Cronulla Plaza

When you visit Cronulla, you’ll probably be heading straight for the beach. However, you should also take a stroll along the outdoor Plaza in the main shopping precinct.

It’s a shopping mall where it’s quite acceptable for girls to roam around in bikinis or guys in boardies.

What used to be the main thoroughfare of the Cronulla shopping district was closed off and reopened as a mall just for pedestrians in 1989.



It features many speciality stores, cafés and restaurants. In keeping with the spirit of the area, most of the shops and outlets are independently owned, although some of the old favourite franchises such as McDonalds, Gloria Jeans, Charlie Lovett and Baker’s Delight still do a roaring trade.



The fashion boutiques specialise in summer wear, including bikinis and beachwear.



As far as food outlets go, you can take your pick of the cuisine you fancy from the many choices on offer, from Mexican and hamburgers to a fantastic pie shop that bakes in store. There are also juice and ice-cream outlets for those hot, thirsty days.

At the northern end is a stage area for celebrations such as Australia Day, and the Cronulla Spring Festival.

Just around the corner is the Cronulla Cinema.



The clock tower was a gift to the Sutherland Shire for the Bicentenary. It is actually the oldest clock in Australia being built in 1770.



In the middle of the plaza is the post office, one of the few still featuring the old architecture that used to be synonymous with post offices.



Occasionally a busker will add some atmosphere to the plaza.



Cronulla Central is where you’ll find the Visitor Centre and lots of info about the area; especially the beach and the people who have helped make it famous. The local library is also there.



Take a close look and you’ll spot plaques in the paving depicting the stories of wrecks that have occurred off Cronulla.

There’s even a small kids’ play area in one of the side streets.

At the far southern end is the train station. This part of the mall is open to traffic.

There are plenty of seats to relax while enjoying a coffee, or just taking in another beautiful day in Cronulla.

The plaza is wide and open, and there’s plenty to see. Enjoy this slice of a beautiful beachside suburb.

Rating: 10/10

Where: Cronulla in the Sutherland Shire
Why: Great after a day at the beach
Cost: Free
When: Every day, shopping hours.

Good for kids: Yes

Categories:

#_cronulla
#_shopping
#_entertainment
#_free
#_kids

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