Cronulla Loop Track
If you’re looking for an easy, mostly level walk, with stunning views and the chance for a dip along the way, this walk along the coastline at Cronulla ticks all the boxes.
Cronulla takes its name from The Gweagal word Kurranulla, meaning ‘‘place of the small pink seashell’’. The area is a popular with tourists and well known for its surf culture.
I did this walk most recently with a few friends, early on a Sunday morning and we couldn’t have asked for more perfect winter weather.
The walk takes in several beaches, parks and reserves with the outlook and access varying significantly depending on time and tide.
To start
As this is a loop track you could start anywhere. We parked the car on Mitchell St opposite Elouera Beach, and set off from there. There is plenty of free parking along the beach front and surrounding streets in non-peak times or if you’re coming by train, Cronulla Station is perfectly positioned en route. The train takes about an hour from the city.
North and South Cronulla
One of many ocean pools along the way
Heading south, take either the beach or roadside path toward North Cronulla. You’ll soon come to the surf club (which has good coffee), and behind it Dunningham Park and a large playground.
Continue on past cafes and restaurants and you’ll come to two ocean pools, the first of many along the way. The setting is spectacular though conditions can vary greatly. The smaller of the two pools can become completely submerged at high tide and both can get quite rough, but there always seems to be one or two swimmers willing to battle the thrust and drift of the incoming waves.
The larger of the two rock pools marks the start of Cronulla Beach (also known as South Cronulla), the most frequented of all the beaches along this stretch. Cronulla beach is the only beach that is patrolled in the winter months. Behind the beach sits Cronulla Park, popular for picnics and concerts on Australia Day and behind this, Cronulla Station.
At the end of the path take the stairs up to the Esplanade to continue the walk.
The Esplanade
The Esplanade winds along the headland past Shark Island, Blackwoods Beach and Shelly Beach with its large ocean pool and park, popular with boot campers and mums with bubs. The path turns at Glaisher Point and heads around to Oak Park Beach.
This is a very pretty stretch of coastline. The water is a gorgeous colour and the richly toned rocks, pitted and rippled by the waves, make a striking contrast. You can scramble down roughly hewn paths at various points to the natural rock pools below, though it’s best to wait for the tide to go out.
Bass and Flinders Point
At Oak Park Beach you’ll find another low lying rock pool nestled in between rock platforms which stem the force of the waves. Continue on from here toward to Bass and Flinders Point.
The monument and lookout mark the arrival here of George Bass and Matthew Finders aboard the Tom Thumb in 1796. Flinders named the area Port Hacking after Henry Hacking, an explorer of dubious repute. (It is believed that it was Hacking who killed Aboriginal resistance fighter Pemulwuy in 1802.)
From here, the path winds around to Salmon Haul Reserve with its recently constructed playground and amenities block. Scenic and relatively secluded, Salmon Haul Reserve is a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and fishing.
Hungry Point & Darook Park
The path leads on to Hungry Point Reserve, a large recreational space with views over Port Hacking to Bundeena, and to the right, over Gunnamatta Bay. The area is in Dharawal Country and contains significant evidence that Aboriginal people occupied the region for thousands of years prior to European settlement.
Head west through the reserve to Doorak Park, another attractive green space with beautiful big figs trees at the top and a pretty beach below.
Doorak Beach is very peaceful especially on weekdays and its calm waters and gentle waves make it perfect for little ones. The beach faces west so it would also be a spot to sit and watch the sun set.
At the end of Doorak Park you have two options but your choice will be very much governed by the tides. At low tide, you can get around the point to Gunnamantta Beach without too much trouble. When the tide is up though you’ll need to take the path up to Doorak Park Road. This will take you up to Nicholson Parade where you turn left and continue on until you arrive at Gunnamatta Park.
Gunnamatta Park.
Gunnamatta Park is a large park, approximatley 14 acres. With bbq facilies, a large playground, shelter sheds and an open air ampitheatre, It is a popular spot for picnics and large gatherings.
The park sits at the edge of Gunnamataa Bay and a pretty beach with netted tidal baths.
Walk on past Cronulla Sailing Club and some pretty impressive realestate, to Cronulla Wharf. Ferries depart from the wahrf to Bundeena on the hour. Deep sea fishing and whale watching tours also leave from here.
To finish
Almost done now. The path from the wahrf leads up through Tonkin Park to the roadway and the tunnel under the railway line. The tunnel is actually a mini gallery. Colourful murals and sea-themed paintings adorn its walls.
Leaving the tunnel you are thrust back into the noise and traffic of Central Cronulla. If you want to stop for lunch or a drink, there are plenty of options here. If you’re up for brunch I can highly recommend Blackwood Pantry On Surf Lane. It’s popular though, so expect to wait for a table especially on weekends.
Cross at the lights outside Cronulla Station and take the path down through Monro and Cronulla Parks to rejoin the walkway at South Cronulla Beach. From here its a short walk back up the hill to Elouera Beach and the car.
