Visit The Shire

Beaches & Waterways

There are a number of beautiful beaches and swimming spots in the Sutherland Shire, from the Cronulla Coastline to the Royal National Park.

Patrolled Beaches:

Lifeguard hours of operation vary throughout the year. Check operating hours here.

• Cronulla
  
• North Cronulla
  
• Elouera
• Wanda

Non Patrolled Beaches:

• Blackwoods, Cronulla
  
• Boat Harbour, Kurnell
• Bonnie Vale, Royal National Park
• Darook Park, Cronulla
• Garie, Royal National Park
• Gunnamatta Bay, Cronulla
  
• Gunyah Beach, Bundeena
• Horderns Beach, Bundeena
• Jibbon Beach, Bundeena
• Marley Beach, Royal National Park
• Oak Park, Cronulla
• Shelly Beach, Cronulla
• Silver Beach, Kurnell
• Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park

Rock Pools & Netted Baths:

• Cronulla Rock Pools; Just south of North Cronulla beach are Cronulla Rock Pools. Adjacent to cafes and a kiosk as well as grassy Dunningham Park with a playground, there is plenty for the whole family. 

• Silver Beach; A stretch of beach on the Kurnell peninsula fronting Botany Bay with public baths that are netted in summer months. The beach is a dog off leash area 24 hours a day (between the third and fourth groynes (jetties) from the western end) so take your furry friend with you for a run on the sand. Dogs are prohibited on Silver Beach at all other locations. Access is off Prince Charles Parade and it’s very easy to find parking.

• Shelly Beach; This beach has a large park area and has a rocky shoreline with an ocean bath for swimming. It’s a great option for parents with younger children. There is a large grassed area, barbecues for public use, and a fenced playground (with a liberty swing for children with disability). The area is easily accessed by prams and people with disability. Dogs on-leash are allowed on the walkways and in the park. Dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of the fenced playground. 

•  Oak Park: With a rocky shoreline and a great ocean bath for swimming, there is also a grassed area, seating and a playground. The ocean baths are not patrolled by lifeguards. Dogs on-leash are allowed in the grassed areas of the park and on the walkway. 

• Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths; Adjacent to Gunnamatta Park are netted tidal baths. Located just a short walk from Cronulla train station, Gunnamatta Park is perfect for parents with toddlers. It has large grassed areas, shade trees and a playground. This beautiful beach is on the river, and as such there are no waves in the enclosed swimming areas. The park also features shelter sheds, disabled toilet and open air amphitheatre. 

• Lilli Pilli Baths; Located on the end of the point, Lilli Pilli Baths provide spectacular views across Port Hacking River to the National Park. There is a recently upgraded wharf and a netted swimming bath. 

• Gymea Bay Baths; Nestled in a quiet corner off Port Hacking River with a reserve and toilets nearby, this is the perfect sport for a quiet dip on a sunny day. Access is via the walkway from the carpark off Ellesmere Road.  

• Como Tidal Baths; This is a netted unpatrolled river pool located adjacent to Como Pleasure Grounds making it the perfect spot for a picnic and swim. 

*** Please note that dogs are prohibited on the beach and in all ocean or tidal paths unless otherwise signposted. The tidal baths and rock pools are not patrolled by lifeguards.

Leisure Centres

• Sutherland Leisure Centre 

Sutherland Leisure Centre is located on Rawson Avenue, Sutherland. There is a 50 metre heated outdoor pool, heated indoor and outdoor pools and a children’s play area and pool. There is also a spa and steam room. Every Sunday there are two giant water inflatable obstacle courses for the most fun you will have in the water! These are suitable for kids aged 5 to 14 years who must be accompanied by an adult and be able to swim. 

• Engadine Leisure Centre 

With a 50 metre heated outdoor pool and heated program and toddlers pool, Engadine Leisure Centre is a great option for families. As well as a kiosk and café, there is plenty of grass to lay out a picnic rug and enjoy some fun in the water. 

• Caringbah Leisure Centre 

Just off the Kingsway in the heart of Caringbah, is Caringbah Leisure Centre. With a 50 metre heated outdoor pool, 25 metre heated outdoor program pool and toddlers’ pool there is a great range of options for everyone. There is also a kiosk café and shade shelters. 

• Como Swimming Complex 

Como Swimming Complex is a free seasonal aquatic recreation facility which is open between October and March. There is a 20 metre seasonal program pool and closed on public holidays.

Beach Wheelchair service

Sutherland Shire Council also offers a beach wheelchair service for people with limited mobility. Click here for more information.

Surf Safety:

There are rips and sand bars all along the Cronulla coastline, which can make for some great surf breaks but swimmers need to be very cautious.

Please observe the following water safety information which may save your life;

NO FLAGS NO SWIM! Always swim between the red and yellow flags. The flags indicate a supervised swimming area, so never swim outside the flags.

DO NOT SWIM directly after a meal or if under the influence of alcohol.

DO NOT SWIM when the beach is closed or unpatrolled. If there are no red and yellow flags this means the beach is closed or unpatrolled.

DO NOT PANIC if you get caught in a current or undertow – raise one arm up in the air to signal for lifeguard assistance, stay calm and float until help arrives.

DO NOT STRUGGLE if you get a cramp – raise your arm for help and float or keep the affected parts of your body still.

DO NOT STRUGGLE against a rip or current – swim diagonally across it.

ALWAYS supervise your child in or around any body of water.

IF UNSURE of surf conditions ask the lifeguards or lifesaver for advice.

We recommend you visit the surf hero website, bought to you by Sutherland Shire Council for tips and beach safety guidelines.

Current conditions and updates are available on the Beachsafe website.