A beautiful day greeted the fourteen walkers for today’s substitute walk from Cronulla. Following the briefing in Monro Park we walked down to the beach front and headed north passing North Cronulla SLSC, Elouera SLSC and Wanda SLSC where we turned around and walked back to North Cronulla SLSC and Dunningham Park for morning tea. Elouera is an Australian Aboriginal word that generally means “a pleasant place” and Wanda Beach located on the Kurnell Peninsula was named after a Dharawal Aboriginal word meaning “beach” or “sand hill”.
Briefing by Leader Deidre at Monro Park
Happy walkers above Wanda Beach
Continuing south we joined The Esplanade at South Cronulla Beach and the start of our Cronulla Peninsula Circuit. Cronulla is derived from the Aboriginal word Kurranulla meaning “place of the small pink seashell”. The name originates from the Gweagal people. The Esplanade was very busy with morning walkers enjoying the beautiful autumnal weather. Wonderful views from Cronulla Point as we continued on towards pretty Shelly Beach where families were enjoying themselves in one of the many rock pools located from Wanda Beach to Oak Park at Glaisher Point. It was certainly a beach weather day! From Glaisher Point there were views over to Bundeena and Maianbar. Glaisher Point was named after James Glaisher (1809 – 1903) a pioneering meteorologist and aeronaut known for high-altitude balloon ascents.
Setting off in idyllic weather from
South Cronulla Beach
A small pink shell after which
Kurranulla (Cronulla) was named
View from the Esplanade Walk to Jibbon Head
Shelley Beach Rock Pool
Oak Park Rock Pool
Next was Bass and Flinders Point where walkers read the inscriptions at the Bass and Flinders Memorial. Leader Deidre read out Sue S’s notes of the significance and indigenous origins of the names in the area. We soon reached Salmon Haul Reserve and the entry to the new Hungry Point Reserve Cliff Top Walk Stage 1. The new 390 meter elevated walkway is a suspended boardwalk and was opened in December 2025 with views across Port Hacking and more views to Bundeena and Maianbar. Walking to the end we then returned to the tiered concrete and suspended stairs which led up to the entrance to Darook Park. With views of Gunnamatta Bay we walked through the park to pretty Darook Beach. Salmon Haul earned its name due to the historical practice of hauling in large nets of salmon (specifically Australian salmon) from the nearby waters. Darook Park’s name was based on the belief that it was a site frequented by the Darug (or Dharuk) tribe. Gunnamatta Bay derives its name from an Aboriginal term meaning “sandy hills” or “beach and sandhills”.
Some walkers at Bass Flinders Point
Hungry Point view of Hacking River and Burraneer Point
Walking on Darook Beach
Leaving Darook Beach we headed uphill and the unavoidable street walking to where we entered Gunnamatta Bay and our lunch spot. We found a very comfortable covered shelter shed which accommodated the fourteen walkers. It was only a short walk to the Cronulla RSL where a variety of refreshments were enjoyed by all walkers. Returning through Monro Park which contains an ANZAC War Memorial we admired the colourful garden beds of annuals which were a picture in readiness for the ANZAC Day commemorations. It was across the road to the station for our return trip home.
Along the peaceful beach before Gunnamatta Park
Lunch spot in Gunnamatta Park amongst the Bluegums and Blackbutts
Cronulla RSL
White Correa Correa alba, Coastal Rosemary Westringia fruticosa
Guinea Flower Hibbertia scandens, Coastal Banksia Banksia integrifolia
Thank you to all walkers for a great day out with HVB.
Walking with Deidre and Barbara R were Audrey, Carolyn, Don B, Grace, Guenter, Karen, Kas, Kurt, Mary, Pragati, Sue S and Beverley (third time visitor and new member).
A BIG ‘thank you’ to Barbara R for standing in as co-leader.
Thank you to our Tail End Charlie: Don B and First Aid: Beverley and thank you to Sue S for researching the names and origins for our Cronulla walk.
Photos: Barbara R (5 to 9), Deidre (10, 13), Sue S (1 to 4, 11, 12, 14)
Words by: Deidre