7 Natural Sites In The Sutherland Shire To Visit
The world has seven, and so do we…
Wattamolla Beach, Image Credit: @chilby_photography
Most of us know that the world famously has seven natural wonders; the Grand Canyon in USA, Norway’s Northern Lights, the towering Mount Everest and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to name a few. But you don’t have to get a round-the-world ticket to experience nature’s marvels, we have them right here in the Shire.
While these natural sites may not be quite as tall, deep or sky-high as their international counterparts, we think they’re just as beautiful, and certainly worth a visit. So, without further ado, here are 7 natural sites and wonders to visit in the Sutherland Shire.
7 Natural Wonders In The Sutherland Shire
Figure 8 pools
Located on a rock shelf in the Royal National Park near Burning Palms Beach, Figure 8 pools is a natural formation whose name reveals its amazing appearance. If there is one piece of advice we - and the NSW National Parks authoritative body - can give you before making the 4-hour-round hike, it’s this: check the tides. A float in these deep pools is utter perfection, but because they are situated out on open waters, even very low tides require care and caution - you can never be too aware of rogue waves. You can view the NSW National Parks’ handy guide to visiting, including an hour-by-hour risk guide and guidelines here.
Image Credit: @_danieltran_
Wattamolla
A favourite among Shire locals and visitors alike, Wattamolla is the ultimate day-trip destination — perfect for picnics, swimming, snorkelling, and bushwalking. Just past the carpark, a stunning natural waterfall spills over from Wattamolla Creek, cascading into the lagoon before meeting the beach below. Set up on the sand, wade into the calm waters, and soak it all in. Heed our advice: this spot gets busy on a good day, so arrive early to snag a prime spot (and stay sun-safe while you're at it!).
Image Credit: @worldphotobar
Cape Solander
Touted as one of Sydney’s best whale-watching spots, Cape Solander sits at the start of Kurnell, marking one section of the Kamay Botany Bay National Park. If spotting one of the ocean’s gentle giants is a must on the agenda, the best time of year to visit is between June and July, when humpbacks will be on their northern migration to warmer water and have been known to come as near as 200 metres within the coastline.
Image Credit: @moniquewebbphotography
Winifred Falls
One of the most gorgeous natural swimming spots in the Royal National Park, Winifred Falls can be reached by a short 2km return trail from the Warumbul Road carpark, or a 7km return from Audley, for those up for a bit more of a hike. As one of the few falls you can actually swim under, Winifred Falls can be quite a popular spot, so you’ll want to make the best of it once you have set up. Plan to bring sunscreen and snacks so you can stay a while. (Hot tip: Curracurrang Falls are similar and also worth a visit!)
Image Credit: The Wildlife Diaries
Salmon Haul
With sweeping views of Port Hacking, the Royal National Park, and Bundeena, Salmon Haul is a hidden gem just beyond Cronulla’s Esplanade walk. Blending the best of a beach and a natural swimming hole, it’s a go-to for swimming, diving, snorkelling, and fishing — all while spotting plenty of local marine life. It’s also ideal for families, with easy access (no hiking required) and a playground nearby to keep the little ones entertained.
Image Credit: @flycandy__
Karloo Pools
The first natural swimming hole you’ll hit along the Karloo Track (at about 1 hour in), Karloo Pool’s size and surrounding scapes earns its place as a must-visit natural attraction. Spanning roughly 20 by 10 metres, visitors can choose to swim laps, float in the calm waters, or laze in the shallows while keeping an eye out for resident wildlife. Surrounded by towering eucalypts, it offers plenty of shade — but don’t skip the sunscreen!
Image Credit: She Who Hikes
Eagle Rock
Departing from Wattamolla, you’ll find a pathway that winds the coast and leads you to the final wonder on our list: Eagle Rock. Named for looking exactly like an eagle’s head (surprise, surprise), Eagle Rock is an iconic landmark. The fascinating thing about Eagle Rock is that it is unsupported, and it is thought that one day it will topple into the ocean below. Its neighbour, Curracurrang Falls, is also stunning - some say it appears to flow upwards! The walk from Wattamolla to Eagle Rock is via a well-maintained pathway, but it takes about an hour, so be sure to pack water and wear sunscreen.
Image Credit: Walk My World
Posted: February 2025