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Things to do in Cronulla

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Battle of Sydney’s beaches continued - Things to do in Cronulla

Helpful resources: – The local rag, Cronulla Life Facebook Page, Whileaway Guide,

Bored of hearing about Bondi and Manly? It’s the argument that divides North & East Sydneysiders. Which beach is better? Having lived in Manly for 8 years I’ll always be in the North camp, but what if there is an alternative. A beach which justified a visit and perhaps offered an even more authentic Aussie experience. Could Cronulla be exactly that? The husband and I took a weekend to explore this up and coming coastal suburb to see if it really is a contender.

Located on the Bate Bay coastline, Cronulla is Sydney’s only beach that can be reached by train. 45 minutes from Central station. Derived from the Aboriginal word kurranulla meaning ‘place of pink seashells’ Cronulla feels less pretentious than other Sydney beaches.

Unlike Manly, there is plenty of parking, even on the hottest summer’s day. Another bonus, most parks are free. In comparison, you’ll pay up to $10 an hour in Manly or Bondi. Unique to Cronulla is the sheer number of beaches and rock pools to choose from. 7 beaches and 5 rock pools to be precise meaning its Sydney’s longest beach.

Cronulla’s own Spit to Manly

Bondi and Manly have their own famous coastal walks each with stunning views, Cronulla can compete. Start at Wander Beach and walk the Cronulla circuit. This stunning coastal walk competes with Spit to Manly or Bondi to Coogee any day. Make sure you pack plenty of water, sun lotion and wear a hat. It’s a beautiful walk and great example of how many beaches, rock pools and parks you can fit onto one headland. This rocky coastline is well patrolled by lifeguards although the rock pools are not. Be careful if you are bathing when the tide is coming in and waves are smashing.

Flinders & Bass point is halfway around the Cronulla circuit. At the most southern end of the peninsula stands the memorial to Matthew Flinders, George Bass & Boy Martin. Whilst out in the Tom Thumb they discovered and named Port Hacking on March 30th, 1796. This special place is idyllic when the sun is shining. Splendid views stretch up the Hacking River, across to the Royal National Park and out to the Tasman Sea. The clear waters surrounding the jagged rocks give way to emerald green deeper areas. Enthusiastic snorkelers interrupt the stillness and sunbakers clutter the rocks like jewels.

Coffee anyone?

If you’re hanging out for coffee, I’d recommend Grind - a true local institution. Here your tourist dollar really will stay local. With mis-matching retro style, this place has an electric vibe and enticing aroma of freshly ground beans. The staff are friendly, the people watching is fabulous and the coffee is bloody good! For over ten years owner, Richard Calabro has had this gem. His passion for sourcing and grinding the highest quality coffee shine through. A great rest break if you’re walking the Cronulla Circuit.

If you’re visiting in the summer and wanting to set up camp, I would steer clear of the main beach. Packed full of sweaty bodies there’s nothing different from any other overcrowded NSW beach. Instead, walk on a little further down the Esplanade to Shelly Beach. Here, there are fewer people, a beautiful rock pool, kids’ playground, and a gorgeous shady park.

Take an ‘Insta’ break

Before leaving the main beach pose for a photo in front of the stunning Insta worthy sandy cliff face. A perfect backdrop of beautiful layered sedimentary sandstone of yellow and brown. Pay respects to late surfers who rode the waves in days gone by. Engraved plaques in the cliff remember them.

Another area I’d suggest hanging out is Gunamatta Bay. A large lush shaded grass area, kids playground and less crowded beach this is where the locals hang. Located on a large inlet means the netted tidal baths here are calm and wave free. From here you can also catch a ferry to the National park.

For anyone wanting to learn more about the history of surfing in Cronulla head to the library. Located in Central Arcade both walls of the walkway to the library tell the story of 100 years of surf history. The online resource Cronulla Surf Museum is also worth a read.

Recently Cronulla has emerged a hip dining and bar scene. The Urban List and Timeout are across the newest and coolest places to visit but we went with a local recommendation. We ate at Little Parrot and had post cocktails at the RSL making sure our dollar stayed local.

