Winter Long Weekend in the Shire

The Queen’s Birthday long weekend is on its way stretching from Friday 8th - Monday 11th of June. It is the perfect excuse to have a mid-year getaway or a Sydney-side staycation - and the Sutherland Shire is the perfect place to find some wintry fun!

Whale Watching

The Sutherland Shire boasts of being home to one of the best whale watching hot spots in Sydney at Cape Solander near Kurnell in Kamay Botany National Park. The site is picturesque with stark white cliffs and the deep blue stretching beyond. With binoculars in hand you can hope to spy one of the many humpback whales migrating to warmer waters. June and July are particularly the perfect months for whale watching. Friendly volunteers are present at the site from late May to the end of July from sunrise to sunset, to assist with spotting as well as answering any questions you might have. Remember to rug up though, as the wind can sometimes be rather chilly! For more information visit National Parks. PLEASE NOTE: The road to Cape Solander and the whale watching platform will be closed from Monday 3 May to late July 2021. Learn more about the improvements being made at Cape Solander and check out some other top whale watching locations around Sydney

Pottery classes

For a more cosy experience in the Sutherland Shire, head to Something at Mary’s at Bundeena where you can enjoy one of the many daily pottery classes on offer. Arrive at the studio by either a scenic drive through the Royal National Park or via a picturesque ferry ride across the Port Hacking River from Cronulla. You will create your own handmade masterpiece with projects including cups, bowls, platters, tea pots or sculptures. Enjoy the warm atmosphere with a cup of tea and the friendly staff who are very knowledgeable and patient in their instruction. For more information and class bookings visit Something at Mary's.

Hazelhurst Art Gallery

The Hazelhurst Art Gallery is a true gem in the Sutherland Shire. The community art gallery boasts of 15 different exhibitions annually which feature local, national and globally significant artists – all with free admission! This long weekend, enjoy a cold winter’s morning by considering the works of five female artists exploring the concept of “island” in the Vanishing Point exhibit in the main gallery. The cafe located on the grounds is the perfect place to grab a coffee and cake or something more for brunch and lunch while enjoying the landscaped grounds. For more information visit Hazelhurst Art Gallery.

Craft Breweries

Across Sydney the craft beer scene has been steadily growing and the Sutherland Shire offers up two great options where you can drink a brew right where it was made while also enjoying a relaxed warehouse vibe with snack foods served from food trucks. A perfect way to spend a winter’s afternoon. Shark Island Brewing Company is tucked away in the industrial streets of Kirrawee which is open on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays to the public. It is a family friendly venue that hosts food trucks to compliment the 5-6 brews they have on offer to try. Check out Shark Island Brewing.  

The second brewery located in the Sutherland Shire is Hairyman. Its name refers to a tale dating back to the early 1800s of a wild hairyman from Botany Bay who allegedly stole abandoned beers from sailors camped on the beach. Hairyman offer a small range of beers including their very unique Pop Ale Spider which tastes of creaming soda! The brewery’s cellar door is open daily with a cellar bar on Friday and Saturday until 7pm.  They also frequently host food trucks, especially when the Cronulla Sharks are playing a home game. Check out the Hairyman for more information. 

Afternoon at the footy

After enjoying your pre-game drink and snack, head to The Southern Cross Group Stadium (or Shark Park as it is better known!) to join the passionate locals dressed in blue, white and black as they watch their beloved team, the Cronulla Sharks, take on the visitors this long weekend. For information about games visit Sharks.  

Live music at the Brass Monkey

The perfect place to snuggle in for the evening is at Cronulla’s Brass Monkey. In an intimate atmosphere you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while enjoying one of the many local and international acts the club draws. The Brass Monkey hosts a range of musical genres including jazz, blues, funk and pop. On Sunday June 10 you will be treated to the rock and roll sound of Lost Tropics. For more information about what’s on and tickets check out Brass Monkey.