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Gymea Shopping Village — Image credit: Sutherland Shire Council

Shopping and Markets

Gymea Shopping Village

Gymea Village boasts a wide range of retail shops, restaurants and cafes. Gymea Village truly has something for everyone. The outdoor village atmosphere is a relaxing alternative to indoor shopping centres. The convenient location of Gymea Village makes it easily accessible via car or train. Parking is offered both on the shopping strip and in a parking area next to the train line on the southern side of the village. Meet friends in one of the many cafes and restaurants, enjoy in lunch at the Hazelhurst Cafe, see an exhibition at Hazelhurst Arts Centre and indulge in dinner at popular Fior for a rustic Italian cuisine. Gymea Village also has a wide range of essential services including real estate, post office, chemists, medical and dental. Make Gymea Village your next shopping destination.

Gymea NSW

0.8 km away

Hazelhurst Arts Centre and garden — Image credit: Hazelhurst Arts Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hazelhurst Arts Centre

Hazelhurst Arts Centre is a spectacular arts complex offering exhibitions, art courses and workshops, artist talks and special art events. Set amid extensive landscaped gardens, the combination of a major public gallery and community gallery with a comprehensive arts centre, state-of-the-art theatrette, gallery shop and terrace cafe is quite unique providing a "complete creative" resource. The Hazelhurst Gallery presents an exciting and varied annual program of exhibitions drawn from state and national collections. The Broadhurst Gallery exhibits and sells local artists' work in a regularly changing program. Workshop studios include a print workshop and ceramics studio with the original Hazelhurst cottage on the grounds utilised as an artist-in-residence space. The theatrette hosts a regular programme of films, performances and lectures. Located five minutes' walk from Gymea Railway Station (Illawarra Line) and a 40 minute drive from Sydney's Central Business District.

Gymea NSW

1.3 km away

endota spa Gymea

Spas and Retreats

endota spa Gymea

Step away from the stress of the world and enjoy the peace in the Sutherland Shire's own slice of heaven. Your haven awaits in one of endota's eight treatment rooms, including four double treatment rooms for couples. Enjoy a relaxation, pregnancy or remedial massage, body exfoliation and clay wrap or allow their diploma-qualified skin therapists to help you address your skin concerns with their advanced facials and professional skincare prescriptions and beauty services. Bring someone special, a group of friends or enjoy some alone time in their haven of wellness. They are conveniently located inside the Tradies Club. Park in the ample free undercover parking and follow the walkway to the main entrance. They are inside the foyer past the concierge desk. There is a cafe on-site and a rewards programme for members. endota spa Gymea is South Eastern Sydney's suburban retreat for pure relaxation.

Gymea NSW

1.3 km away

The Bay Indoor Golf And Bar — Image credit: The Bay Golf Pty Ltd

Sports and Recreation Facilities

The Bay - Indoor Golf

18 holes two players two hours. Drinks delivered to your bay. In the heart of the Sutherland Shire, Kirrawee. Indoor Golf for everyone. Their vision is to create a space where the love of golf is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, time or schedule. The Bay is the local heartbeat of the game. A place where technology, hospitality, and community converge to make golf more flexible, inclusive, and socially vibrant than ever before. Their passion in holding corporate golf events in the Sutherland Shire is also second to none. They love to hold team building events for all sized businesses in the Sutherland Shire.

Kirrawee NSW

1.9 km away

Winding paths through the reserve — Image credit: Sutherland Shire Council

Parks and Gardens

Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve

Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve is one of only a few specialised gardens in Sydney devoted entirely to Australian native plants. The reserve covers an area of 2.2 hectares and is crossed by four kilometres of sealed paths. Many plants are labelled, and a section has been established to display Aboriginal food and medicinal plants. The vast array of native plants forms a delightfully relaxing garden and is home to multiple birds and other native fauna. There's plenty to do while you're there; explore the gardens, enjoy a picnic or barbecue, take in the city views and get inspiration for your own garden.