And in conclusion…..

Cronulla is a great alternative to Bondi or Manly, it’s accessible and cheap in comparison. Whilst Manly and Bondi fight for the international tourist Cronulla is a less popular choice but more than worthy of a visit. Rockpools tick. Surfing tick. Gorgeous beaches tick. Beautiful and scenic coastal walk tick. Children friendly tick. Trendy café scene tick. Good food tick. Transport tick. In conclusion, Cronulla is more than a contender, it’s becoming a competitor to Bondi and Manly. Give it a go and spread your tourist dollar around, believe me Bondi & Manly get plenty.

15 reasons to visit Beijing

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What to do in Beijing - 15 reasons the city is worth a visit!

I’m not sure what I was expecting. The hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, the culture shock of Delhi or the soul of Bangkok. The reality was, I got Beijing! What makes every travel experience unique is that they are all so different. China was never on my travel radar, but when an opportunity presents itself, I grab it. I’m so glad I did. China’s capital is now more accessible than ever before. This beyond interesting capital city has more to it than ‘The Great Wall’, as if that isn’t enough on its own.

If you get the opportunity to visit Beijing these are the 15 reasons why you should jump at the chance. Plus how to keep the $ local stopping the tourist leak.

1. Get lost in the Hutong.

Hutong are the narrow alleyways and siheyan’s (courtyard houses) of ancient Beijing. Established in the Yuan dynasty between 1200-1300 they give you an essence of life gone by. I loved hanging out in these more historic areas of Beijing. Most are redeveloped and have a fun and enchanting vibe to them. Like the Medina in Marrakech, this is where you want to leave the guidebook at home and get lost. There are heaps of Hutong to explore and Google will throw you ample amounts of suggestions. My particular favourites with those around Houhai Lakes. If you have limited time stroll through both Ya’er and Yangfang Hutong. They have everything. Upmarket shops, tourist tat sellers, cute bars, coffee shops and more local style cafes. Butchers with meat hanging for all to view, roadside barbers and street food stalls. You’ll also pass some of the most magnificent, beautiful and vibrant courtyard houses. Be sure to listen out for the trill song of the crickets whilst wondering the Hutong. There is a tradition of keeping crickets and grasshoppers in Beijing. The louder the sound and the brighter the colours, the better!

2. The buzz of mornings in the parks

I love mornings and so it seems does Beijing. City life starts early and, as is similar in most major cities, the hustle and bustle is relentless. Yet Beijing has a solution – its parks. With backyards being a rarity due to apartment living, this is where the locals hang out. Starting each morning with a walk, I always incorporated a park. My favourites were Ritan and Dongdan Park. A hive of activity, locals use these spaces for all forms of morning exercise. All ages come together to dance (everything from hip hop to ball room), practice tai chi, use the outside gyms and even enjoy games of hacky sack or shuttlecock. For the less energetic a game of cards or chess seems a fabulous way to start the day. Choose a local cafe for breakfast.

3. Stunning sparkling lakes

The network of three Houhai Lakes was one of my favourite areas. Packed with locals picnicking, swimming, playing board games and fishing I loved it. Apparently, you can ice skate in the winter. I wish I’d had time to go back to this area at night fall. I heard that it’s vibrant and fun as the sun sets with plenty of choices of Hutong bars. There’s the option of hiring bikes or boats and the Lonely Planet suggests a great walk taking in temples, hutoung, Siheyans and the lake itself. The positive vibe, cooling lake breeze and opportunity to watch local life go by means time runs away with you. Make sure you take it all in.

4. The most incredible roadside dumplings

You think you’ve tried great dumplings at Dim Tai Fung? Think again. These roadside bad boy dumplings are something else. From noon, guys on the roadside sit with their bamboo stacked cooking systems steaming these delicious morsels. There would more often than not be a few plastic chairs around to pull up and enjoy an early lunch. The flavour and freshness beat any dumpling I’ve ever had.

