Your 72-hour guide to the Sutherland Shire 

From sparkling beaches to stylish bars, sunrise yoga to art and live music, The Shire has something for everyone.

There are a lot of things to do in Sutherland Shire, as this jam-packed itinerary attests. What’s more, the activities are all perfect for a weekend getaway with friends. Grab your closest pals and choose your own adventure from our detailed guide to spending a long weekend in the Shire.

Grab a tasty cocktail at Cony’s.

Day one

6am It’s early morning in Cronulla and there’s already a procession of people walking along the Esplanade. It’s the thing to do. To really fit in, place a beach towel over one shoulder and stride south along the Esplanade with purpose, then enjoy an early morning dip in one of the sparkling sea pools. Or salute the sun with the Sunrise Yoga group, which gathers in South Cronulla for a (donation-based, weather-permitting) class at 6am every Friday.

Enjoy an early morning dip or just take a walk along Cronulla esplanade. (Image: Destination NSW)

8am Join the connoisseurs who congregate on the pavement outside Grind Espresso for one of the best coffees on offer in Cronulla. The cafe has been in existence for 21 years and is the place to be when you’re due for a brew.

9am Breakfast is clearly considered the most important meal of the day in Cronulla. Walk north down dinky Surf Lane in front of Grind to find Blackwood, the Luchetti Krelle-designed eatery that exudes elegance. It’s the perfect spot to refuel with mushrooms on toast or zucchini and corn fritters.

Enjoy breakfast at the Luchetti Krelle-designed eatery, Blackwood.

10am Stay in your activewear to catch the heritage Curranulla ferry as it pootles across Port Hacking to the beachside suburb of Bundeena. Walk along Jibbon Beach to see Aboriginal rock art and learn the story of the Deeban and Dharawal peoples, the Traditional Owners of the Land. Afterwards, browse vintage finds at JEAN general store, artfully arranged by award-winning interior designer Kelly Ross, then fossick for candles and linen at Little French Heart.

Drop some cash at Little French Heart.

12.30pm Enjoy lunch at Driftwood Cafe, which is close to Australia’s oldest national park. The cafe is near a sun-splashed playground and Horderns Beach, so don’t forget to pack your swimmers.

3pm Make a day of it in Bundeena (or ‘Bundonesia’, as Bali-loving locals call it) by paddling into Cabbage Tree Basin on a guided tour with Bundeena Kayaks.

Join a guided tour with Bundeena Kayaks.

5pm Catch the ferry back for dinner at Alphabet St, one of the best places to eat and drink in Cronulla, before heading to Johnny Hu, a late-night supper lounge with retro glam vibes.

10pm Return to your accommodation at Rydges Cronulla for a restful night’s sleep.

Book the group into Rydges Cronulla. (Images: Rydges Cronulla Beachside)

Day two

6am Take a surfing lesson on a giant foamie surfboard with Cronulla Surf Academy’s Blake Johnston, who recently broke a world record for the world’s longest surf session. It’s one of the best things to do in the Shire.

Learn to surf on the perfect beginner waves.

8am Wriggle out of your wettie and head west to the hidden Shire cafe Jack Gray, named in honour of the neighbouring Royal National Park’s first ranger, to fuel up on specialty coffee and Sonoma croissants.

9am Visit the Shire Farmers’ Market to purchase a few foodie souvenirs from the weekly market, held on Saturdays.

Stock up at Sutherland Shire Farmers Market.

10 am Hit The Boatshed Woronora at high tide to hire a canoe or kayak and explore the far reaches of the Woronora River – you’ll likely see sea eagles circling, as well as some dramatic rock formations. Next, linger a bit longer over coffee and cake at the Boatshed’s cafe.

Noon Head to Hazelhurst Arts Centre to see its latest exhibition, followed by lunch at the flower-filled Hazelhurst Cafe.

Catch a performance at The Pavillion.

2pm Check out a matinee performance at The Pavilion, the Sutherland Shire’s swanky new performing arts centre.

5pm Head back to Cronulla to and kick up your heels over cocktails at Cony’s, a fun and feminine space with South American accents.

7pm Dinner at the family-run Queen Margherita of Savoy is raucous and fun. Try the killer cocktails and authentic Neopolitan-style pizzas.

9pm Slink down the stairs to see a gig at Brass Monkey before ducking into dive bar The Blind Bear for a digestivo.

Book in at Queen Margherita of Savoy for pizza and cocktails.

Day three

8am Call into the corner cafe HAM (named after brothers Harry and Mario) on any given day and you’ll find it mobbed with locals; tuck into a hearty breakfast, knock back a latte and pick up some panini to go. The Nuns’ Pool is another popular local spot.

10am Hire an e-bike from Chain Reaction Bicycle Company and motor out to Cape Solander, one of the best places to spot whales in Sydney between May and October.

Noon Ride your e-bike around the Kurnell peninsula to Cook at Kurnell, one of the Sutherland Shire’s hidden gems. Park yourself under an umbrella to enjoy burgers and boho vibes.

Chow down on good food and vibes in Cook At Kurnell.

3pm You’ve earned that thirst, and Sundays are fun days in the Shire. Design your own ale trail and pinball between Sunday Road Brewing Co, Hairyman Brewery and Shark Island Brewing Company.

5pm Let the good times roll at Next Door, which is named for the fact it’s adjacent to sister venue Sealevel. The light-filled cafe has ocean views and live music on Sunday afternoons from October to May.

Dine at The Pines Cronulla, then head to the terrace for a drink. (Image: Rachel Kara)

7pm Finish off your 72-hour itinerary in the Sutherland Shire with dinner at The Pines Cronulla. To enjoy an al fresco meal or after-dinner drink, head out to The Terrace.

9pm End your long weekend at Papa Js, a cocktail bar featuring green marble and velvet curtains in a throwback to 1950s Hollywood glamour.

Farewell the weekend with drinks at Papa Js.