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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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ShopMC Cyclery
787 Anzac Parade, Maroubra
Maroubra's long-running store has a growing BMX range and Rapha apparel.
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ShopEndeavour Cycles
107 Gymea Bay Road, Gymea
When you want a specialist trail bike, this is a good place to start.
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ShopFarmgate to Plate - Miranda
12/4-6 Wandella Road, Miranda
Pick up marbled wagyu rump from this speciality butchers.
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ShopPacific Gourmet Meats
51 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Visit this classic butcher for sausages, steaks and skewers ready for the barbie.
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ShopPeters Meats
Shop 24, 737 Anzac Parade, Maroubra
For burgers, bone broth concentrates and slow cooked brisket.
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ShopBottlO'Briens
38 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Explore craft beers galore at this boutique bottle-o in Cronulla.
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RestaurantChristopher's Cake Shop
Level 1, Westfield Hurstville, Hurstville
Long-running bakery serving traditional Greek sweets and other treats.
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RestaurantThe Hellenic
Level 4, Westfield Hurstville, Hurstville
All of your Greek food favourites — haloumi fries, spanakopita and pitas — done well.
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RestaurantLike Noodle - CLOSED
251 Forest Road, Hurstville
Slurp spicy noodles in this bustling Forest Road joint.
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ShopHillcrest Florist
77 Hillcrest Avenue, Hurstville Grove
This neighbourhood florist offers all manner of beautiful blooms for any occasion.
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ShopWellmay Asian Mart
Level 1, Westfield Hurstville, Hurstville
Amp up your cooking with hard-to-find ingredients from Westfield's longstanding Asian grocer.
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ShopThe Bottle-O Grove Cellars
81 Hillcrest Avenue, Hurstville Grove
Specialty spirits, craft beers and international wines.
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ShopGerman Butchery Deli & Cafe
2-6 Sarsfield Circuit, Bexley North
A German-style deli stocking cold cuts, bread, cured meats and more.
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ShopKitepower 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.
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ShopB & M Florist
41 O'Connell Street, Monterey
This Monterey institution has been a go to for beautiful flowers for more than 30 years.
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ShopThe 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.
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ShopManchester Warehouse
150 Rocky Point Road, Kogarah
Enough linen and soft furnishings to please even the most fussy of shoppers.
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ShopFrench Cargo
219 Rocky Point Road, Ramsgate
A Francophile's haven of authentic new and vintage homewares from the stylish markets of Paris.
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