What is summer if not an excuse to get down to the nearest body of water and cool off? From rock pools to netted baths and fully-fledged coastal beaches, it’s no secret that the Shire is well-adorned with beautiful – and family-friendly – spots to swim.
We’ve pulled together our list of top tried and tested swimming spots in the Sutherland Shire to check out next time you’re planning a dip.
Darook Park
Those seeking a calm, wave-free swim spot with a bushy backdrop should head to Darook Park. Darook has all the calling cards of a regular beach, including a stretch of sand, without the chaotic energy that sometimes comes with them.
Oak Park Beach
Situated along The Esplanade, Oak Park Beach is an easy-to-get-to spot that’s ideal for picnics. Home to a small stretch of beach as well as an ocean pool, and backed by a park set up with BBQs, play equipment and bathrooms, it’s the perfect place to settle in with the family.
Image credit: Fly Candy
Shelly Park Beach
Slightly north of Oak Park Beach, also along The Esplanade, you’ll find Shelly Park Beach and ocean pool. Ideal for parents with young children, it’s kitted with a large grassy area for sitting, toilets, changing rooms and showers, as well as BBQs and a large fenced-in playground. Opposite you’ll find Shelly Park Shop and The Nuns Pool, both great options for coffee or a bite to eat.
Image credit: Fly Candy
Gunnamatta Bay
Slightly older kids (or very confident younger ones if you trust them!) will love the jumping pier and jetty at Gunnamatta Bay. Adjoining the swim spot is a large, leafy park with plenty of room to laze in the shade. There’s also a playground to keep kiddos occupied when they’re not splashing in the water.
Image credit: Fly Candy
South Cronulla Beach
A gorgeous shoreline, playground, nearby ice cream shop and close to Barefoot on the Beach Cafe, South Cronulla Beach has everything you need to relax for a good chunk of time. The only beach in Cronulla that is patrolled by lifeguards (including in winter), it’s a good spot for the kids to have a proper beach experience while staying safe. Just be sure to stay between the flags!
Image credit: Fly Candy
Silver Beach Kurnell
Stretching across multiple smaller pockets, Silver Beach in Kurnell runs along the peninsula fronting Botany Bay. Ideal for families of all kinds, it spans netted swimming areas, dog-friendly zones, a boat ramp, a reserve with a playground and multiple cafes.
Como Tidal Baths
Adjoining Como Pleasure Grounds, Como Tidal Baths is a netted swimming pool perfect for splashing or even mini-laps. It’s a lovely, relaxed location bookended by two cafes and surrounded by a shady park, playground and even a shallow Learner’s Pool, which is open seasonally.
Sutherland Leisure Centre Splash Park
While beaches are great, sometimes a patrolled swimming pool is best. The Sutherland Shire Leisure Centre is packed with options for both outdoor and indoor water activities, including slides, a mega soaker tip bucket and lots of fun fountains and water features.
Hordens Beach Bundeena
A venture into the National Park to Bundeena is a great option for a fun day out with the family. Winding past Audley Weir and the Hacking River, as well as stretches of bushland, even the drive in is an activity in itself. Once you have arrived in Bundeena, head to Hordens Beach, which is beautiful, quiet, secluded and even dog-friendly during certain times of the day.
