Cronulla: The coastal gem gaining attention from affluent interstate buyers

Once upon a time, it was locals who dominated the Cronulla market, but it seems the rest of Sydney has finally cottoned on to the lifestyle charms of this southern Sydney locale.

Stretching from Wanda Beach and Cronulla Golf course in the north to the sheltered beach at Darook Park in the south, this beachside suburb is no longer playing second fiddle to its coastal cousins Bondi and Coogee.

“Until recently it’s been a little secret of Sydney’s, but people finally understand what’s here, only 45 minutes from the city,” says local agent Laura McKay of Highlands Property Group.

“We’ve seen a huge influx of out of area buyers coming in.”

New development

McKay says developers are building some “seriously beautiful”, top-quality apartments in Cronulla and while density in the area is increasing, there’s still plenty of free-standing homes on 600-square-metre blocks.

The shops and eateries within the Gerrale Street shopping precinct will get a boost if the council approves a DA from the Sammut Group for Vue, a $350 million project at the northern end of the mall, with apartments, commercial space and retail anchored by Harris Farm Markets.

“It’s got its own little eco-system, so if you don’t want to leave [the area] you don’t have to,” McKay says.

“There are brilliant restaurants popping up, including The Pines, a great spot for Sunday champagne and beachside fine dining.”

The Pines is the brainchild of local Ross Robinson, who moved south from Coogee in 2008 and hasn’t looked back. Robinson moved from education into hospitality with Cronulla’s Zinc Bar, opened The Pines with Ritz Carlton-trained Brian Mackenzie and Michelin-star chef James Metcalfe last year, and most recently opened the more casual Apres Beach next door.

“In the past, when people were looking to buy something beautiful in Cronulla, one of the negatives was where to go, where to hang out,” says Robinson.

“Now, when someone from the eastern suburbs comes down to look around they book into The Pines. And the locals who would take an Uber into Cafe Sydney for a night out now stay here.”

Coastal assets

While Robinson loves the role he’s playing in the suburb’s evolution, he also loves what the suburb has always offered: its waterside pleasures.

“I do a daily walk along the esplanade, which always provides inspiration for myself, my wife and my kids,” he says.

“One of the best things about Cronulla is we’ve got miles of beach, so you can always find your own piece of sand and if you’re a surfer you can find the surf.

“We’ve got access to the Port Hacking waterway, so there’s the ability to take out your boat and Jet Skis and discover hidden beaches like those at Maianbar. And then there’s Boat Harbour Park where you take the four-wheel-drive for a day out.”

One to watch

Within easy reach of waterfront parkland and South Cronulla Beach, this smartly-presented home comes with a mineral pool and gardens designed by Secret Gardens.

The open-plan living spaces feature cathedral ceilings, a wood fireplace and an elegant kitchen with a butler’s pantry, and there’s a whole floor main bedroom retreat.

Highland Property Group’s Laura McKay takes the home to auction on October 20 with a guide of $4.5 million.

For Sale

72 Nicholson Parade, Cronulla NSW 2230

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