Top 10 Things To Do With Kids In The Sutherland Shire 2017

By: Marie Ashworth, ellaslist

Here at ellaslist, we know how much you love inspiration for things to do with the family. Well, we’ve done our homework and scoured the beautiful Sutherland Shire, located just 26kms south of Sydney CBD, for the best activities and events that the kids will love and that won’t break your budget.

Whether you’re a Shire local or a resident Sydneysider looking for a change in scenery (these family outings are definitely worth the journey!), take a closer look at our pick of the best things to do with the kids in this beautiful part of the world.

1. Scamper Through The Jungle, 5 October 

In your kid's mind this event is like the Amazing Race meets Survivor meets Treasure Island. Form a small team or pair and collect the clues as you race through the amazing gardens of Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve with Scamper Through the Jungle. This FREE event for kids (aimed at primary aged kids) is on during the school holidays is organised by the Bushcare Volunteer Program which is part of the Sutherland Shire Council. It's a great way to get outdoors and experiencing the beauty of the Shire! 

Solve the clues and race through the jungle!

2. Hop On The Cronulla Ferry to Bundeena

Travel coast to coast on the Cronulla Ferry to Bundeena – it’s the perfect way to show the family a new perspective on the Shire. Catch the M.V Curranulla, the Heritage-listed hourly ferry service, across the water to Bundeena, a quaint coastal village in the Royal National Park and the gateway to beautiful pristine beaches, endless bushwalks and indigenous sites to explore. One way fares –  adult: $6.40; Child: $3.20; Family (2 adults up to 4 children): $24. Take a picnic or treat yourself to lunch at one of the local cafés in the village. Find out more.

 

Catch a ferry from Cronulla to the quaint village of Bundeena

3. Walk or Scooter The Cronulla Esplanade

Some argue the Cronulla esplanade walk rivals the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. The footpath is perfect for strollers and scooters (no bikes) and takes in gorgeous coastal views, hidden beaches, rock pools, cafés and playgrounds along its 8.5km track. If you’re not up for the full distance there are multiple entry and exit points. Find out more.

 

Walk, scoot or ride along the stunning Cronulla Esplanade track

4. Go Whale Watching at Kamay Botany Bay National Park

If you’re keen to go whale watching, one of Sydney’s best spots is Cape Solander lookout point, located in the Kurnell section of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Here you’ll have a great chance of spotting migrating humpback whales swimming as close as 200m to the coast; June and July are the best months. You’ll find a viewing platform here alongside lots of useful information about whales. Park entry fees of $8 per vehicle per day applies. Find out more.

 

Go Whale Watching at Cape Solander

5. Ride A Tram at Sydney Tramway Museum

Take a step back in at the Sydney Tramway Museum. Running for over 50 years, this hands-on attraction charts the 80 year history of Sydney’s Trams, plus has a unique selection of other trams from around the globe. Best of all, the whole family will love jumping on board a working tram and whizzing along 4kms of track towards The Royal National Park and Sutherland. Museum open Wednesdays 10am-3pm and Sundays 10am-5pm. Tram rides to The Royal National Park operate from 10.15am then hourly, last trip back 2.30pm Wednesdays and 4.30pm Sundays. Adults $18, Children $10, under 5yrs free. Family (2 adults and 2 children) $46 – all tickets include unlimited rides and admission into display hall. Find out more.

 

Ride a tram at the Sydney Tram Museum

6. Treat Them To A Scrumptious Ice Cream

Frangipani is Cronulla’s award-winning artisan gelateria and it doesn’t get much better than this. Since 2002, this independent business has been using only the best, natural ingredients to create delicious gelato, so good, it’s multi-award winning. Try the salted caramel popcorn, pavlova or mango swirl – yum! Or go for it and design your own creation at the original Cold Rock Ice Creamery Cronulla. Choose from an enormous range of ice creams, gelato and sorbets, mix in your choice of lollies, chocolates, fruits and nuts then let them smash it up for you! We’re up for the vanilla ice cream with smashed strawberries and fudge.

Homemade gelato and gourmet ice cream treats in Cronulla

7. Paddle the Woronora River

The Woronora River cuts through the Dharawal State Conservation Area and snakes along for 36 kilometres before reaching the Georges River. It’s incredibly picturesque and the perfect place to hire a kayak or canoe and paddle, taking in the beautiful views, abundant wildlife and peacefulness. The Boatshed at Woronora is situated on Forbes Creek and offers a selection of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards for hire. They also have a superb café for a post-paddle refreshment – the coffee and milkshakes come highly recommended. Open daily 8.30am-5pm – find out more.

 

Hire a canoe or kayak and explore the Woronora River

8. Discover Audley in The Royal National Park

If you haven’t yet discovered Audley, in the heart of the Royal National Park, then it’s time to put it on your to-do list. It is stunning with wide open spaces ideal for gathering family and friends for a day amid nature. Take a walk on one of the many tracks, rated from easy to more challenging, hire a rowing boat or aqua bike from Audley Boatshed and paddle about on the Weir or simply relax and feast on a picnic together. The newly refurbished visitor centre is worth popping into to get the most out of your day.

 

Hire An Aqua Bike at Audley Boatshed

9. Get Arty at Hazelhurst Regional Art Gallery & Arts Centre

Set amid extensive landscaped gardens, Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre is a spectacular arts complex offering exhibitions, art courses and workshops, artist talks and special art events. The Gallery runs lots of great classes for budding artists and workshops for kids from preschool to high school and school holiday workshops. There’s also a very nice cafe here, just next to the garden where the kids can run and play. Situated 5mins from Gymea train station. Free admission.

 

Get arty at Hazelhurst Regional Gallery

10. Get Some Serious ’Air’ At Sky Zone

Sky Zone Miranda is an all-weather indoor trampolining and climbing centre. Kids of all ages will love the hundreds of trampolines for bouncing. During the week, their dedicated Little Leapers drop in sessions for under 5s are the perfect environment for young ones to release their boundless energy safely. And not forgetting Sky Climb, an amazing indoor climbing set up for children over 5 years. Find out more.

 

Get Them Leaping at Sky Zone Miranda

Looking for more ideas for your Shire day out? We’ve got the best things to do in the Sutherland Shire on a rainy day and some awesome indoor play centres in the Shire to discover.

 

This article was brought to you by Sutherland Shire Council.