Welcome 2022 With A Bang

Posted December, 2022

Make up for lost time and live your best post-lockdown life this summer. We've put together a list of 15 must-dos so gather the gang and get ready for your best few months of 2022 yet. You're welcome!

1. Sip Away At Next Door’s Sunday Set

Next Door Sunday Sets are back with live music from 4:00pm and a weekly $15 cocktail special which is always refreshing, light and oh so right. Accompany your cocktails with a selection of share plates. We’ve certainly missed these... Pita with Hummus, Truffle Parmesan Arancini, Lamb Ribs, Zucchini Flowers, Tuna Sashimi, Calamari. Every dish hits the spot. Walk-ins only.

2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla

2. Make Cronulla’s Newbie, Waterline By The Bay, Feel Welcome

Picture this. Restrictions have finally lifted and you’re at dinner holding up a glass of 2016 McLaren Vale Shiraz. It’s 5:20 in the evening and through the trees you can see the setting sun flickering on the glistening water. Sounds dreamy? We think so too. Humbly nestled in Gunnamatta Bay, Waterline by the Bay is the newest restaurant to hit the shores of the Shire. Paying homage to its location, the menu has a heavy focus on seafood, with the Lobster Slider and Prawn Linguini personal standouts. You can browse (or drool) over their full menu here.

29 Tonkin Street, Cronulla

3. Taste Test The Menu At One Of The Shire’s Newest Cafes

First up is Jack Gray, a cafe-wine bar set within the leafy suburb of Grays Point. All about coffee, food, interiors and wine, this hidden gem has our name written all over it. Open 7 days for breakfast and lunch, pop by for a tasty feed or enjoy a cocktail over live music on Friday or Sunday evenings.

Next up is Oli’s, a Miranda-based cafe that has just sprung out of the woodwork. A space for people to enjoy delicious food, share memories and take a moment to themselves, Oli’s has an unforgettable feel. Once again, this cafe is stepping it up a notch with its design and interior details. With a kids play area and enclosed yard, this hidden gem is a new go-to for all Shire Mums and Dads.

4. Cure Your Cocktail Cravings At The Shire’s Much Loved Papa J’s

There’s not much that beats a cocktail (or four) with friends. With an extensive drinks menu, Papa Js has everything from the classics to their new inventive cocktails, so good luck taking your pick. If you’re looking to try something new (and we recommend you do), opt for the Come To Papa’s, a delicious blend of Vodka One, Aperol, passionfruit, pineapple and sours, all topped with an apricot foam. If gin is more your thing, we’d recommend the Yuzu Voodoo or smooth Clarified Apple Martini.

Shop 7, 2-6 Cronulla Street, Cronulla

5. Enjoy a Sunset Drink at Cronulla Sailing Club

Take Friday afternoon drinks to a whole new level at Cronulla Sailing Club. Spanning across two levels with incredible views of Gunnamatta Bay, it’s truly one of the best spots to watch the sun go down. The Sailing Club is now open every Friday from 4:00pm, with live music from 5:00pm. Tables fill up fast, so you’ll have to arrive on time to snag a good seat. Walk-ins only.

Every Friday from 4:00pm

50 Waratah Street, Cronulla

6. Treat yourself To Yum Cha At Johnny Hu

As Johnny Hu says, it’s here for a good time, not a long time, so pop by and experience their classic Yum Cha. If this is something you didn’t get the chance to try in 2021, now’s the time! Yum Cha is available Friday to Sunday every week from 12:00pm to 2:30pm. We can thank the creative minds behind Alphabet St and Giro Osteria for Johnny Hu’s moreish menu. Standouts include the Peking Duck Pancakes, Scallop Dumplings and Pork Wontons served in chilli oil.

1/138 Cronulla Street, Cronulla

7. Get Your Pottering On

Ignite your creative vibes with Part-time Ceramics, a relatively new pottery haven located in Engadine and Taren Point. Choose from their signature pottery and prosecco classes, date night wheel throw, or for more creative freedom, secure a spot in their dedicated open studio.

