The following statement might prove a little controversial, but it has to be said: there is life beyond Sydney's eastern suburbs and northern beaches…Bondi and Manly are etched in the minds of many Australians as iconic beaches, but what about Cronulla?
The 'jewel' in the crown of the Sutherland Shire, Cronulla is an under-appreciated, hidden beach. Made famous in the classic coming-of-age story Puberty Blues (first the novel, then the film), Cronulla has weathered its fair share of bad '80s beach fashion and come up trumps. For many people, not just the locals, the waves of Cronulla (some of the best to be found in the "Shire") continue to beckon.
Sydney's longest beach and the only one that you can reach by train, Cronulla's beach icon status is cemented by its position among a vibrant outdoor café scene, and a coastline which provides top fishing, stunning viewpoints — if you are willing to do a little hiking — and great lookouts for whale-watching. South Cronulla's tidal pools provide a protected swimming environment and the surrounding rockpools are great fun to explore. Keen scuba divers and snorkellers will find a new world to explore along the Cronulla coastline.
Naturally, any great Australian icon beach is steeped in surf culture. Cronulla, especially North Cronulla, has been home to many surfing stars, including the legendary Mark Occhilupo. Famous spots such as Shark Island, The Point, The Alley and Voodoo Reef provide a variety of breaks for the beginner right through to the expert world champion. Several local surf schools run lessons to get 'surfer dude wannabes' started, and the famous Cronulla Esplanade provides one of the best vantage points to watch what is going on in the water as well as what's happening out of the water.
As with many patrolled beaches, Cronulla has surf lifesavers. In fact, for those concerned enough to care there are four surf clubs in the Cronulla coast region: North Cronulla, Cronulla, Elouera and Wanda, and together they patrol the beaches and operate the Cronulla Life Saver Rescue service. Patrols at Cronulla beach (South and North Cronulla) have been happening since at least 1925, using the reel, line and belt as the original rescue tool. In 2007, it will be the 'Year of the Surf Lifesaver' as the national surf life saving organisation celebrates its 100 year anniversary.
When you need to spend some time on dry land, head to any of several cafés, eateries and restaurants that abound along Cronulla's main drag and beyond. Summer is very much about being in the water, but the colder climes of winter means opportunities to sip away the afternoon while taking in the dramatic seascape.
Cronulla is a beachside town that mixes equal parts glossy celebrity and equal parts chilled vibe — remember, this is the suburb that has its own NRL team and various models/actors trace their roots back to the "Shire" — while also wearing its suburban heart on its sleeve. It's nice to see how the mix of families, young couples, teenagers, starlets, athletes, business people and old-time Cronulla residents come together to enjoy a nice day at the beach. Just perfect.
Places to dine:
- Summer Salt: ph: (02) 9523 2366; website: www.summersalt.com.au
- Sealevel Restaurant: 2 The Kingsway, ph: (02) 9523 8888.
- The Alley @ Cronulla, ph: (02) 9523 1530.
- Reflections, ph: (02) 9527 4222.
- Raffles Restaurant: Rydges Cronulla, website: www.rydges.com/cronulla
Places to go for a drink:
- Northies: www.northies.com.au
- Brass Monkey — Cronulla's major live jazz/folk music venue, ph: (02) 9544 3844.
Places to stay in Cronulla:
- Rydges Cronulla, panoramic beach vistas, website: www.rydges.com
Places to shop:
- Cronulla Beach CBD for beachside shopping.
- Westfield Shoppingtown, Miranda
