Best outdoor workout spots in the Shire

We love the outdoors here in the Sutherland Shire, and there’s an abundance of spots to enjoy views of the ocean, rivers and the bush while you work out. From bayside staircases to sand dunes, to trail runs and mountain biking, ocean swimming and garden wandering, there’s an activity for all fitness levels. So grab your lycra and join in at 10 of the Shire’s best outdoor workout spots.

Staircase runs
Two of our fave Shire staircase runs are at Salmon Haul Reserve and the Como Pleasure Grounds, with stunning views over both the Hacking and Georges Rivers.

You can reach the Salmon Haul steps from the end of Cowra Place in South Cronulla or you can follow the Esplanade around the peninsula from Bass and Flinders Point. Salmon Haul is secluded and quiet - it’s a favourite spot of Shire locals, and is perfect for a dip after you’ve finished the stairs.

The Como Pleasure Grounds has four smaller sets of stairs that run to the top of a small knoll overlooking the Georges River and Como Bridge. There’s a bike track and walking loop plus a play area to keep the kids happy while you work out. You can jump into the free pool at the Como Swimming Complex (open from October to March) or the tidal baths for a swim and some laps afterwards, or take the pedestrian bridge over the river to Oatley.

Don Lucas Reserve
Don Lucas Reserve, between Wanda Beach and Greenhills, has fabulous views out to the ocean over Bate Bay and exercise options for all the family. Bring the kids bikes and scooters and while they ride the cycle loop, the beachside exercise equipment is all yours. There’s also a fitness track, basketball half court, lots of grass for sprints and training and the Wanda sandhills are just at the end of the parking lot.

Wanda Sand Dunes
The Wanda Heritage Walking Track starts at end of the carpark at Don Lucas Reserve and is a three kilometre hike or ride through the sand dunes to the Greenhills Skate Park.
Many people come here in the morning and afternoon to run sets up and down the sandhills - just follow the path til you see the dunes. Jump into the surf at Wanda Beach to cool off afterwards (make sure to swim between the flags) or grab a coffee at the Surf Club cafe. On Sundays after 11am you can reward yourself with a cold beverage and live music at the nearby Wanda Surf Club.

Esplanade Walk
The Cronulla Beach Walk covers four kilometre of Esplanade along Bate Bay is the most one of the most popular places to walk or run in the Shire. It starts from Wanda Surf Life Saving Club and continues along the coastline to Bass and Flinders Point, but you can start and finish the walk wherever you choose. Look out for dolphins and migrating whales.

Bike ride around Woolooware Bay
The four kilometre oceanside shared pathway runs from Shorebird Reserve near Woodlands Road, Taren Point alongside the bay, mangroves and bird viewing platforms towards Shark Park, and continues towards Greenhills. For a longer workout you can start your ride or jog at Solander playing fields and follow the pathway to Taren Point, over Captain Cook Bridge and continue as far as Ramsgate or even to La Perouse. For more information on cycling in the Sutherland Shire, click here.

Ocean swimming
There’s nothing better than an ocean swim from South Cronulla out to the yacht buoy or around to Shark Island. You can set off by yourself or join one of the groups that swim together. For weekend group swims, meet on the steps outside the swim school at 7.30am and 9.00am each Saturday and Sunday. Ocean pools at South Cronulla, Shelley Beach, Oak Park and Gunnamatta are great for outdoor laps in the sunshine - and they’re free.

Hikes in the Royal National Park
The Royal National Park has hundreds of hikes for all fitness levels, with tracks through the bush to water holes, waterfalls and ocean lookouts. Walk to Karloo Pool and swim in the natural water hole, test yourself on the 26 kilometre Coast Track from Bundeena to Otford or trek the Jibbon Beach Loop Track Jibbon Beach Loop Track along the beach, through the bush and past ancient middens and indigenous carvings.

Shire mountain bike trail rides
There are plenty of bush tracks for mountain biking in the Shire, plus the Mill Creek Mountain Biking Trails at Menai trails are some of the best kept in Sydney. Check out the Loftus Loop Trail, or take the 10 kilometre ride along Lady Carrington Drive - if you don’t have a bike you can hire one at the Audley Boatshed

Water workouts
There’s nothing like exploring the Shire’s rivers and bays while you get your heart rate up. For a workout on the water visit the Woronora Boat Shed at Woronora River, Bundeena Kayaks on Bonnie Vale Beach or the Audley Boatshed for stand up paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and row boats.

Surfing Cronulla Surf School can teach you to surf at North Cronulla Beach, and you can explore the Hacking River and its beautiful secluded bays on a stand up paddle board from Cronulla SUP.

Walk amongst the flowers
For more gentle pathways take a walk at the E. G. Waterhouse National Camellia Garden, overlooking Yowie Bay in Caringbah South. Follow the paths through stunning gardens featuring more than 400 species of native and cultivated plants and flowers. Stop at the teahouse for a cuppa and a snack before walking back up to Miranda station to get your train home.