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Your official guide
Your official guide
As we reach the height of summer, the hunt for the perfect beach hangout commences. Flocks of sun seekers pack their bags and search for the idyllic spot to catch up on a book or ride the waves. Australia is home to hundreds of pristine sandy shores and the Sutherland Shire is no exception. Stretches of coast, hidden coves, natural plunge pools and clear Pacific Ocean sprawls the shoreline. Grab your bucket and spade and prepare to travel the Shire coast to coast, listed below from north to south.
Top image: Burning Palms in the Royal National Park, by Adam Crews
The peninsula of Kurnell is home to a rich history, breath-taking lookout points and some of Sydney’s best scuba diving. Packed with a variety of on land and water activities, Kurnell is sure to satisfy any visitor seeking memorable views and sandy shores.
Collect your 4WD and head to the beautiful horseshoe bay of Boat Harbour. Alongside the pristine waters are bumpy sand dunes that your four-wheeler can drive along, laden with BBQ supplies. This is a favourite place for fishermen as shallow swimming fish mean you can cast a line waist high in the water. Grab your friends and families and set off to this unique spot, nestled in the underbelly of Kurnell.
This all year off-leash beach on the Kurnell peninsula is a perfect place for dog lovers and snorkellers. Renowned for its fish rich waters and long 2.8km of sandy coast, Silver Beach is the ideal spot to soak up sand and sea. Don’t forget your snorkel to catch a glimpse of Giant Cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks and weedy sea dragons.
The marine filled waters of this national park excite even the most experienced divers. Whilst there may not be a beach to lie on, the hundreds of species of sea creatures make this coastal spot a must visit on the search for the perfect place to enjoy the coast of the Shire.
Hailing the title as the only beach in Sydney that can be reached by train, Cronulla is renowned for its surf heaven water conditions and world class eateries dotting the shoreline.
Calling all surfers. When searching for a spot to bring your board, look no further than Cronulla Beach. Not quite got your balance on a board yet? Cronulla Surf School has over 100 years’ experience to help you ride the waves. Aside from surfing, there is a large grassy bank with shade and plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy the view from.
For those hunting for something a little more intimate, head to Blackwoods, the only clothing-optional beach in the Shire. Partially hidden with beautiful rocky surroundings and marine life, this gem is a secret worth sharing.
This ocean pool lies in 300 metres of rocky platforms and is the prime location for a casual dip with uninterrupted views over Bate Bay. Grab your goggles, enjoy the idyllic swim spot then head in land for a bite to eat at any of the gourmet cafés in Cronulla.
One of the few west facing beaches in Cronulla, Darook Park Beach is the ultimate sunset spot. The calm waters and vistas overlooking Gunamatta Bay make for a tranquil slice of heaven. Fishing is also popular here, with perfect conditions for casting a line and catching dinner.
The village of Bundeena is home to secluded bays, beaches, and bushland. When it comes to the picture-perfect beach spot, you really are spoilt for choice. Whether you are looking to relax, swim, snorkel, fish or kayak, the many spots in Bundeena ensure every beach lovers desires are met.
For a beach that has everything, the waterfront of Bonnie Vale is the one. A sandy length of beach fringed by a large picnic area and the adventure zone of Bundeena Kayaks. Hire a paddleboard or kayak and take to the water. The best part of Bonnie Vale? The campground with all the amenities an avid camper would need overlooking the Port Hacking River.
Dog lovers rejoice! This beach is a favourite amongst locals, tourists and four legged friends. Catch the ferry from Cronulla to the long stretch of beach on the eastern of edge of the Royal National Park. Overlooked by Bundeena town, it is the ideal location for shop-a-holics looking to meander around the local shops.
By no means is this 700 metre stretch of sand a secret, but for good reason. Tucked around the Port Hacking River, Jibbon Beach is the perfect destination for those looking for somewhere to catch up on their latest book and unwind.
Immediate thoughts of wild bushlands, sheer cliffs and bustling wildlife spring to mind when imagining a national park. The Royal National Park, is so much more. Picture natural rock pools, sloping boulders and never-ending stretches of sand. Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots to make a day of your beach adventure.
Situated deep in the Royal National Park sits a strip of sand nestled between the hills of the forest. This beach is not the most accessible, involving a fairly rough 2.5km walk- but rest assured, the effort is worth it. Once you’ve enjoyed the clean air and serenity of Burning Palms Beach, a steep rocky journey will take you to the natural rock pools of the Figure Eight Pools. Beware, this journey is not for the faint hearted and is only available to view at certain tide times.
There is a reason Wattamolla is such a popular destination amongst locals and visitors. The lagoon and trickling waterfall makes it one of the Royal National Parks most beautiful hotspots. Enjoy a laze in the calm waters of the lagoon, perfect for your favourite inflatable and unwind under the shade of the palm trees. Don’t forget your cooler for the many BBQs surrounding Wattamolla beach. Wattamolla truly is the perfect retreat from busy city life.
Click here for more information about our Beaches & Waterways.
Jibbon Beach Bundeena, by Adam Crews
The beaches of Bate Bay Cronulla
Silver Beach Kurnell
Burning Palms Royal National Park, by Adam Crews
Burning Palms Royal National Park, by Adam Crews
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