produce and unique products from independent makers. Pick up your weekly groceries, a morning croissant and Saturday treat from Thicc cookies (you’ll thank us later). If Friday night was a big one, stop by the Farmgate to Plate stall for one of the best loaded B&E rolls you’ll ever try.

9. Get active with one of the Shire's best walks

From the coastline to the bush, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic walks in the Shire. Whether you opt for an iconic esplanade stroll or head to the leafy grounds of The Royal National Park, there’s a whole lot to see with your walking shoes. Head over here as we count down a few of our faves...

10. Check out Caringbah’s new homewares store, Hunter En Rose

New kid on the block, Hunter En Rose is all about coastal, boho-chic interiors and we’re all for it. In-store you will find a range of hand-selected furniture, decorative items, lighting, statement pieces and artwork, as well as a small selection of boutique fashion & accessories from Australian and overseas designers. Whether you’re in the market for a complete home makeover, a stylish new addition or just a touch of interior inspo, pop by Hunter En Rose this weekend!