Blackwoods
Beach.
A little beach beneath the cliffs, beautiful at sunrise and lively on a sunny afternoon. We love Blackwoods, but its unpatrolled water deserves serious respect.
A little beach.
A lot to love.
Between South Cronulla and Shelly Beach, just below the Esplanade.
Blackwoods feels tucked away, even though you’re only a short walk from South Cronulla. There’s a pocket of sand beneath the cliffs, sandstone on either side and beautiful water out in front.
On a good-weather afternoon, we love the fun, social atmosphere here. People settle in, enjoy the beach and make the most of the day. The cliffs give you some afternoon shade, too.
Sunrise is something else. For us, it’s one of the most magical places along this coast to watch the light arrive. Bring the camera and take your time.
Beautiful water.
Serious respect.
We rate Blackwoods for snorkelling, fishing and spearfishing, but entering the water here is for experienced swimmers in suitable conditions. Even a little swell or current can make it very dangerous.
It’s unpatrolled, and a quiet-looking surface doesn’t tell you what the water is doing around the reef. If conditions aren’t calm, we’d skip a family beach day here and choose somewhere else.
For swimming with children, head to a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. Check council’s beach and surf safety advice and the Blackwoods Beachsafe profile before visiting.
When Shark Island
goes off.
One of Cronulla’s famous reef breaks, just offshore.
Blackwoods is an access point for advanced surfers and bodyboarders heading out to Shark Island. It’s a heavy reef break, so an easy walk to the beach doesn’t mean an easy surf.
We love watching from above when the weather turns rough. Stay on the Esplanade, well back from the cliff edge and wave-exposed rocks, and watch the dumpers roll in. When Shark Island is breaking, there’s plenty to keep your eyes on.
You don’t need to get in the water to enjoy this place. The changing sea, the sandstone and that view are worth stopping for. See the local surfing guide for more about Shark Island.
Have a look
with us.
Come along as we stop at Blackwoods Beach. The little cove, the rocks and a beautiful stretch of Cronulla’s coastline, with time to take it all in.
Walk down.
Bring what you need.
We’d allow around five minutes from South Cronulla or ten minutes from Cronulla Station, depending on your route and pace. The beach is below the coastal path, with uneven access down through the rocks.
There’s no dedicated beach parking or toilets, showers or shops down on the sand. Bring water, sunscreen and whatever you need for your visit. Shelly Beach is further south if you need amenities or something to eat.
The tide changes how much sand you have to sit on. Check the Port Hacking tide times before heading down.
Through our lens.
The beach, the rocks and a few moments along the coast.
