Hey Big Spender

The Federal Government’s Dine & Discover vouchers expire on June 30. So there’s never been a better time to support our hard-working hospitality sector or invest in the arts. Whether you’re catching a movie or a gig, or going to check out a cool new neighbourhood café, here are five ways to spend your Dine & Discover vouchers.

1. Do a Pottery and Prosecco class

You best not have feet made of clay to make use of your Dine & Discover vouchers at Part-Time Ceramics, which has studios in both Engadine and Taren Point. Do a four-week course and find your flair before booking a Date Night Wheel Throw class where you can impress your latest Bumble crush with your skills. You can also buy a Clay Kit to re-enact that iconic pottery scene in Ghost starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. There are workshops ready to book (suitable for complete beginners). Get on it. parttimeceramics.com.au

2. Hire a kayak and explore the Woronora River

Wait for a day when the sun is high in the sky before heading to Woronora (or the Wonnie as it’s affectionately known) which slices through the waterside suburb. Take a pause from paddling to appreciate the trees on either side of the river, their twisted limbs reaching for the sky. Stop for lunch at the Boatshed Woronora River Cafe, which, like the sky, is splashed in a deep blue hue. This hugely popular riverfront café gets booked out well in advance so make sure you have a reservation. theboatshedatworonora.com.au

3. Dinner and a movie

Cronulla locals were heartbroken when the GU Filmhouse closed its doors. Then Hoyts swooped in and saved the day, giving the tired cinema a $6 million refurbishment that includes extra-comfortable recliners to kick back on and moveable footrests. Dinner and a movie never looked so good. Book an early sitting at Papa J’s where mixology mastermind Josh Metcalfe coolly pours drinks over custom diamond-shaped ice cubes that you can enjoy alongside a menu curated by local legend Carl Jensen (Papa J himself) that includes sensational small plates such as salt and pepper squid with Szechuan salt and green chilli aioli and karaage chicken. papajs.bar

4. See a gig at the Brass Monkey

Give back to the arts and the Shire’s beloved Brass Monkey by booking dinner and a show during the Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival. Highlights of this year’s annual festival include Jeff Martin (The Tea Party) on June 2 and 3 and Professor Groove and the Booty Affair (June 5). While music is the focus here, co-owner Jad Nakhle and the team know a thing about food, too (they are behind the hugely successful Yalla Sawa, long regarded as one of Cronulla’s best restaurants.

5. The Pines Cronulla

Life in Cronulla takes place by the ocean. And The Pines Cronulla has done a fine job of capitalising on that proximity to the sand and sea. The light, bright restaurant is a bar and restaurant all in one, so what better place to splurge your Dine & Discover vouchers than in the open-aired dining room that nods to the famous Norfolk Pine trees it overlooks. You can also gather in the more casual Apres Beach by the Pines al fresco area, where a bucket of prawns and a glass of wine has never looked so good. Still have a Discover voucher to spend? Boost the arts by booking a show at Cronulla Arts Theatre. Thepinescronulla.com.au

Note: Please ensure you check with the various venues before booking to see if they currently accept Dine & Discover vouchers.

Carla Grossetti is an award-winning local journalist who writes for Australiantraveller.com and Internationaltraveller.com. Follow her food and travel adventures at @food.travel.stories or at @austtraveller.