Visit The Shire

Enjoy the sights of the Sutherland Shire from the water, or at a fast pace with our pick of various activities to enjoy this Autumn. Carla Grossetti finds four fitness activities to undertake in order to counteract all that relishing of the new bar and restaurant scene we’ve done over summer. 

1. Paddleboarding 

It’s early in the morning at Gunnamatta Bay and the sky is so blue it appears to have been painted-on. The water is stretched like blue denim, and the conditions perfect for a stand-up paddleboarding session around the bay. As well as being an excellent way to explore our local waterways, SUP-ing is a great way to work on your abs, thighs and arms while slicing through the milky seas. The classes, which cater to everyone from the age of seven to 70, work around the swell and wind direction and, depending on the ability of those in the class, the sessions either stay in the bay or head surfside. For more information, visit cronullasup.com.au

2. Waterfront walk

The Royal National Park is right on our doorstep and the scenery along the trail that hugs Jibbon Headland is spectacular. Just 10 minutes from Bundeena, you will find yourself standing at the top of soaring sandstone cliffs surrounded by rugged bushland and roaring seas. Sydney Coast Walks’ guide Ian Wells says one of the highlights of this 5km trail is stopping off to admire 1000-year-old rock art engraved by the Dharawal people, the traditional owners of this land. If you want to see more of the area on foot, sign up for the Coastal Classic, a 30km adventure race from Otford to Bundeena slated for September 3, 2020. For more information, visit sydneycoastwalks.com.au. 

3. Relay for Life

Last year’s Relay for Life in the Sutherland Shire raised $470,000 for Cancer Council. This year’s team event aims to top that, as friends, families and co-workers from the southern suburbs team up to walk, shuffle, sprint or jog around the athletics track in Sylvania Waters on Saturday April 30-Sunday May 1. You don’t have to be an über athlete to compete. Check out these tips from The Healthy Body Company about how to fit exercise into our hectic schedules or sign up for a free Surf Life Active activity camp in Kurnell and Menai. For more information, visit fundraising.cancer.org.au

4. Bundeena Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking around the Port Hacking waterway is one of the more enjoyable ways to increase your heart rate. Bundeena Outdoor Adventures offers a range of options for visitors – from hiring a kayak and doing your own thing to participating in guided eco tours in and around the stunning Cabbage Tree basin. As well as enjoying everything from the birdlife to wild bush flowers, the guides point out places of interest along the way. If you’re feeling even more intrepid, embark on a two-day North Era Hike ‘n’ Camp Adventure. Bundeena Kayaks also run a bus service, which is great for planning one-way walking adventures around the park. For more information, visit bundeenakayaks.com.au

Email ideas to [email protected] To see more of Carla’s food and travel stories, like her Facebook page.