5. Fun and social hotpot

Beijing is famous for its Peking duck. But I wasn’t enamoured. Having tried a few places, I felt as though none were better than I’d tried in a good Chinese restaurant in the UK. But hotpot rocked! Anyone who grew up in the UK through the ‘80s will have experienced fondue. Whether it cheese or meat the experience was not a healthy one. Hotpot is the healthy alternative. In keeping with the concept of fondue, hotpot is a social and fun way of sharing lunch or dinner. You cook your own meat and veggies in a simmering pot of stock in the middle of the dining table. There are many hotpot restaurants around Beijing, be sure to pick a locally owned one.

6. Cheap beer and the size of shots!

You know you’re in a local bar when the beer costs less than water. Paying under $1 for a long-neck makes me happy wherever I am. As with any city, there are of course many beautiful bars. Craft breweries are popular, and clubs cater for those wanting a dance. Yet, nothing compares with finding a drinking hole that resembles someone’s front room and is full of locals. This is how and where you get under the skin of a place. Where only sign language can get you what you want and where locals stare at you like a celebrity. Once again, get lost and stumble upon some little local gems. The other thing worth noting when drinking in Beijing is the size of shots in local bars! I don’t think they know what a measure is! It’s like Ibiza back in the early ‘90s.

7. Perform like a pop star at Karaoke

No trip to Beijing is complete without a visit to one of the many karaoke venues. Karaoke has been popular amongst Beijingers since being imported from Japan. Whether you have the voice of an angel or not, karaoke is guaranteed fun. Locals hang out here after work to let their hair down and most Beijingers will have a repertoire of Ballards that they’ve practiced for years. There are two types of KVT - ‘family friendly’ and ‘special’. Make sure you distinguish between the two and don’t end up with more than you bargained for.

8. A wonder of the World - The Great Wall

This was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever encountered. My life-long myth of being able to see The Great Wall from space was shattered. I was lucky enough to spend 5 days on the Great Wall with an incredible bunch of friends. Read about our adventure here. My big piece of advice would be to venture outside of the common tourist trap areas. Choose lesser-visited parts of the wall. This also supports challenges around over tourism and spreads the impact and dollar. It will take longer but I promise it is worth it. Come on, it’s one for the wonders of the world - give it the time and attention it deserves! My recommendations would be Jinshanling and Gubeikou. The views over the mountains are breathtaking and one day we didn’t see another human! Don’t forget to book with a local guide to stop the tourism leak. We partnered with brilliant Diverse China.

9. Glittery sunset at The Summer Palace

This expanse of willow tree lined streets, lakes, tranquil gardens and temples is about 30 minutes out of central Beijing. Once, the emperor’s summer retreat, it’s worth a visit if you have time. Go in the afternoon to appreciate sunset over stunning Kunming Lake. What an enchanting view over the Lilly pads. As the light dims, it hits the ripples turning them into diamonds. All we needed to make this sunset perfect was a picnic blanket, cheese platter and wine. A shimmery goodbye to another Beijing day.

10. Beijing’s rich tapestry of history

China has the longest continuous civilization in the world and 5,000 years’ worth of history. It’s not surprising then that learning about this incredible city’s culture has made it into my top 15 reasons to visit Beijing. China’s development is beyond impressive. I enjoyed learning about the series of dynasties. Modern China is beyond fascinating. Fellow travellers I met along the way mentioned three books that would be great reads. “Raise The Red Lantern”, “The Last Emperor” and “Mao’s Last Dancer”. I wish I’d read them before my visit as it would have given me more context.

11. Fashion at The Forbidden City

Home to 24 emperors, this is a huge labyrinth of buildings, pavilions, courtyards and gardens. The downside is it’s crammed with people. The upside, these people are majority Chinese and wow do they have a unique sense of fashion. Oh, what sights. Socks and sandals, the highest possible stilettos, thigh high boots and even wellingtons make an appearance. And oh, the material - every possible type you can imagine from lace to latex. Beijinger’s want to stand out and have their own fashion sense rather than blend in with the crowd. I’d say they’ve nailed it.

