Wanda Beach, CronullaCredit: Destination NSW
Surfers heading into the water at Wanda Beach, Cronulla.
In Cronulla, a 50-minute drive south of the city centre, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away on a coastal retreat. This beachside suburb is renowned for its waterfront eateries and its relaxed vibe. With four kilometres of coastline and four beaches one after the other – Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla and South Cronulla – this is the perfect place for a beachside holiday.
Eat & Drink
Breakfast and dining
Rushi: Rushi brings a taste of Japan to Cronulla with creative breakfast and lunch dishes served from a stylish cafe tucked inside a bike store. Expect specialty matcha drinks, Japanese-inspired breakfasts, prawn toast, sushi and karaage chicken, alongside rotating weekly specials. Grab a table outside and soak up the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
HAM: Ham is a family-run Cronulla cafe and deli inspired by Greek heritage and the food shared around the family table. Seasonal dishes showcase fresh, locally sourced produce, alongside ONA coffee and tempting daily specials. Relaxed and welcoming, it’s an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch or a quick bite by the beach.
Duke's Providore: The premier delicatessen, kitchen and butcher in Cronulla, where artisanal craftsmanship intertwines with culinary passion. Duke's has fast become a foodies heaven, offering a selection of hand-picked small-batch condiments, chef made meals and fresh baked focaccia for their made to order deli sandwiches. Duke's is also open seven days a week from 6:00am for breakfast.
Homer Rogue Taverna: Forget Mykonos, Homer Rogue Taverna channels the grungy, electric energy of inner-city Athens. This lively Cronulla spot pairs fire-cooked meats, seafood and flatbreads with a Greek-led wine list and bustling back bar. Settle in for a long lunch and stay for late-night drinks.
Queen Margherita of Savoy: Queen Margherita is a family-run Cronulla pizzeria serving authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza made by hand using traditional techniques. The menu pairs classic and signature pizzas with Italian favourites, while the intimate, warmly lit dining room channels old-world Naples. Settle in for seriously good pizza in relaxed, welcoming surrounds.
Drinks and nightlife
Brass Monkey Cronulla: An intimate venue with eclectic live music acts and a unique supper-club vibe, where you can enjoy dinner and a show in a hidden gem tucked away from the hustle of the streets. The venue has also played host to a range of incredible local and international artists such as Vince Jones, Missy Higgins, Little Birdy, and more.
Meadow: Meadow is Cronulla’s day-to-night music room, bar and bistro, blending French-inspired dining with cocktails, wine and a music-forward atmosphere. From relaxed lunches to late-night drinks, expect modern bistro dishes, quality cocktails, champagne and a curated live music program, creating a vibrant new addition to Cronulla’s dining and nightlife scene.
Pippis: Pippi's brings Mediterranean vibes to Cronulla’s waterfront, with sweeping views across Gunnamatta Bay and stylish interiors inspired by Ibiza and Greece. A great spot for drinks, settle in for cocktails and sunset views before sampling a menu spanning fresh seafood, pizza and Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a relaxed, breezy setting.
Beachside dining
NOA: Seasonal ingredients shine across thoughtfully curated menus, complemented by beautiful wine, warm hospitality and subtle moments of theatre. With every detail considered, NOA is a place to gather, linger and savour the moment.
Isora: Japanese techniques are layered with Thai, Chinese and Korean influences, with exceptional ingredients and artful presentation at the heart of each dish. Set in sophisticated surrounds, Isora delivers an elegant, thoughtfully curated dining experience.
Bobby’s: A must-visit coastal gem at The Esplanade in Cronulla, offering Mediterranean-inspired, seafood-driven cuisine right beside the beach.
Next Door: A fun and fresh eatery, blurring the lines between cafe, restaurant, and bar. With a stunning location overlooking North Cronulla Beach, it makes for the perfect stop, whether you're after a simple coffee with friends, or a decadent long lunch.
Sealevel: With sweeping ocean views of Cronulla, Sealevel Restaurant offers high-quality dining, dishing up a modern Australian menu with French and Italian influences. They have a strong focus on seafood & pride themselves on sourcing the finest & freshest produce, always keeping the menu centred on what is currently in season.
Bobby's Cronulla Credit: Bobby's Cronulla
Located on the shores of Cronulla Beach, Bobby’s brings a Mediterranean touch to the coast, serving breakfast and lunch from Monday to Wednesday, and offering all-day dining Thursday through Sunday.
Bobby's Cronulla Credit: Bobby's Cronulla
Located on the shores of Cronulla Beach, Bobby’s brings a Mediterranean touch to the coast, serving breakfast and lunch from Monday to Wednesday, and offering all-day dining Thursday through Sunday.
The Esplanade, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying the alfresco dining along The Esplanade near South Cronulla Beach, Cronulla.
The Esplanade, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying the alfresco dining along The Esplanade near South Cronulla Beach, Cronulla.
