6 ways for nature-lovers to get the best out of the Sutherland Shire

Did you know that one of the best times to see whales is during the winter months? From June 1 until October 31, you can take a morning, afternoon or sunset cruise from Cronulla Public Wharf out into the ocean to spot whales. This season, there will be an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 whales passing through Cronulla, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to spot a whale. In fact, Cronulla Whale Watching promises that if you don’t see a whale, you can come back for free. Book your whale watching adventure here.

If you’re looking to spot whales from dry land, then we’ve got a great option for you. Head out to Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park for blissful coastal walks, birdwatching and now, there’s a whale watching platform. On your journey toward Cape Solander walk past picturesque pockets of Australian native wildflowers. Then, stop at the whale watching platform for a high chance of spotting a whale in all its glory.

After basking in the beauty of Cape Solander, it’s time to take the Cape Bailey Walk across clifftops — taking note of the serene views and dramatic sandstone formations. On the walk, you’ll pass by Cape Baily lighthouse and a variety of distinctive heathland. Make sure to also keep an eye out for seabirds and local reptiles. 

There are two ways to do the Cape Bailey Walk: the short and the long. The shorter walk is 4km, heading one way and finishing at Potter Point. Meanwhile, the longer walk returns you back to Cape Solander and takes three hours to complete. Find out more here.

In the heart of Cronulla is a beautiful beach walk that follows Cronulla Esplanade. From Wanda Surf Lifesaving Club to Bass and Flinders Point, you’ll pass parks, playgrounds, cafes, beaches and child-friendly rockpools. The walk will take you no longer than an hour, so it’s perfect for families or a segue into dinner and drinks. We recommend Summer Salt for its excellent seafood, the Mediterranean grill restaurant Hurricane’s or small plate extraordinaire CC Babcoq. Then for drinks head to Sista Gin for scrumptious cocktails and the Blind Bear an American style whiskey saloon, for speakeasy vibes and buffalo wings.

Bundeena is a township just across the river from Cronulla that you can either drive to or take a 20-minute ferry over from Tonkin Wharf. From there, you’ll be able to reach Jibbon Beach by following a little footpath down to the sand. Follow the crescent shaped beach in a loop and observe 3,000 year old sun-bleached shells, tools and bone. You’ll also pass Shelley Beach, as you overlook the crashing waves below. A perfect day out, if you ask us.

Following Sydney’s Royal National Park is the Coast Track, a multi-day walk between Bundeena and Otford. Not for the faint of heart, this challenging walk is 26 km one way and will take approximately two days, or one if you’re super fit. However, you can also tackle it in bite size pieces . Please note that currently some parts of the track are currently closed. Find out more about the Coast Track here. 

For more information about what’s on offer at the Sutherland Shire, head to the website here.