Kareela NSW

2.5 km away

EG Waterhouse Camellia Gardens — Image credit: Sutherland Shire Council

Natural Attractions

EG Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens

In March 2014 E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens was named by the International Camellia Society as an International Camellia Garden of Excellence. It is one of only 40 International Camellia Gardens of Excellence in the world and the only garden of this kind in New South Wales. Located in Caringbah overlooking beautiful Yowie Bay, Camellia Gardens is a favourite with Sutherland Shire residents and visitors alike. The garden began as a project under the 1970 Captain Cook Bicentenary program, and the first plantings were made in 1969. They are named after the late Professor EG Waterhouse, a leading world authority on camellias, who lived in Sydney. The garden has grown over the years into its present beauty, in part to the generous donations by numerous groups and individuals. While you're at the Camellia Gardens be sure to stop in at The Jade Teahouse, a cafe that merges the indoors with the visual inspiration of the gardens for a range of organic teas, along with vegan, dairy free and gluten free goodies.

Caringbah NSW

2.7 km away

The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre — Image credit: Sutherland Shire Council

Entertainment Venues

The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre

The Pavilion is a leading centre for arts and entertainment in Sydney's south. Presenting an eclectic program of comedy, music, theatre and dance, it offers audiences a diverse range of performances year‑round. This contemporary, flexible venue features high‑quality technical facilities and seats up to 686 guests, creating an immersive and engaging cultural experience. Sutherland Shire is known for its strong local performing arts community and passionate audiences, with The Pavilion providing a home for these companies alongside a dynamic program of Australian and international productions. Designed by acclaimed architects CHROFI and NBRS Architecture, the venue is recognised for its thoughtful and distinctive design.

Sutherland NSW

2.7 km away

Sydney Tramway Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Sydney Tramway Museum

Preserving Sydney's electric tramway history, a wholly volunteer organisation, established in 1955 as the Australian Electric Transport Museum, Sydney Tramway Museum is a pioneer living (hands-on) museum, located since 1988 adjacent to Loftus Railway Station on the Waterfall Line. The museum provides a nostalgic and educational insight, preserving examples of public transportation in Sydney during the period of tramway operation from 1861 to 1961, with trams operating, plus restoration works-in-progress, exhibits and photos depicting their development and operation. Trams carry passengers towards Sutherland (1 km) and to The Royal National Park along the former railway line (2 km). From the latter terminus, walks can be taken to Bungoona Lookout (1 km), to Audley (2 km) and elsewhere in the R.N.P. (N.P.W.S.) Check the website for further details. The Museum houses an extensive collection of Sydney trams from 1896 to 1952, including the unique prison tram, plus trams from Brisbane, Melbourne, Ballarat, Adelaide, San Francisco, Nagasaki, Berlin, Munich and Milan, enabling comparisons between the different tramcar designs. The museum also houses Sydney's last remaining double-deck trolley bus, plus a double-deck diesel bus on display. Includes Sydney tram 29, restored to original condition, as would have appeared in George Street from 1899, the start of the electric tram service in the city. The bookshop sells a range of books, postcards, and souvenirs; the kiosk sells light refreshments.

Loftus NSW

3.0 km away

Bungoona Lookout and Path — Image credit: Photo: Andy Richards/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Bungoona Lookout and Path

Round up the family and head to Royal National Park for a leisurely day by picturesque Hacking River, near Audley. Wheelchair-accessible Bungoona lookout is a perfect first stop, with great opportunities for picnicking and birdwatching. Bungoona path meanders to the ridgetop and a scenic lookout with a lovely panorama of the river and surrounding park. It’s a view worth sharing with young and old, and the concrete path is specifically designed for prams and wheelchairs. Enjoy a relaxing riverside picnic at nearby Reids Flat picnic area. Keep an eye out for yellow-tailed cockatoos and lorikeets feasting in the banksias. If you’re keen to know more about the activities on offer in Australia’s oldest national park, drop in to Royal National Park Visitor Centre for information on walking tracks, picnic areas and camping.