Stay
Quest Cronulla: Recently refurbished in 2024, Quest Cronulla Beach provides spacious, self‑contained apartments directly opposite North Cronulla Beach. Guests have access to resort‑style facilities including a 25‑metre outdoor pool, heated spa, sauna and fully equipped gym, along with high‑speed Wi‑Fi and onsite parking. Its prime location puts cafés, coastal walks and the foreshore just steps awa
Rydges Cronulla: Rydges Cronulla Beachside offers a relaxed coastal retreat with modern rooms, fresh decor and private balconies overlooking the ocean. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, bar and beachside access, all within Cronulla’s lively dining and shopping district, make it an easy base for an exceptional beach retreat.
Play
Cronulla Surfing Academy: Have a memorable experience learning the thrill of riding a wave. The academy delivers surf lessons for all ages and abilities, led by experienced coaches who understand the local breaks and conditions. Sessions range from kids’ programs and adult groups to private coaching all with equipment provided.
Sydney Premium Charters: A reliable and safe fishing tour company in Cronulla that operates three boats every day, both in the morning and afternoon. The company welcomes individual bookings on weekends and group bookings throughout the year.
Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises: Cronulla & National Park Ferry Cruises run scenic three‑hour trips along the stunning Hacking River, featuring guided commentary on Aboriginal culture, early explorers and local wildlife.
Hazelhurst Arts Centre: Just a 12‑minute drive from Cronulla, Hazelhurst Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural precinct offering major exhibitions, artist talks, workshops and a community gallery showcasing local talent. Its landscaped gardens, theatrette, ceramics and print studios, and terrace café create a welcoming space for art‑lovers of all ages.
Cronulla Whale Watching: From mid‑May to late October, Cronulla Whale Watching takes guests close to migrating whales and dolphins aboard a purpose‑built vessel with open decks and undercover seating. Tours depart from Cronulla Wharf and include the option of a Bundeena drop‑off after the cruise. With whales often passing remarkably near the shoreline, it’s one of Sydney’s most intimate whale‑watching experiences
Endota Spa Gymea: Endota Spa Gymea offers a tranquil retreat with eight treatment rooms, including four designed for couples or groups. Guests can choose from relaxation, remedial and pregnancy massage, advanced facials, body wraps and beauty therapies delivered by qualified therapists.
Rydges Cronulla Beachside, Cronulla Credit: Rydges Cronulla Beachside
Looking out over North Cronulla, Elouera and Wanda beaches from Rydges Cronulla Beachside in Cronulla.
Rydges Cronulla Beachside, Cronulla Credit: Rydges Cronulla Beachside
Looking out over North Cronulla, Elouera and Wanda beaches from Rydges Cronulla Beachside in Cronulla.
South Cronulla Beach, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW
Couple running into the surf at South Cronulla Beach, Cronulla.
South Cronulla Beach, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW
Couple running into the surf at South Cronulla Beach, Cronulla.
More Inspirational Stories
Flour and Stone, WoolloomoolooCredit: Destination NSW
Food and drink available at Flour and Stone bakery on Riley Street, Woolloomooloo.
Flaky croissants fresh from the oven, still-warm Portuguese custard tarts, nostalgic finger buns and sourdough with serious cult status. Sydney’s bakery scene is as diverse as the city itself. From Manly to Belmore and Castle Hill, these bakeries celebrate old traditions and new ideas, giving carb lovers plenty of reasons to venture beyond their usual neighbourhood. So add these Sydney bakeries to your hit list this summer.
1. A.P Bakery, Surry Hills and beyond
Follow the scent of freshly baked bread to A.P Bakery, where a focus on grain underpins everything from crisp country loaves to beautifully laminated pastries. Look out for the Pear, Almond & Lemon Myrtle Danish for a bright summer sweet treat, or take a bite from their Mortadella & Pistachio Pesto Roll for a savoury pick packed with Italian-inspired flavours.
And to make the most of the summer sun, settle in at A.P Bakery’s rooftop location atop Paramount House in Surry Hills, or track down its pastries at other outposts across Sydney, including Newtown and the CBD.
2. Flour and Stone, Woolloomooloo
Small in size but mighty in reputation, Flour and Stone is a neighbourhood bakery that has become a Sydney favourite for beautifully made cakes, pastries and savoury bakes. Its enduring star is the panna cotta lamington, created by chef Nadine Ingram by soaking vanilla sponge in panna cotta overnight, then layering it with berry compote before coating it in dark chocolate and coconut.
Beyond its most famous creation, the Woolloomooloo bakery's counter mixes Australian favourites such as scones and brownies with seasonal tarts, cakes and pastries, making it worth arriving hungry.
