We hear you loud and clear! This frosty weather is enough to make even the bravest among us want to retreat indoors and stay there ‘til September. But if there’s one Scout tip we suggest you take on board, it’s that the Shire is just as fun in the cooler months. So, don your winter woollies and get ready to work your way through 9 of the best things to do in the Shire this winter…

Spot some whales on the Cronulla coastline

Between Cronulla and the National Park, us Shire-folk are blessed with some of the best whale watching spots in Sydney. Running tours all throughout winter, the crew at Cronulla Whale Watching take you out beyond the shore, ready to spot some of the 4000-odd whales that migrate along the coastline with some of the best vantage points you could ask for.

Cosy up with a cocktail by the fire at Jensens 
Want to know how to make a delicious, housemade cocktail even better? Enjoy it by the cosy, yet sleek fire at Jensens. Grab your friends, family, or other half and head to Jensens, in Kareela Village, from Wednesday to Sunday this winter. There’s no better fun than working your way through their extensive food and exclusive drinks menu.

Soak up the vibes – and music – at Next Door
Everyone’s favourite beachside drinks and dinner spot has reintroduced a major drawcard: Friday Night Live. Every Friday, Next Door at Cronulla helps you knock off for the week with live tunes, fabulous food and divine drinks – all you need to bring is great company.

Treat yourself at Cronulla’s new gluten free haven
Cronulla is sporting a brand new destination for foodies – and it’s 100% gluten free. Celebrating their grand opening just over a month ago, Shire Gluten Free has arrived and they are bringing artisan fresh and frozen products from all over Australia to our humble LGA.

Lean into the cold weather with a Sunday roast
Three dates across winter, three opportunities to indulge in Hazelhurst Cafe’s comforting, cosy Sunday Roast lunches. Featuring fine cuts of meat with traditional trimmings, sides and sauces, you can live like a Brit for a Sunday afternoon.

Indulge in everyone’s favourite winter delicacy
We’re talking truffles. Often finding themselves at home alongside pasta, in flavoured oils or soup, you needn’t forage far here in the Shire for your fix. Venues including Albi’s Taverna, Salt Meats Cheese, Summer Salt and Jensen’s all have several menu items dedicated to the delicacy.

Sign up for Sutherland 2 Surf
City2Surf done Shire style. Wanda Surf Life Saving Club are the proud organisers of this year’s iconic 11 kilometre event, which has run – and raised much-needed funds for vital surf life saving equipment – for the last 50 years. The Sutherland 2 Surf will be held on Sunday 21 July starting at 7:30 am – be sure to register.

Come on down to the Cronulla Winter Markets
The much-anticipated Cronulla Winter Markets are set to hit Cronulla this Winter in a two-day event held at Don Lucas Reserve 29 – 30 June. Shop, eat, relax, socialise and wander through this alfresco, family-friendly market that’s not to be missed. Check Cambridge Markets website for more details.