Surfing Cronulla

Winter has arrived and for surfers this often means offshore winds, big swells and lower crowds. With arguably some of the best beach and reef breaks in the world, Bate Bay (Cronulla) has no shortage of spots to consider as your next surfing destination. Whether you're trying surfing for the first time, a weekend warrior or even a hardened professional now is the time to come down to Cronulla, catch some world class waves, and finish it off with a hot coffee and breaky at one of the many local cafes...

Here's our list of the best spots;

Voodoo
Comprises of predominate left hand reef break of world class standard that can hold massive south swells.

The Alley
The main beach break in the area at North Cronulla beach and the natural rip that occurs at the southern end of the beach makes for consistent sand banks and quality beach break waves. It can get really busy out here so be prepared for a bit of hassling.

Cronulla Point
The birthplace of modern surfing in Cronulla now 50 years ago. The point is one of the only waves in the area that is protected from southerly winds which is a real bonus throughout winter but can get really crowded.

The Wall
The Prince Street sea wall, better known as 'the wall' is one of the most accessible, historic and iconic spots for surfers of all abilities. It has lots of parking at the north end and close enough to walk from the train station. This is one of the most popular spots and you can check the conditions without even getting out of your car.

Shark Island
Draws the world’s elite body boarders each year for the Human Shark Island Challenge. It's not recommended you paddle out here at all unless you are an advanced surfer, instead watch the locals take it on from the safety of the esplanade. For the record the Island breaks best on a high tide with a south swell. Best to start your paddle out to the Island from Blackwood's Beach.

Sandshoes/Oak Park
A little jewel on our southern peninsula and provides surfers with a short sharp right hander. It got its name because the surf pioneers of the 1960s, in the days before leg-ropes, wore sandshoes when they surfed because the place is ripe with sea urchins. Works best on a north swell.

Green Hills
For the adventurous surfer looking to escape the crowds, Green Hills is for you. Protected from the northerly winds and gets all of the southern swell. A great place to check when the conditions are small.

Windy Point/Shelly Beach
Located on the southern side of Shelly Beach, it's a swell magnet although it lives up to it's name and best surfed early mornings before the wind gets up. A family favourite with Shelly Beach rockpool, playground, toilets and cafe all nearby.

Other surf breaks include;

    - Kurnell Point
    - Cape Solander (Ours)
    - Suck Rock
    - Boat Harbour and Merries Reefs
    - Elouera
    - North Cronulla

Surfing lessons

To experience the thrill of riding a wave, take a surfing lesson with Cronulla Surfing Academy.  They offer adults & kids beginner classes as well as ladies only and private sessions.

Important Information

Cronulla’s beaches are patrolled by both Sutherland Shire Council professional lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers, click here for patrol times.

Sutherland Shire Council runs Surf Education Courses for local and South-Western Sydney schools, click here for details.

Want to check the surf without leaving home? View the live Web Cams for North Cronulla and Wanda.

For an up to date local surf report click here.