Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts! We’re about to embark on an exhilarating journey in the season of majestic sea giants – yes, you guessed it right, it’s whale-watching season! Let’s lace up our boots for a scenic coastal stroll, set our eyes on the horizon for the magnificent ocean acrobats, and finally, toast to the day with a glass of fine wine or two. Here’s the grand tour of Sutherland Shire’s top spots for walk, whale watch, and wine!
CRONULLA – Sun, Sand, and Surfers
Let’s embark on a delightful saunter down the sun-kissed Cronulla Esplanade, starting from Wanda Surf Club and ending at Hungry Point. This popular path is a favorite for good reasons – friendly locals, surfers bravely riding the waves at Shark Island, and the perfect picnic spots just waiting for your blanket to land!
Whale-watchers, rejoice! The Shire is teeming with spectacular spots to spot our sea friends. Be ready for the breathtaking sight of whales playfully slapping their tails on the ocean’s shimmering surface off Oak Park or casually passing by Cronulla Point. Keep your eyes on the locals – when they stop and point, you’re about to see the magic of a whale’s spout!
Then, let’s wind down at The Pines Cronulla. It’s a scenic spot to continue your whale watch while you sip a Pimms on the patio, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and soak in the stunning coastal views. You’ve earned it!
ROYAL NATIONAL PARK – A Royal Adventure
Get ready for The Coast Track, one of the Shire’s most scenic walking paths. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can conquer the full-day Otford to Bundeena coastal walk. Or make a weekend of it and camp at North Era campground overnight.
Whale-watching here is a dream come true! As you walk along the coastal track, stop at the perfect vantage points and marvel at the humpback highway. The 2023 season is on, so join the Cronulla Whale Watching team to spot some of the 40,000 whales cruising by the coast.
End the day with a well-deserved Australian wine, served after a pack-free guided walk with Life’s An Adventure. It’s the perfect punctuation mark to the day’s adventures.
CAPE SOLANDER – Where Land Meets Sea
The trail from Cape Solander to Cronulla via Kamay Botany Bay National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty. This 22-kilometre-long trail meanders through eucalyptus groves, rocky headlands, windswept dunes, and rugged beaches, and is a favourite with hikers and joggers.
The whale-watching station at Kamay Botany Bay National Park is a crowd-pleaser. As one of the top spots to see whales in NSW, Cape Solander allows you to witness these giants up close as they pass by the coast. You can even volunteer to help track the whale count each season!
Finally, relax at Cook at Kurnell, a hidden gem in the Shire. This vintage airstream van is the perfect place to chill with live music and delicious cocktails. After a dog-friendly walk at Silver Beach, refuel with beachside burgers and tacos at the bar.
Tag us in your whale sightings @visitsutherlandshire and @wildaboutwhales, and feel free to send us your images at tourism@ssc.nsw.gov.au. We can’t wait to share your adventures with the local community!
Adventure awaits in the Sutherland Shire! Enjoy the walk, the whales, and the wine!