Royal National Park NSW

3.1 km away

Loftus loop trail

Natural Attractions

Loftus loop trail

Starting and finishing at the NPWS office – although you can begin at any location in the loop – Loftus loop trail winds around Loftus Oval. Though easy in parts, the 10 kilometre Loftus loop trail is bound to get your heart rate up. You’ll cover eight kilometres of trail, along with two kilometres of designated bike track. Terrain changes from flat, wide trails to steep, single-track trails that can be a little rocky under your tyres. There are some steep sections around Temptation Creek, so it’s best to walk these if you’re an inexperienced rider. This diverse terrain makes Loftus loop trail one of Royal National Park’s most enjoyable cycling trails. When you're done cycling your heart out, stop off at Weir Café for a bite to eat, or unroll a blanket for a picnic lunch at Ironbark Flat picnic area.

Royal National Park NSW

3.1 km away

golfing

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Sylvania Par Three Golf and Soccer Golf

Sylvania Par Three is a welcoming, easy‑to‑play golf course set across 15 acres of level, well‑maintained grounds in Sutherland Shire. Designed to be accessible and enjoyable, the course is ideal for golfers of all ages and abilities. The club hosts a range of social competitions throughout the year, creating a relaxed and enjoyable way to play. Visitors can also try Soccer Golf — a fun twist on the traditional game that combines soccer skills with golf rules, offering a playful experience for groups, families and first‑time players.

Sylvania Waters NSW

3.1 km away

Audley boatshed

Natural Attractions

Audley boatshed

Choose the pace of your own adventure when you hire a canoe, kayak or rowboat from Audley Boatshed, just one hour from Sydney. Take the family out in a rowboat with the ducks and enjoy the tranquil waters of the Hacking River. Take a break from paddling and enjoy lunch at one of the many picnic areas or Audley Dance Hall Cafe nearby. If you're up for a longer paddle, you can spend several hours kayaking 2 kilometres up Kangaroo Creek and then returning the same way. As you glide between sandstone cliffs lined with eucalypts, and rainforest you might spot kingfishers diving into the water, turtles, lace monitors, and maybe even a koala up high. This area is also home to possums, sugar gliders, bats, wallabies, and many different parrots and rosellas. Operating since 1893, historic Audley Boatshed has been a place for families to enjoy nature for generations.

Royal National Park NSW

4.2 km away

Currawong Flat picnic area

Natural Attractions

Currawong Flat picnic area

Royal National Park has been a bush escape for Sydney-siders for over 120 years, so when it's time for some family timeout, head to this popular riverside picnic spot in Audley precinct. Not far from Royal National Park Visitor Centre, Currwawong Flat picnic area is a great spot to while away a relaxing day, or an ideal pit-stop on a day trip whilst exploring this famous park. Pick your spot under the shade of the she-oaks, spark up a barbecue and tuck into a delicious lunch as you soak up the scenic river views. Hire a canoe from the famous Audley Weir boat hire and paddle along the tranquil waters of this picturesque waterway. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a large network of walking tracks throughout the park. Nearby Uloola walking track takes in the surrounding heathlands. Or if you're feeling indulgent, it's only a short stroll to Weir Cafe for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. Take a virtual tour of Currawong Flat picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Royal National Park NSW

4.2 km away

Ironbark Flat picnic area

Natural Attractions

Ironbark Flat picnic area

When it's time for a weekend getaway, pack the car and gather the family for a day trip to Ironbark Flat picnic area in Royal National Park. Near the picturesque Audley Weir, this pretty spot is wheelchair-accessible from Audley Dance Hall Cafe and Royal National Park Visitor Centre. When you arrive, you'll know why you're in one of Sydney's most popular weekend destinations. On the peaceful banks of scenic Hacking River, you'll feel the stresses of the week fall away. Spark up a barbecue and cook up a feast while the kids play on the big grassy areas and watch the ducks. After lunch, there's the option to hire canoes and go paddling, stretch your legs on Uloola walking track, or check out the views from Bungoona lookout and path. If all you want is relaxation, simply lie back in the shade and soak up the tranquillity of this riverside setting. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch. Take a virtual tour of Ironbark Flat picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Royal National Park NSW

