Concrete Playground
July 17, 2020

A mere 30-minute train ride from Sydney CBD is a not-so-hidden gem. Life in the southern suburbs moves at a slightly slower pace — giving you ample opportunity to explore the beautiful beaches, bars and stores.

Situated on the coast, it’s less crowded than its eastern suburb counterparts but equal in its beauty, charm and close-knit community feel. It’s also a lot more culturally diverse than it often gets credit for, with prominent Asian and European cultural hubs thriving in Hurstville, Rockdale, Ramsgate and beyond.

Whether you’re new to the area, have lived there your whole life or only pay the occasional visit, there’s always something to be uncovered. We’ve put together this guide to the southern suburbs with American Express so you can shop small and support local business. Take along your American Express Card and you’ll be able to treat yourself to everything from a yum cha feast to a new surfboard.

GETTING AROUND

Train is the easiest way to get to this part of Sydney — take the T4 Line from Central to Cronulla, stopping at all notable hotspots, including Hurstville, Kogarah and Miranda along the way. For Brighton-Le-Sands, it’s easiest to get the train to Rockdale, then catch the 478 bus down Bay Street.

DON’T MISS

While most people travel to Brighton-Le-Sands and Sans Souci for a dip in the surf, you should take the time to have a drink and a bite to eat at one of the beachside restaurants. Not only will you have an epic view of the water, but you’ll also get a front-row seat to watch the planes soar over Botany Bay.

HIGH STREETS

Aptly named Cronulla Street, the pedestrian street in the centre of Cronulla is a treat any time of the year. Wander along here and you’ll find a bunch of food and drink offerings alongside stores selling surfwear, books and homewares. Meanwhile, Hurstville’s Forest Road is your hub for Asian street food and hard-to-find ingredients.

LOCALS LOVE

Unsurprisingly, Cronulla is designed for al fresco dining — you need to take advantage of the proximity to the beach and the views, after all. In the morning, grab a coffee from local institution Grind Espresso to enjoy as you stroll along The Esplanade. Then, as the sun sets, head to Next Door for fruity cocktails and snacks.

THE SHOPPING LISTS

Explore three of southern Sydney's thriving shopping precincts.

Simon from Low & Lofty's
The Localist: Cronulla
Coming Soon

Your Southern Sydney Hit List

Looking for fresh produce, funky cheese or a one-of-a-kind gift? Find what you're looking for here.
List
Map
  • Shop

    Endota Spa Cronulla

    20 Gerrale Street, Cronulla

    Pamper yourself mere footsteps from the beach.

  • Shop

    MC Cyclery

    787 Anzac Parade, Maroubra

    Maroubra's long-running store has a growing BMX range and Rapha apparel.

  • Shop

    Endeavour Cycles

    107 Gymea Bay Road, Gymea

    When you want a specialist trail bike, this is a good place to start.

  • Shop

    Bikebug

    3/595-615 Princes Highway, Tempe

    Custom bike builds and emergency puncture repairs are two great reasons to visit this Tempe bike store.

  • Shop

    Farmgate to Plate - Miranda

    12/4-6 Wandella Road, Miranda

    Pick up marbled wagyu rump from this speciality butchers.

  • Shop

    Pacific Gourmet Meats

    51 Cronulla Street, Cronulla

    Visit this classic butcher for sausages, steaks and skewers ready for the barbie.

  • Shop

    Peters Meats

    Shop 24, 737 Anzac Parade, Maroubra

    For burgers, bone broth concentrates and slow cooked brisket.

  • Shop

    BottlO'Briens

    38 Cronulla Street, Cronulla

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

  • Restaurant

    Christopher's Cake Shop

    Level 1, Westfield Hurstville, Hurstville

    Long-running bakery serving traditional Greek sweets and other treats.

  • Restaurant

    The Hellenic

    Level 4, Westfield Hurstville, Hurstville

    All of your Greek food favourites — haloumi fries, spanakopita and pitas — done well.

  • Restaurant

    Like Noodle - CLOSED

    251 Forest Road, Hurstville

    Slurp spicy noodles in this bustling Forest Road joint.

  • Shop

    Hillcrest Florist

    77 Hillcrest Avenue, Hurstville Grove

    This neighbourhood florist offers all manner of beautiful blooms for any occasion.

  • Shop

    Wellmay Asian Mart

    Level 1, Westfield Hurstville, Hurstville

    Amp up your cooking with hard-to-find ingredients from Westfield's longstanding Asian grocer.

  • Shop

    The Bottle-O Grove Cellars

    81 Hillcrest Avenue, Hurstville Grove

    Specialty spirits, craft beers and international wines.

  • Shop

    German Butchery Deli & Cafe

    2-6 Sarsfield Circuit, Bexley North

    A German-style deli stocking cold cuts, bread, cured meats and more.

  • Shop

    B & M Florist

    41 O'Connell Street, Monterey

    This Monterey institution has been a go to for beautiful flowers for more than 30 years.

  • Shop

    Kitepower Australia

    302 The Grand Parade, Sans Souci

    Get kitted out for your new favourite hobby at this beachside shop specialising in everything kiteboarding and kitesurfing.

  • Shop

    The Party People

    430 Rocky Point Road, Sans Souci

    Sans Souci has been home to this family-run party supply shop since the 1980s — inside, find all the costumes, balloons and decorations you could need.

  • Shop

    Manchester Warehouse

    150 Rocky Point Road, Kogarah

    Enough linen and soft furnishings to please even the most fussy of shoppers.

  • Shop

    French Cargo

    219 Rocky Point Road, Ramsgate

    A Francophile's haven of authentic new and vintage homewares from the stylish markets of Paris.

Find Your Playground

Eeastern Suburbs Inner West North Shore Northern Beaches Greater Western Sydney South Sydney Inner City
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