12. Tranquil Jinshan Park & Coal Hill

If you are on a budget or don’t like crowds, then give The Forbidden City a miss. You can grasp the expanse by climbing Coal Hill and looking down on the 800 buildings and 9000 rooms from above. Jinshan Park is a tranquil urban oasis covering 57 acres, pretty big in its own right. The space has a serene feeling but don’t underestimate the climb to the top of Coal Hill. Beautiful coloured pavilions break up the journey and provide shade. The hill is a feng shui shield protecting from evil spirits. Not only can you get a great view of The Forbidden City but panoramic city views which on a clear day are incredible. I wish I’d had longer to explore this beautiful space.

13. Lesser known but equally beautiful temples

One thing is for sure, you won’t have time to visit every temple in Beijing unless you are there for a long while. There are many temples some more famous than others. Popular ones include Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Lama Temple and Temple of Heaven. As you are wandering the streets keep your eyes open for lesser known yet as impressive temples. One of my favourites was Guanghua Temple in the Houahi area. This exquisite example of a Buddhist temple located in Ya’er Hutong is free to visit. It offers a piece of tranquillity in an otherwise hectic area of the city. The place is a burst of colour with each deity hall housing a different god or goddess.

14. All the tea in China

The Chinese have an infectious passion for tea. More of a coffee person myself, even I converted. Taking tea is a time-honoured tradition, there is a tea for every occasion. Two places I’d recommend. Maliandao Tea Market, where hundreds of vendors selling even more varieties compete for your wallet. Lingdang Hutong if you want to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and then buy a teapot made from jade for $4,000. I never knew that some tea is like wine and gets better with age - some on sale were over the $5,000 mark.

15. Hipster art district

Also known as Dashanzi this is where the Chinese art boom started. Old converted warehouses host Art Galleries, local artisans and boutique shops galore. Street art decorates the external spaces and there are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants for any time of the day. A beautiful area to mooch.

Avoid Jet Lag - my secret formula

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The secret to avoiding jet lag!

This is an unusual post for me. I like to keep the content relevant to the cause. I’m passionate about educating on the tourism leakage. Supporting to keep the dollar local where possible. Showcasing local businesses and communities rather than global conglomerates. Yet, so many people ask me about my secret to no jet lag so I thought I’d put pen to paper and share my secrets!

Many of us love travelling, I more than most. But the consequence of jet lag can be one that limits peoples choices on where they explore. I’ve had many conversations with friends about coming to visit us in Australia. The sad but true fact is that a lot of the time the thought of the flight and impact of jet lag puts them off.

The majority of the global population gets 2-4 weeks holiday a year. I can understand why they don’t want to spend part of their break battling jet lag. I get it, I do, but what if there was a way around it? A formula which equalled no jet lag? Would you stick to it?

Over the years I’ve mastered a formula that works for me. Everyone is different so all I can do is share with you what works for me.

My formula for no jet lag-

  1. TIME - The moment you arrive at the airport change your clock. Change to the time and date of your destination, start to get into this rhythm. This may mean having a beer at 8 am in the morning because it’s 11 pm at your destination! It may mean having a coffee and breakfast if its 8 am in your destination.
  2. WATER - As soon as you step foot airside make sure you have a bottle of water to take on the plane. Ensure you drink lots of water throughout the flight. Stay hydrated and yes, steer clear of the booze!
  3. FOOD - I never eat plane food, I’ve experimented with this lots and I feel so much better if I don’t eat it. Stock up on fresh sandwiches, salads nuts and fruit. Eat at timings relevant to the meals you would be eating in your destination. Eg. if it’s breakfast time at your destination have an egg sandwich you bought earlier.
  4. SLEEP - Try and make yourself sleep when it’s night time in your end destination. Complete your evening routine. Clean your teeth, cleanse, tone, moisturise and get into comfy clothes or pj’s. Even if you’re not asleep put an eye mask on and pretend or meditate.
  5. STAY AWAKE - Try and keep awake when daytime time in your destination. Perform your morning rituals. Wash, clean your teeth, cleanse, tone, moisturise and change out of your pj’s. Once you arrive in your destination stay awake until at least 9pm.

