Your best friend sends you a text wanting to catch up, or maybe you’re planning a hens, or a fun activity-packed weekend. Whatever the occasion, quality time spent with the girls can do wonders for your happiness – truly, in our opinion, it’s a must.

Whether your idea of fun is getting out amongst nature or a good pamper, there are plenty of ways to fill a day or two in our lovely area. Here are our top picks for activities to do with the girls in the Sutherland Shire.

Take a hike
Literally. Being so close to the Royal National Park, the Shire is littered with stunning walks. Eagle Head Rock from Wattamolla car park will see you scaling the coastal cliffs, while the Karloo Track will take you through the craggy bushland, with the final destination being a stunning freshwater pool. Or, keep it classic and wander down the Esplanade – this allows for plenty of coffee stops along the way.

Sail the hacking with champagne in hand
If manual paddling isn’t you and your crews’ thing, let someone else do the work. Kick back, relax and take some time to catch up while you cruise around Port Hacking on Mintaka Charters’ ultra-luxurious catamaran. If it’s a special occasion, opt to bring a caterer on board – and don’t forget to B.Y.O.!

Partake in some retail therapy
From fashion to homewares, the Shire is full of boutique stores. Refresh your interiors with finds from Girl Meraki and update your wardrobe with finds from We Are Mindful, Wolfgang Muse or Roar.

Get your hands dirty
Taren Point-based Part Time Ceramics invites you and your besties to get your hands dirty in the most beautiful, light-filled space. From date-nights to wheel tasters and longer four week courses for the committed, there are plenty of opportunities to create and experiment with clay. If your friendship group is on the larger side, opt to book a private party – we recommend the Pottery & Prosecco option, for obvious reasons.

Get a facial or golden glow
Yes, even in winter. If you and the girls feel incomplete without totally flawless, sunkissed skin, pay a visit to Caringbah’s freshly-opened Tanned Co. Not just your average studio, Tanned Co. have brought contactless tanning to Sydney. We’re talking about a high-tech, completely automated experience with zero awkward moments. Or, if a good pamper is more likely to be on the cards, treat yourselves to a HydraFacial at byStella, or head over to the very relaxing Bliss by Bree.

Go for a paddle
Paddling across our beautiful rivers and oceans is possibly the most perfect way to spend a morning with your favourite people. Start with brekkie then hire a kayak from The Boatshed at Woronora, put an oar in at Audley Boatshed or venture further into the National Park and coast through the water at Bundeena with Bundeena Kayaks.

Recharge at Rimba Sweat
Indulge in a luxurious wellness experience at Cronulla’s new Rimba Sweat. The chic, Mediterranean-like space features five private infrared saunas of varying sizes, as well as contrast therapy. Book your own suite or share with your bestie.

Cosy up with a cocktail
Would it be a girls’ night without a cheeky cocktail or two? Absolutely not! And there are lots of great spots to get a tipple in before you venture on (or don’t). Take your pick off Papa Js’ extensive drinks list while you hunker down in their ultra-chic interiors, or test whether Alphabet St’s Apple Martini lives up to the hype – spoiler alert, it does.

End the night with great food
All of that catching up will no doubt leave you hungry for a good meal – and there are a lot on offer. Take it high-class at Sealevel with next-level seafood and great wine; keep things casual at Caringbah’s Highfield’s; or try something new at the newly-opened, architecturally designed Hurricane’s at Cronulla. Other favourites include Jensens for a drink by the fire, Queen Margherita for an authentic Italian slice, and Next Door for modern Australian eats in a beach-front location.