3. Lode Pies & Pastries, Surry Hills and beyond
Expect fine-dining precision in pastry form at Lode Pies & Pastries, founded by acclaimed chefs Federico Zanellato and Lorenzo Libino. Intricate lamination and imaginative flavour combinations are the signatures here, with flaky croissants, bombolone, tarts and pies filling the counter. Go savoury with the Wagyu Beef & Mushroom Pie, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the new Apple Krumble, alongside an ever-changing line-up of beautifully crafted bakes.
Flour and Stone, Woolloomooloo Credit: Destination NSW
Food and drink available at Flour and Stone bakery on Riley Street, Woolloomooloo.
Flour and Stone, Woolloomooloo Credit: Destination NSW
Food and drink available at Flour and Stone bakery on Riley Street, Woolloomooloo.
Sweet Belem Cake Boutique, Petersham Credit: Destination NSW
Portuguese desserts available for purchase from Sweet Belem Cake Boutique, Petersham.
Sweet Belem Cake Boutique, Petersham Credit: Destination NSW
Portuguese desserts available for purchase from Sweet Belem Cake Boutique, Petersham.
4. Sweet Belém, Petersham
Take your tastebuds to Lisbon at Sweet Belém, a Petersham institution renowned for its Portuguese pastries. Its signature pastél de nata emerges from the oven as a perfectly flaky pastry wrapped around warm custard, and one bite is enough to understand their enduring appeal. Make room for Portuguese lamingtons, palmiers and doughnuts too. And if Petersham isn't on your itinerary, Sweet Belém has expanded to Barangaroo, bringing its pastry counter and a selection of savoury treats closer to Sydney Harbour.
5. Humble Bakery, Surry Hills and beyond
Revisit an Australian childhood favourite at Humble Bakery, where the humble finger bun has been given food icon status, earning the public’s nomination in the Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards and ultimately claiming the title of Best Finger Bun in Australia in 2024. Its signature version combines a soft milk-dough bun studded with currants, raisins and cranberries with pink cream-cheese frosting and a generous slab of butter.
There's plenty more temptation behind the counter, from pies and sausage rolls to sandwiches, pastries and whole cakes. Humble has grown beyond its Surry Hills beginnings, with locations across Sydney including Quay Quarter Lanes, Newtown and Rose Bay.
6. Rollers Bakehouse, Manly
Trade your standard croissant for something a little more adventurous at Rollers Bakehouse in Manly. Baker James Sideris is known for combining traditional French pastry techniques with his own contemporary approach to baking, with creations spanning the sweeter end of the spectrum to savoury pastries.
Tucked into a leafy Manly courtyard, Rollers makes an easy addition to a day by the beach. Stick with a classic cinnamon scroll or let the pastry cabinet decide what you're having.
Humble Bakery, Surry Hills Credit: Caroline McCredie
Baked goods at Humble Bakery, Surry Hills
Humble Bakery, Surry Hills Credit: Caroline McCredie
Baked goods at Humble Bakery, Surry Hills
7. Smeed, Belmore
Discover a contemporary take on Lebanese baking at Smeed in Belmore, where mother-and-daughter team Amal Elhani and Serena Tajjour put ma'amoul centre stage. Traditional flavours sit alongside playful interpretations shaped by current food trends, including a Dubai chocolate version layered with crispy kataifi, pistachio cream and Australian nuts.
The bakery also boasts classic Asha biscuits filled with traditional Lebanese clotted cream, with combinations including pistachio and salted macadamia-Biscoff. It's a delicious snapshot of how Western Sydney's food scene brings together tradition, family and new ideas.
8. Cherry’s Goods, Town Hall
Follow the scent of freshly baked cookies to Cherry’s Goods, the viral bakery that has found a permanent home at The Galeries in Sydney’s CBD. Baker-owner Cherilynn Yap and her team bake throughout the day, with the counter piled with chunky cookies, filled croissants, cakes and other sweet treats.
Lean into the bakery’s signature flavours with a chocolate chip sea salt or Biscoff cookie, or pair your pastry with one of its colourful matcha creations. Its central George Street location makes it an easy sweet stop while exploring the heart of the city.
9. Iggy's Bread, Bronte
Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most satisfying. Iggy's Bread in Bronte has built an enduring following around artisan bread, putting slow fermentation, great crusts and quality ingredients above all else. Join the locals queueing for freshly baked sourdough and take a loaf away for a picnic by the beach, or bring one home to make your breakfasts that little bit better for the week ahead.
10. Luca Bakery, Castle Hill
There's a personal touch baked into Luca Bakery in Castle Hill. Named after co-owner Larissa Takchi's son, the café invites customers to share meaningful family recipes for its bakers to recreate, an idea that has already seen a grandmother's Medovik honey cake make its way onto the menu. For a hit of nostalgia, try Luca's supersized tribute to the classic Monte Carlo biscuit, made with honey biscuits, salted vanilla buttercream and raspberry compote. So come visit for the flavours and linger over the stories behind them.