4.2 km away

Pool Flat picnic area

Natural Attractions

Pool Flat picnic area

Pool Flat picnic area offers a delightful riverside spot, ideal for a family day out in the popular Audley Weir area. Only an hour from the centre of Sydney, you'll feel like you and the family are on holiday, even if it's only for an afternoon. The kids will love swimming in the tranquil waters of Hacking River, and you'll love the relaxed setting with the easy option for a delicious lunch or snack at nearby Audley Dance Hall Cafe. If you're tempted to get out on the water, hire a canoe or two at Audley Boatshed for a paddle along the river. Just down river from Royal National Park Visitor Centre, it's a great opportunity to pick up some brochures about walks and other lovely spots to explore in Royal National Park. Take a virtual tour of Pool Flat picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Royal National Park NSW

4.2 km away

Reids Flat picnic area

Natural Attractions

Reids Flat picnic area

If you're looking to escape the city for a relaxing day near the river, head to picturesque Reids Flat picnic area, near Audley. In the northern section of Royal National Park, this tucked away spot has scenic river views, superb for a family day out. The still waters are excellent for swimming and paddling, so bring your own kayak for a fun-filled day celebrating the watery elements. The kids will love canoeing and liloing Hacking River. When it's time for lunch, spark up a free gas barbecue and cook up a feast, then enjoy it on a rug or one of the nearby picnic tables. While away a peaceful afternoon on the shady riverbank, or if you're feeling energetic, set out on one of the nearby walking tracks. On your way home, drop in to Weir Cafe for a delicious afternoon treat. Take a virtual tour of Reids Flat picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Royal National Park NSW

4.2 km away

Warumbul picnic area

Natural Attractions

Warumbul picnic area

For a secluded bush picnic beside the pretty waterways of South West Arm, try the short walk to Warumbul picnic area in the northern section of Royal National Park, past Audley. You'll feel a long way from the hustle and bustle beside the tranquil shores of Port Hacking. It's a short walk to this lovely bush setting and if you're feeling energetic and have a bike, why not cycle in along the firetrail? Unpack a picnic at one of the tables and enjoy a relaxing lunch as you soak in the pretty views across the water to Gooseberry Bay and Costens Point. After lunch, lie back and listen to the birds or explore the shoreline. It's easy to while away a relaxing afternoon in this tranquil setting. Stay overnight at the nearby Weemalah Cottage or on the way home, you might be tempted to stop by Audley Dance Hall Cafe for a delicious coffee and cake.

Royal National Park NSW

4.2 km away

Waterfall Flat picnic area — Image credit: NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Waterfall Flat picnic area

Waterfall Flat picnic area could be your first port of call on a day trip to Royal National Park. Near Waterfall, it's also a great spot for getting the bikes out ready for a cycle tour, or a perfect spot to pull in for a bush picnic, just off Princes Highway. Unpack a picnic on the tables and enjoy a quick bite with bushland views. The large grassy areas are an ideal spot for the kids to have a run around on a quick pit stop before exploring the park. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife as the surrounding heath attracts nectar-loving birds such as the lewins honeyeater and wattlebirds. For a nearby walk to enjoy more of the park, check out Couranga walking track or Forest path.

Royal National Park NSW

4.2 km away

Wattamolla picnic area

Natural Attractions

Wattamolla picnic area

When you're pining for the feel of sand between your toes, take the family and head to Wattamolla picnic area in Royal National Park. With loads of options to keep everyone happy, this is a popular place to base yourself while you're exploring the park. The kids will love the calm waters of the lagoon for snorkelling, swimming and liloing. Unpack a picnic under the shade of the cabbage tree palms and do some serious unwinding, or head to the beach for a spot of fishing. After enjoying a barbecue lunch, go for a walk along one of the beach tracks, with a prize for the first to see a sea eagle or oystercatcher. Take a virtual tour of Wattamolla picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Royal National Park NSW