4/971-975 Old Princes Highway, Engadine

2/155 Taren Point Road, Caringbah

8. Catch Up With Friends At One Of The Shire’s Best BYO Restaurants

If you ask us, every Saturday night should be reserved for good food, good friends and great wine. We all deserve to let our hair down after the year that has been 2021, so naturally we love a restaurant that embraces BYO on a Saturday night. Whether it be a birthday celebration, group catch-up, or date night, with BYO you can save big whilst wining and dining. And if you’re simply just a wine snob, you’re also a winner. Here’s your chance to wipe the dust from that special bottle you’ve been saving. Click here for our list of the Shire’s best BYO restaurants.

9. Use your Dine and Discover Vouchers Before they Expire

SCORE! Dine and Discover vouchers have now been extended until 30th June 2022.

Spoilt for choice when eating out in the Shire, we have endless opportunities to use our ‘Dine’ vouchers. On the other hand, the ‘Discover’ vouchers tell a different story. Don't fear. Like with most Shire-based matters, you’ve come to the right place. From catching a flick or kayaking to enjoying a luxurious pop-up beach picnic or paint and sip experience, jump over here for our favourite ways to spend your ‘Discover’ vouchers.

10. Hydrate Your Skin With a Facial From One Of The Shire's Leading Beauty Clinics

Welcome in 2022 with glowing, hydrated skin thanks to the abundance of noteworthy beauty clinics in the Shire. Whether you opt for a Hydrafacial at byStella, the La Cure Ultimate Facial or a Skin Needling session at The Skin Bar, take some time out to give your skin the love and attention it deserves. For more, search our entire Beauty Business Directory here.

11. Unleash Your Inner Picasso With Pinot & Picasso Miranda

A paint brush in one hand and a glass of wine in the other is the perfect way to wine down after a long week. Located in Miranda, all Pinot & Picasso events are run by a pro to ensure you leave with an artistic masterpiece (of sorts). Every class is always full of belly laughs and good times and if you’re a wine fanatic (hello), you’ll be pleased to learn all events are BYO. Classes sell out fast so secure your tickets here.

31-41 Kiora Rd, Miranda

12. Explore The Port Hacking On A Stand-Up Paddleboard

For a peaceful afternoon out, hire a stand-up paddleboard from Cronulla SUP and explore the beautiful Port Hacking. Full of crystal clear bays, start at Gunnamatta and see where the paddle takes you!

13. Shop Up a Storm At The Shire’s Farmers Markets

Grab a takeaway coffee and explore the Shire’s Farmers Markets, held every Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm. You will find fresh fruit and veg, meat, bread, flowers, cheese, eggs, gnocchi, donuts, pastries and more. Whether you want to do your weekly shop or pick up some goodies to entertain guests over the weekend, these markets have you covered.

The market stalls vary week to week, so visit the Shire Farmers Markets Facebook Page the day prior for the list of stallholders. A must is the Sonoma Almond Croissant and THICC Cookies.

Flora Street Carpark, Sutherland

14. Check Out This Cronulla-Based Cafe Dedicated To Nothing But Jaffles

Simple yet tasty, the new Miss Jaffles Cafe is located on Gerrale Street, Cronulla. Boasting 15 unique sweet and savoury jaffle flavours, you can opt for something simple, a sweet delight (we’ll take the biscoff please), or take it up a notch with one of their jam-packed, inventive combinations. Think pizza or shepherd’s pie flavour! Our favourite? Miss Hangover - it’s like a big breakfast in a jaffle.

9/20 Gerrale Street, Cronulla

15. Shop Up A Storm At The Shire’s Best Homewares Stores

Did you become bored of staring at the same four walls and furniture throughout lockdown? Well, change is sometimes as good as a holiday! Whether you're in the market for a complete home makeover, a stylish new addition or just wanting to kill a few hours, these Shire-based homewares stores are a must. From chic lighting, unique furniture and art to cushions, throws or plants, there are plenty of treasures for you to discover. View our top homeware stores here.

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