Your 2018 Bucket List

As 2017 draws to a close, now is the time to focus on your resolutions for the year ahead. 

What better way to start your year than by experiencing the very best of the Sutherland Shire. Renowned for its breath-taking scenery, world class eateries and not to be missed events, the Shire is bursting with memorable experiences to fill up your calendar. To help you plan, we’ve written a list of the must do activities in the Shire to make sure 2018 is your best year yet.

Top image: Karloo Pools in the Royal National Park, see our walking trail.

1. Hit the weekend markets 

The Como craft and antique market is a treasure hunters dream. Occurring on the second Sunday of every month, a school playground transforms into an array of trinkets and hidden gems, heaven for every flea market lover. If fresh produce is more your thing then make your way to the weekly Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland. Created for foodies, by foodies, this Saturday market attracts crowds of hungry locals and tourists, hunting for mouth-watering delicacies. Taste buds tingling? Save the date for the Gymea Village Fair in October 2018. A collection of over 190 stalls introducing you to new taste sensations and a day of non-stop entertainment.

2. Visit the Hazelhurst Art Gallery 

Inject your 2018 with some culture at the Hazelhurst Art Gallery in Gymea. Presenting an ever-changing collection of 15 national and international art exhibitions every year, each visit to the gallery is different. For those looking to get their hands dirty, Hazelhurst Art Centre offers day and evening classes. On the backdrop of the gallery, lies an artisanal café with fresh ingredients and a view overlooking the pristine grounds that frequently hosts special events year-round.

3. Enjoy a beer with a view at Cronulla RSL

Cronulla RSL is an institution and if you haven’t yet ventured to the seaside bar and restaurant, make sure it’s on your list. Serving locals and visitors for decades, Cronulla RSL is a must do when visiting Cronulla. Panoramic views overlooking the sweep of sand and deep blue Pacific waters of South Cronulla beach are the perfect backdrop to enjoy a beer or one of their infamous summer cocktails.

4. Become a Yogi at one of the many yoga schools around the Shire

Try Heart and Soul Yoga in Cronulla Beach or raise the temperature at Bikram Yoga Studio in Caringbah. If you want to make a weekend of it, the HIGA mini retreat, set in the grounds of the Royal National Park is a blissful hiking, yoga and essential oils experience- the perfect escape to bustling city life. If you prefer the finer things in life, take a trip to the Gymea Eco Retreat Centre and Healing Spa, a sustainable eco environment offering rejuvenating yoga and meditation.

5. Set sail on a night cruise from Cronulla

Cronulla Ferries hosts many different types of cruises along the Port Hacking River to ensure you can enjoy the boat life the right way. For sunset lovers, try the sunset dinner cruise and if you are an early bird, join the champagne sunrise cruise. Fancy taking a dip? The cruise swim n dine option packages delicious food, a scenic cruise and a snorkelling stop to swim with the marine life.

6. Sip tea at the famous Camellia Gardens

Enter the technicolour gardens of Caringbah where an array of blooming flowers surround the grounds all year round. The best place to take in the tropical oasis? Camellia Gardens Tea House. Sip tea from quaint tables or enjoy the BYO alcohol or cakes option at this charming tea house.

7. Throw on your trainers at the Sutherland to Surf race 11km

This coastal race may not be happening until July 2018, but if you want to get serious about this 11km race, it’s good to start now. The annual race, hosting its 47th year, allows participants to run, walk or skip the picturesque track. Grab your trainers and your friends, and make sure this is top of your list of achievements for 2018.

8. Try your hand at paddle boarding in Bundeena

Bundeena is the gateway to the world class coastal walking tracks of the Royal National Park. The beauty of Bundeena is admired best on water. Head to the pristine beachfront of Bonnie Vale to tackle some watersports, courtesy of Bundeena Kayaks. As the name suggests, if paddleboarding isn’t your sport, exploring the Port Hacking River by kayak is a guaranteed fun experience.

9. Catch your dinner fishing in the Port Hacking River

Forget restaurants, snag your very own seafood dinner from the Port Hacking River or Cronulla coast. There are many beautiful spots to spend a few hours surrounded by nature to fish for your dinner in the Shire. When you’ve successfully caught your dinner, head to one of the Shires many outdoor BBQ spots and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

10. Eat, drink and be merry at Australian Music Week

Whilst the 2017 AMW was only held in November, this one of a kind music conference in Cronulla is worth the wait. Featuring three days of live music, entertainment and discussions from artists who are shaping the Australian music industry. Keep an eye out for dates and programme announcements, this is sure to be an event you cannot miss. Need some music whilst you wait? Head to the Brass Monkey in Cronulla, packing a roster of live music throughout the year including jazz, blues, roots, funk and pop.

11. Exercise your mind at Australia’s only nuclear research facility

Give your brain some training at Australia’s only nuclear research facility, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). Join the free Science Discovery tour for an interactive exploration of all things nuclear and get a behind the scenes look at the world of nuclear science.

12. Hike through the Royal National Park

What would a bucket list be without a mention of the infamous Royal National Park? Tackle the 26km coastal walk, taking you through the lush bushlands, swimming spots and spectacular views of the second largest national park in the world. There truly is no better way to experience the wonder of the Shire than in the midst of the Royal National Park.