4.2 km away

Wattle Forest picnic area

Natural Attractions

Wattle Forest picnic area

One of the more popular picnic spots in Royal National Park, Wattle Forest picnic area offers scenic water views on the banks of Hacking River, just south of Audley. Easily accessible from Sydney and Sutherland, it's a great spot for a family day trip, with the option to relax by the river or discover the delights of the park by walking track or bicycle. You could be tempted to while away a lazy afternoon in the shade by the river, serenaded by the cockatoos and currawongs, or join the kids for some swimming. When it's time for lunch, spark up the barbecues and cook up a sausage feast to satisfy the hungry hoards. If you're inspired to explore, step out on nearby Uloola walking track or bring the mountain bikes for a great ride along picturesque Lady Carrington Drive. Take a virtual tour of Wattle Forest picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Royal National Park NSW

4.2 km away

Wedding Cake Rock

Natural Attractions

Wedding Cake Rock

Located around one hour's walk south of Bundeena, Wedding Cake Rock is a highlight along the famous Coast track. The pure white rock stands out against the harder sandstone of the coastal cliffs - its sharp edges and deep cracks giving it a unique shape, like a slice of cake perched high above the pounding ocean. The white colour is caused by iron leaching, which makes the sandstone layers dangerously soft, prone to cracking and at very high risk of collapse. For your safety, please don't stand or sit on the rock, or venture too close to cliff edges. Getting there is half the adventure, as you tackle the steep and rocky track through coastal heathland, home to spring wildflowers, swamp wallabies and birdlife. The track traces the coastal cliffs, offering sweeping ocean views perfect for whale watching - and plenty of vantage points to take incredible photos of Wedding Cake Rock without compromising your safety. On your way home, return along the track to Bundeena, or continue past Wedding Cake Rock down to Marley Beach.

Royal National Park NSW

4.2 km away

Royal National Park

Natural Attractions

Royal National Park

A day trip or school excursion to Royal National Park in Sydney's south, will offer plenty of opportunities for barbecues, fishing, bushwalking, birdwatching and whale watching. Sydney’s heritage-listed Royal National Park is affectionately known to locals as the ‘Nasho’ or just ‘the Royal’. Established in 1879, it’s the world's second-oldest national park. It features unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds and animals. Perfect for bushwalking, cycling, surfing, picnicking or whale watching, this diverse park offers everything from beaches to rainforest. Located near Cronulla within an hour’s drive from both the Sydney CBD and Wollongong, the 16,000 hectare Royal National Park is like a big beautiful backyard. Whether you come for a morning jog or a week-long camping holiday, you’ll discover something new each time.

Audley NSW

4.4 km away

Burning Palms Beach — Image credit: Nick Cubbin/DCCEEW

Natural Attractions

Burning Palms Beach

Burning Palms Beach is one of the many stunning strips of sand in the Royal National Park. With its rugged beauty, turquoise water and secluded location, the beach is an alluring destination whether you're relaxing, swimming or just taking in the view. Burning Palms Beach is accessed via the Burgh Ridge Track, which is a 30-minute walk from the Garawarra Farm car park. You'll also bypass this beach if you're hiking the popular Coast Track.

Royal National Park NSW

4.4 km away

Lady Carrington Drive in Royal National Park is a historic carriageway, near Audley — Image credit: DPE

National Parks and Reserves

Lady Carrington Drive

This historic cycling track near Audley and a short drive from Sydney follows the river and offers birdwatching, pretty picnic areas and history to explore. It's unlikely that Lady Carrington rode a bike along this track, but luckily, you can cycle this historic carriage route from Audley in the north to Sir Bertram Stevens Drive in the south. This easy bike trail is sure to blow out the cobwebs as it follows the Hacking River upstream from Audley. Cycling over 15 creeks, each identified by its Aboriginal name, you'll also pass blue gums, turpentines and patches of rainforest. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching. Keep your ear out for the mimicking call of the lyrebird and your eyes peeled for lace monitors and echidnas. With three picnic areas along the track, you'll have plenty of chances to stop and soak up the atmosphere. At Palona Brook, there's a short detour to explore the sandstone cave. Organise a car pick up at the other end, take a walk around Forest path, or turn round and do it all again.

Royal National Park NSW

4.4 km away

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