Gunnamatta
Bay.
A swim without the surf, a picnic in the shade and an afternoon with no reason to rush. This is one of our favourite places in Sydney.
Not a surf person?
Start here.
On Cronulla’s western side, a short walk from the train station.
If you like being beside the water but don’t particularly enjoy the surf, Gunnamatta Bay would be our pick. You’ve got the beach and the baths in front of you, shade in the park behind you and Cronulla’s shops close by.
What we like is how easy it feels to spend time here. Bring the family, meet some friends or come down with a picnic. There’s room to do something, and just as much reason to do very little.
It feels friendly and welcoming to us. People are enjoying the water, sitting in the park or spending time together on the boardwalk. For an afternoon outdoors, this is one of the places we’d happily recommend.
A swim
without the surf.
The Gunnamatta tidal baths are a netted swimming area beside a sandy beach, sheltered from the ocean surf.
Swim a few laps or bring the kids for a splash. When it’s time for a break, the shady park is right there.
Bring a picnic.
Stay a while.
A shady spot to settle in beside the bay.
The park is as much a reason to come as the water. There are mature trees, grassy areas and room to spread out with a rug. We love that you can spend an afternoon here without having to turn it into a big occasion.
It works for different ages, too. There’s a playground for younger children, while teenagers can meet friends and spend time around the park and boardwalk. Everyone can enjoy the same place in their own way.
You’ve also got practical facilities close by. Gunnamatta Park has public barbecues, picnic shelters and toilets, with changing facilities and showers at the pavilion. Pack something to eat, bring your swimmers and give yourself time to enjoy it.
Explore
Gunnamatta Bay.
Come down to the bay with us as we continue around the Cronulla peninsula. Take a look at the baths, the boardwalk and the park, and see why we think this is such a good place to spend an afternoon.
There’s no rush to leave.
If you’re planning to fish, choose a permitted spot away from swimmers and check the Sydney South recreational fishing guide for local rules before you go.
Or simply find some shade, sit by the water and enjoy the place. That’s the appeal for us. Gunnamatta Bay has plenty going for it, but it doesn’t ask you to fill every minute. For families, friends and a relaxed afternoon outdoors, it’s one of our favourite corners of Sydney.
Through our lens.
The bay, the baths and a few moments along the way.
