Sutherland Shire

Stretching south from the edge of Sydney’s urban sprawl to the wild coastline of the Royal National Park, the Sutherland Shire is a sprawling slice of sub-tropical paradise that offers everything from world-class surf breaks to ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. This is the birthplace of Australian surfing – the legendary Cronulla Beach still draws a sun-bleached crowd – but the shire’s real magic lies in its rugged national parks, hidden ocean pools, and laid-back coastal villages that feel a world away from the city.

Highlights & What to See

• Cronulla Beach & Esplanade: A classic Sydney surf beach with a buzzing promenade of cafés, bars and boutiques. Swim at North Cronulla or South Cronulla, or walk the coastal path to the secluded bass-relief rock pools at Oak Park.
• Royal National Park: Australia’s oldest national park, just a 10-minute drive from Cronulla. Hike the Coast Track for epic clifftop views, swim in the Figure Eight Pools (check tide times), or paddle a kayak up the kangaroo-dotted Kangaroo River.
• Bundeena & Jibbon Beach: A ferry ride from Cronulla delivers you to this sleepy artists’ enclave. Walk the Jibbon Loop Track to see ancient Aboriginal rock engravings of whales and kangaroos, then swim in the calm waters of Jibbon Beach.
• Kurnell Peninsula & Kamay Botany Bay National Park: The site of Captain Cook’s first landing in 1770. Explore the discovery centre, walk the Cape Baily Lighthouse track, and spot migrating whales from the cliffs (May–November).
• Wattamolla Beach & Lagoon: A perfect family spot inside Royal National Park, with a protected lagoon, waterfall and picnic shelters. Arrive early in summer to secure a spot.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can easily spend a full day exploring the shire – morning surf at Cronulla, lunch at a beachside café, then an afternoon hike in the national park. For a deeper experience, base yourself in Cronulla or Bundeena for two nights to tackle the Coast Track, visit Kurnell, and enjoy the sunset from the Cronulla cliffs. If you’re passing through on a Sydney–Wollongong road trip, even a half-day stop for a swim and a walk at Wattamolla is worthwhile.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Royal National Park – endless trails and beaches; the Coast Track is a must-do
• Wollongong & the Illawarra – a 30-minute drive south for more surf, the Sea Cliff Bridge and the Nan Tien Temple
• Kurnell – Captain Cook’s landing place and a whale-watching hotspot
• Botany Bay – explore the national park, kayak the bay, or visit the historic La Perouse
• Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs – a 40-minute drive north to Bondi, Coogee and the city centre

Please check official sources for current details.