Lazy brunches are a staple of Australian lifestyle. Lining the shores and streets of Sutherland Shire is an array of bustling breakfast spots. From cronuts in Cronulla to bagels in Bundeena, choosing where to feast can be an overwhelming task for any brunch hunter. To make the choice a little easier, here is a list of the best bacon, flat whites and smashed avo in the Shire.

Cook at Kurnell 

Cook at Kurnell is a coastal café with a twist, serving you brunch delights where beachside relaxation meets an eclectic mix of global vibes. Surrounded by surfboards and parasols, chow down on their award-winning Italian burger made with a house-made beef patty combining premium beef, mortadella and pork, and topped with Swiss cheese, tomato, baby cos, pickles, caramelised onions and a home-made burger sauce, as you relax along the Kurnell peninsula, for the ultimate surfer’s breakfast.

Milkhouse – Kurnell 

As the name indicates, Milkhouse heralds the dairy delight, milk as a staple on their menu. Try their mouth-watering lime milkshake for a milk sensation with a difference. 

Audley Dancehall Café – Audley

Nestled in the Royal National Park stands the Audley Dancehall Café. Relax by the Port Hacking River and tuck into a menu of wholesome food and peaceful atmospheres. For the hungry ones, tackle the Audley big breakfast with all the trimmings.

HAM (Harry and Mario) – Cronulla 

Award-winning café deli HAM is a family run institution standing near the shores of Cronulla. Enjoy dishes with fresh produce from the in-house deli and fresh bread from local bakery Thoroughbread. Relax with your coffee in the light-filled café, with hanging deli hams and leafy plants cascading the walls at the perfect beachside brunch spot.

Blackwood Pantry – Cronulla

The all-day menu at Blackwood Pantry is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, filled with technicolour plates and a bustling atmosphere. Sip expertly made coffee in the pastel hued interior and enjoy dishes with the freshest of ingredients like the creamy burrata. This pink tinged plate also comes with prosciutto, heirloom tomatoes, strawberry gazpachio, crusted pistachios, basil and garlic rubbed sourdough- heaven on a plate.

Grind Espresso – Cronulla and Caringbah

Discover why the phrase “I’d rather be at Grind” is uttered by die-hard patrons of Grind Espresso. Although it isn’t famed for its breakfast bites, Grind is a favourite amongst locals and deserves a mention thanks to one key breakfast ingredient – coffee. Sip their expertly brewed espresso, poured by some of the best baristas in the Shire and listen to the best of local talent, as live musicians frequently descend on the local hangout.

Earth Thingz Café – Bundeena

Earth Thingz Café has a philosophy of balance – a balance of old techniques and new ones, different ingredients, flavours, passion and skill. Dine in or order something from the Grab and Go menu and head to the beach.

Kin – Burraneer

Classic breakfast dishes don’t get much tastier than at Kin. From almond, cinnamon and cranberry granola to chilli scrambled eggs on Sonoma sourdough, Kin’s got you covered. Perch on outside tables at this family friendly, all day eatery.

Sister Fox – Caringbah 

Visitors of this café come here for one thing and one thing only – the coffee. Deliciously roasted White Horse Espresso beans are expertly brewed for the perfect cup of caffeine. A not-to-miss café for anyone with a love of the bean.

Hazel – Gymea

For bright bowls, gorgeous grounds and delicious drinks, Hazel is the place for you. Set in the hidden oasis of the Hazelhurst Art Gallery is a produce driven menu with delights including ricotta pancakes with burnt maple butter and lemon mascarpone. While away the hours with your picture-perfect breakfast in the gardens of Gymea then peruse the latest art collection in the gallery.

Portuguese Bakery – Gymea

For those with a sweet tooth, look no further than the Portuguese Bakery in Gymea. Enter this quaint café to the warm smell of freshly baked bread and burnt sugar. The main attraction is the handmade custard-filled Portuguese tarts that pull visitors from far and wide. Savoury delights can also be found with a range of freshly baked breads on offer.

West End Espresso – Jannali

After visiting Jannali and struggling to locate a coffee shop, brothers Jake and Luke decided to fill the gap with their own beans. For bread lovers, you won’t be disappointed by West End Espresso’s gourmet sourdough sandwiches. Sip Reuben Hills beans expertly brewed by resident barista Jake Bonning in this cosy café.

The Boatshed at Woronora 

Set on Forbes Creek, this local favourite serves all day breakfast in an idyllic setting. Try locals’ favourite, the boatshed breakfast platter, designed for sharing, it showcases a selection of breakfast favourites and is perfect for a relaxed brunch by the water. Once you’ve chowed down, rent a canoe on site and tackle the Woronora River.