February in the Sutherland Shire smells like sunscreen, salty air and hot chips. The cicadas are chirping at full volume, the sand is warm underfoot, and Bate Bay is doing what it does best: serving up a long, generous swathe of beautiful beaches that suit everyone from early-morning lap swimmers to kids with boogie boards and grizzled surfers. From tucked-away coves to patrolled family favourites, here’s how to spend a summer’s day beach-hopping your way along Bate Bay.
Greenhills Beach
North of Wanda, Greenhills stretches long and wide; it’s where the crowds thin and there seems to be more sky. It’s the sort of beach you come to for space. Morning walkers move steadily along the firm sand, and dog owners time their visits carefully to make the most of off-leash hours. Facilities are limited and the closest public toilets are back at Don Lucas Reserve. During summer school holidays, lifeguards operate from an observation tower near Track 6, but outside those times it’s quieter and less structured. Greenhills suits people who like their beaches big and breezy and want to make friends with other dog owners.
Wanda Beach
Wanda sits at the northern end of the Cronulla stretch and feels slightly removed from the hubbub further south. It’s patrolled during the warmer months and draws a loyal crowd who like the space and the reliable surf. There’s a kiosk open in summer for cold drinks and ice creams, and plenty of room to spread out. Behind the beach, Wanda Reserve and Don Lucas Reserve are popular with dog walkers, though dogs are not permitted on the sand itself. For a swim with less bodies in the water, Wanda is a solid choice. Hot tip: head to the Top Shop at Wanda for a brekkie roll and large coffee. It’s one of the best places for a coffee in the Shire.
Elouera Beach
Look out for the iconic red and yellow flags spiked into the sand and the zinc-smeared lifeguards scanning the water and you will know you’re in the right place. There’s always the faint smell of coffee drifting down from nearby cafes in Elouera. It’s a beach in motion, popular with walkers, joggers, surfers and kite surfers who know how to work with the wind. Elouera is patrolled from October through to April, with reduced patrols in winter. Dogs aren’t allowed on the sand, but they’re welcome on leash in the grassy areas behind the dunes and along the walkway. Stay late and wait for the light to soften so you can do a crawl of Cronulla’s best bars.
North Cronulla Beach
North Cronulla is home turf for surf education programs and junior nippers, and on busy days it’s all whistles, boards and organised chaos. No flags mean it’s been deemed not safe to swim. Visitors need to take that rule seriously. Show off your abs with a jog from the Alley to Wanda. Set up your cabana in a pocket of sand that is all soft and glittery. And take advantage of the fact the beach is close to some of Cronulla’s best cafes. If you like action wide a side of atmosphere, this is your beach.
Cronulla Beach (South Cronulla)
Cronulla Beach is family-friendly, patrolled year-round, and perfectly positioned for fish and chips eaten straight from the paper. Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club anchors the southern end, while Cronulla Park has shaded lawns, a playground and space for picnics. The beach is wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets, Mobi Mats and a free beach wheelchair service available. Set between South and North Cronulla sit the Cronulla Ocean Pools. On a calm day the larger southern pool is ideal for laps, while the smaller northern pool changes character with the tide. Always check conditions before getting in. Book a photography class with Michael Sutton Photography to learn how to best capture some sunrise snaps.
Shelly Park Ocean Pool
Shelly Beach is gentle and welcoming. The rocky shoreline and ocean pool make it a favourite with families and anyone who prefers a contained swim. While it’s not patrolled, the conditions are often calmer than the open beaches nearby. Shelly Park behind the beach is beautifully set up, with free barbecues, a large, grassed area, accessible paths, a fenced playground and a liberty swing. Across the road, the Shelly Park Kiosk and Nun’s Pool Café take care of coffee and snacks. Dogs aren’t permitted on the beach or in the pool.
Oak Park Ocean Pool
Oak Park feels like a neighbourhood gathering place. The park sits alongside a small beach and ocean pool, connected by the Esplanade walkway. There are public barbecues, seating, swings and accessible facilities, making it easy to settle in for the afternoon. Portable gas barbecues are welcome, dogs are allowed on leash in the grassy areas, and the ocean pool offers a refreshing dip when the sun’s high. Come early in the morning and you will likely meet members of the local social swimming group, the Jellybeans, who have been swimming here for decades. Dry off and follow the path south to the new walkway at Hungry Point.
Darook Beach
Darook Park is a much‑loved waterfront park located on the shores of Gunnamatta Bay in Cronulla. With its open grassy spaces and uninterrupted bay views, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. It is particularly good for families seeking a sheltered swim away from ocean waves. Popular with families, walkers and locals, the park offers a calm alternative to the nearby surf beaches. Watch boats glide across the bay, enjoy a picnic under the trees or simply lay out a towel and soak up the sunshine.
Gunnamatta Bay
Just a short walk from Cronulla train station, this park has a sandy beach and large netted tidal baths. Located on the Port Hacking River, there are no waves in the enclosed swimming area, so the tidal baths are perfect for parents with toddlers and children. It has a large, grassed areas, shade trees and a playground, as well as shelter sheds, a disabled toilet, and a nearby café.
Written by Carla Grossetti, an award-winning local journalist. Follow her food and travel adventures at @food.travel.stories on Instagram. To read more of Carla’s stories, visit www.carlagrossetti.com.
Sutherland Shire Council acknowledges the Dharawal speaking people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land of Sutherland Shire.
