Travel Guide: The Shire & Northern Illawarra
Just south of Sydney, you'll find a (slightly) less busy & equally (if not more) beautiful part of the coastline that is the perfect location for a memorable day trip or long weekend. About 45 minutes to 1 hour out of the city (traffic dependent) you'll find The Sutherland Shire; also known as The Shire. Head a little further south and you'll find the Northern Illawarra region ~ a haven for surf, and a relaxed lifestyle worth diving into. As advocates for maintaining your daily rituals even while on holiday ~ we explore the area & discover our favourites spots for coffee, walking, and a daily swim.
Morning Plans:
See sunrise & have a swim or surf at Shelly Beach (Cronulla), followed by a breakfast bowl at Blackwood.
Coffee:
Husk Organics in Stanwell Park for an Allpress almond latte
Finbox in Thirroul for house batch brew
Daily Walks:
The new Bald Hill stairs starting in Stanwell Park are a quick and sweaty walk with beautiful views over Stanwell Park beach. We love this walk before a coffee at Husk Organics.
The Cronulla beach walk is beautiful anytime of day, weaving along 4km of coastline ~ dolphin spot as you go.
Lunch:
Rosie's Fish & Chips in Coledale for a nostalgic summer lunch, enjoy seaside after a swim.
Shopping:
We Are Mindful in Cronulla for fashion, homewares, and gifts.
One of our favourite ever book shops is in Thirroul village, Collins Booksellers Thirroul is a must visit. Grab a book for the days you'll inevitably spend relaxing seaside.
Beaches:
The ocean pool at Coalcliff is a must visit, or venture to the ever-popular Austinmer beach & see why it's the perfect spot for a swim.
Dinner & Drinks:
Mexican at Bóveda in Thirroul or enjoy a glass of vino with a grazing board in the cute deli style wine bar ~ Pickled Poet.
Stay:
Explore one of the many beautiful seaside stay options via AirBnB.
Pack:
Swimmers, tinted SPF, a silk sarong to take you from beach to bar, a good aftersun face lotion, hat, runners & activewear, sweater (nights can get a little cooler down south), and the Marine Coconut (Hydration) to keep you balanced and hydrated between sun and sip.
