Concrete Playground
May 26, 2021

Cronulla has long been considered a desirable part of Sydney to call home.

Our beachside suburbs are some of the most densely populated, and it’s clear why. You get the best of both worlds — a relaxing escape from the inner city chaos without totally taking your finger off the pulse. Cronulla is no exception, boasting nine beaches and dozens more hidden inlets. The slower pace of life in Cronulla makes it a popular choice for families and older generations, while younger generations are well-catered for by the lively nightlife and outdoor activities aplenty.

Some consider it south Sydney’s answer to Manly — even down the reputation for locals loving the area so much they never want to leave. Though it may be a little further away from the city, it’s actually the only Sydney beach serviced by train, which is convenient for commuters — and for convincing your mates from the other side of town to visit. If the beautiful beaches don’t do the trick, that is.

Cronulla has long been considered a desirable part of Sydney to call home.

DID YOU KNOW

The original inhabitants of this area are the Gweagal people, a clan of the Dharawal tribe, with evidence suggesting they’ve lived in the area for almost 10,000 years. The Gweagal term ‘kurranulla’, meaning “place of the small pink seashell” is the term from which the name Cronulla is derived.

GETTING AROUND

The T4 train line will deliver you from Cronulla into the CBD in just under an hour, stopping at notable hubs, including Hurstville and Redfern, along the way. The Royal National Park is also right on your doorstep — Audley is just a 20-minute drive away. Alternatively, a 30-minute ferry runs from the public wharf to Bundeena every hour, costing $7.40 each way.

PROPERTY PRICES

According to Realestate.com.au, median property prices for Cronulla are sitting at $2.2 million for houses and $815,000 for units. Things are on the up, too, with compound growth rate at 3.2 percent for houses and 2.4 percent for units, based on five years of sales. Check out NAB’s Property Report to learn more, then use its handy Home Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow. Or, book an appointment here.

LOCALS LOVE

There’s a surprising amount of street art to be discovered down Cronulla’s streets and laneways. Special mentions go to Scottie Marsh’s mural of adopted local hero Shannon Noll, Mulga’s ‘The Nulla Sea King’ mural and Awol Creations’ vibrant florals that stretch the length of Cronulla Laneway (beside Nulla Nulla Cafe).

Living in Cronulla

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

Cafes

People take the "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" cliché very seriously in these parts.

1. Blackwood Pantry

Hearty cafe fare made by a chef with Michelin star training.

2. Grind Espresso

Swing by this beloved laneway haunt for simple cafe fare.

3. Rushi

A Japanese-inspired cafe hidden inside a bike shop in Cronulla.

4. HAM

Start your weekend early with artisanal bread and decadent pastries.

5. Pilgrims Cronulla

A vegetarian cafe that's so good your meat-eating mates won't even notice.

Restaurants

Cronulla locals are social butterflies, so the most popular eateries are those well-prepped for large group affairs.

1. Henrys Cronulla - CLOSED

A sun-drenched brunch, lunch and dinner spot in the heart of Cronulla.

2. CC Babcoq

This rotisserie chicken shop and cocktail bar is located near the beach in The Shire.

3. Alphabet Street

Head here for modern Thai dishes — and BYO wine and champagne.

4. Sealevel

Let panoramic ocean views be the backdrop at your next special occasion.

5. 1908 Cronulla

A reimagined church serving coastal cuisine and damn good cocktails.

Watering Holes

Hop tip: some of the best spots to enjoy a sundowner in Cronulla are hidden in plain sight.

1. Cony's

This weekend-only bar serves up South American-inspired eats and tropical cocktails aplenty.

2. Next Door Cronulla

This ever-popular cafe offers up next level eats by the water.

3. The Blind Bear

This cosy hole-in-the-wall offers smoky vibes and endless whisky apple cocktails.

4. Cronulla RSL Club

Enjoy views over South Cronulla Beach from the terrace with a cocktail in hand.

5. Low and Lofty's

Seek out this Cronulla loft bar for tropical cocktails and Texan-style barbecue.

Outdoors

On the next sunny day, look past the main beaches and take your towel to one of these local gems.

1. Boat Harbour

Explore sea life along the rocky shoreline of this isolated beach.

2. Bundeena Ferry

Cross the Port Hacking River to explore Bundeena and the Royal National Park.

3. Shelly Beach Rock Pool

Take a dip while avoiding the waves at this accessible rock pool.

4. Greenhills Beach

Let your pooch roam free on this part-time off-leash beach in Cronulla.

5. Gunnamatta Bay

An enclosed swimming area just a short walk from Cronulla Station that is ideal for families.

Shops

Snacks, drinks, a good read — Cronulla shops have everything you need for a good day on the beach.

1. Cronulla Living

This homewares store stocks all the essentials for styling a beachside pad.

2. Berkelouw Cronulla

Pick up a new read to enjoy on lazy beach days from this lovely bookshop.

3. BottlO'Briens

Explore craft beers galore at this boutique bottle-o in Cronulla.

4. Meet That Store

A chic Cronulla boutique for when you need to dress a little bit fancy.

5. Six Smith

This cafe makes pantry staples, cakes and take-home meals with produce from its kitchen garden.

After-Dark Action

The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down — see live music, have a boogie or do a workshop here.

1. Northies Cronulla Hotel

Cronulla's beloved party pub and daytime dining spot.

2. Brass Monkey

A live music mainstay that's been loved by locals for over 20 years.

3. Zinc Bar

Let live music soundtrack your Sunday afternoons while soaking up waterfront views.

4. El Sol Tortillaria Mexican Restaurant - CLOSED

Say goodbye to Taco Tuesday and hello to $10 Nacho Thursday here.

5. Croydon Lane Wine and Tapas Bar

Enjoy live music in the sunny wine garden at this hidden gem.

Living in Cronulla

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

CP's Picks

These are our favourite things to do in the area.

  • Rushi

    Rushi

    There are brekkie rolls. And then there's Japanese-inspired cafe Rushi's egg yariman roll: a soft milk bun filled with parmesan and cream-laden scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, avocado and sriracho mayo.
  • Salmon Haul

    Salmon Haul

    After some beach time but can't face the big crowds? Follow The Espalande around the point from South Cronulla to seek out one of the hidden inlets, like Oak Park, Salmon Haul, Bass and Flinders and Darook Beach.
  • Greenhills Beach

    Greenhills Beach

    Take your pup to this stretch of sand for some off-leash fun.
  • The Blind Bear

    The Blind Bear

    Venture inside this non-descript door to find a low-lit bar serving fresh whisky apples and craft brews.

Top image: Chris Jamieson

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