My top tips for no jet lag:

  1. A week leading up to the flight make a list of tasks you can do on the plane. Include things like life admin, books or articles you haven’t had time to read, films to watch and games to play.
  2. Take a good moisturiser and keep applying.
  3. Wear flight socks please - minimise the risk of DVT
  4. Buy a neck pillow, eye mask and use lavender and ylang-ylang to get to sleep! Carly from the Yogibunch will sort you out!

My brother disagrees with me and this is his advice.

My brother’s formula for no jet lag-

  1. Nip to the Dr. and explain you are an anxious flyer and request the strongest Valium they can prescribe.
  2. As soon as you get to the airport go straight to the bar and keep ordering your drink of choice. Once you hear the final call for your flight order a large G&T to wash down a few Valium while making a dash for the gate.
  3. When seated press the air hostess attention button and request a couple of large G&T’s. Repeat until numb whilst watching movies.
  4. When you arrive at your destination pick up some duty-free for the transfer then head straight to the pub.
  5. At some point, you will probably pass out. When you wake you will most likely have a hangover, but you won’t be jet lagged.

The choice is yours but please don’t let jet lag be the reason you don’t get to explore this incredible world! You only get one life - go out and live it! Go enjoy other cultures and meet characters from other culture and communities!

‘The Great Wall of China’ - Our 5 day Trek

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Trekking ‘The Great Wall of China’ - our #5chicksdochina journey in photos

‘The Great Wall of China’ was never on my radar, it wasn’t anywhere near the top of my bucket list. But when I got two emails (within a week of each other) encouraging me to walk or run ‘The Great Wall of China’, it was an omen!

My good friend Kelly has MS and the second email I received was about the MS 10 day fundraising trek. So there it was. It had to be. We would walk (or having now done it I would say climb) ‘The Great Wall of China’!

MS Australia organised the trip with Soulful Concepts as the tour management company. Soulful Concepts is a responsible travel company with aligned values to my own. They offer travel experiences that give back to local communities.

DAY 1 on ‘The Great Wall of China’

Our first sight of the wall was at Taipingzhai Gate. As we drove in and looked up we snatched a glimpse at the wonder that is ‘The Great Wall of China’. What an incredible feeling. We’d been waiting to start our adventure for 12 months and it was finally happening.

Once upon ‘The Great Wall of China’ the views were mesmerising. Surrounded by huge mountains, unfortunately, the air quality wasn’t great. At first, I couldn’t work out if it was low hanging cloud or pollution. Our guide told us it was a bit of both and once the wind got up we would have better visibility.

This is part of the wall that hosts the marathon. It was about right now I was thanking myself for signing up to the trek rather than a run! Oh WOW! I had no idea there would be this many steps - steps, steps and more steps.

It was surprising at how we had the wall to ourselves. We didn’t bump into anyone apart from these locals who were packing up after a day selling tourist wares. Michael, our local tour guide from Diverse China had done a great job at showing us the real ‘Great Wall’!

After only a couple of hours, we started to underestimate the challenge we had taken on!

The toughest part for me today was the downhill. After following the Great Wall for 2.5 hours we caught glimpses of civilisation but it was a long way down! The stairs down were relentless. I’d trained walking and running up steps but it hadn’t even entered my head to train going down! By the end, my legs felt like jelly and my knees were trembling!

Day 1 done! We were on the journey and had completed our first trek.

We spent the first evening of our trek at Huangya Mount Villa Hotel. Once a former army barracks the basic but clean rooms are off a gorgeous courtyard. The next morning our breath was taken away when we opened the curtains to an incredible view of ‘The Great Wall of China’.


DAY 2 on ‘The Great Wall of China’

Day 2 was walking on what we named the wild wall and one of the easiest (for me) but longest trek days. The steps from yesterday gave way to dirt track and uneven ground.

The wall here is not restored so there was the odd challenging part!

We trekked between the famous “Crouching Tiger’ and “Hidden Dragon” mountains. The views were breathtaking and once again we didn’t see another human! As promised by Michael our guide, as the wind got up the air quality got better and blue skies emerged.

Gubeikou was the most invasion-prone section of the wall during the Ming Dynasty. This part of the wall was my favourite out of the 5 days, it’s so wild and beautiful. Not the picture postcard vision of the ‘The Great Wall of China’ you have from media but a more genuine feel to it. The enormity of the landscape makes you feel like a dot on the surface of the world!

It was a long day but Ye Shufang Homestay in Dongguan Village sure came up with the goods, cold beer, comfortable rooms, a gorgeous rooftop terrace and such welcoming, warm hospitality.

DAY 3 on ‘The Great Wall of China’

We woke up to the sound of Chinese Drums as they were practising for an Autumn carnival. After a stroll around the village and 5 minutes watching the drum practice, we were off to trek ‘The Great Wall of China’. Day 3 was upon us!

We started today at what felt like a more popular part of the wall. The initial climb to the wall was through a new and well designed landscaped area. Jinshanling Great Wall is 130km away from Beijing and built in 1567.

Mighty mountains either side of the wall give the most immense feeling of space. ‘The Great Wall of China’ stretches into the distance for miles, only interrupted by watchtowers.

With the aid of a beautiful breeze, the air started to clear and the views were spectacular.

The sight of the ‘The Great Wall of China’ is spectacular - this is what we had dreamt of for 12 months. The feeling of expanse and freedom on top of that wall was indescribable.

Once again I felt I was the tiniest dot on the earth surface and knew I was stood on one of the wonders of the world!

Day 3 and the steps were back! After being lulled into a false sense of security we were suddenly slammed. With not only steps up and down but sheer hills - the only way to conquer these were on our tippy toes!

This was the hardest day of our trek (for me). The relentless steps, the unevenness and those inclined hills were tough! Today we climbed a steep section of the wall known as Sky Ladder.

The Eastern Five-window Tower was our finish line for the day. Once we set eyes on it there was an injection of motivation and a goal! A hard day but oh wow the views, sights, impressive landscape and the feeling of enormity were worth it.

After a tough day trekking, we looked for a bar to provide the refreshments required! A lesson we were about to learn was that vodka measures are HUGE in China and bars are not easy to find!!!!

DAY 4 on ‘The Great Wall of China’

Easing our way into Day 4 we took the chairlift up to the wall and got a glimpse at our transport down - The Luge! The wind was up and the sun was out which meant blue skies and clear visibility.

Today was the day when the year of training would pay off. The 1000 steps of Mutianyu Great Wall.


In went the earphones and on went the determination - 1000 steps later and the views were incredible.

And then we had to get down!

As we trekked back it was clear enough to see Beijing in the distance.

A hard day, a fun exit from ‘The Great Wall of China’ and the most expensive beer ever!

After all those steps a blow out was required… I mean, who goes to China and doesn’t go to Karaoke?! Plus it was Kelli’s birthday so we had to go out and celebrate!

DAY 5 on ‘The Great Wall of China’

The great thing about our tour was that we got to experience three distinct areas. The very wild wall with rugged and bush like terrain and where we bumped into no other human. The more picture postcard style restored wall with more people around. As well as the very touristy area which was on today’s agenda.

Juyongguan Great Wall is a loop across the Badaling highway and only 1.5 hours from central Beijing. We started with a decent down, eastwards to cross the river but as always there were then stairs! As steep and tough as ever!

At the top were great views back across to the more crowded western part of the wall. We could also see the Badaling railway, which was the first railway built in China.

Once we reached today’s summit….. we were DONE!!!! Our mission accomplished. 5 days trekking ‘The Great Wall of China’. $120k raised for MS Australia. Personal goals kicked. Physical goals smashed.

I trained for the physical part of the trek. Ok, not enough stairs involved in my training but I sure had trained! What I wasn’t expecting was the overwhelming emotion that hit me on completion.

We had done it #5chicksdidchina

4 of our 16 fellow trekkers have MS. What inspirational women they are. Watching them together flying the flag at the end was something very very special.