Heading to Kurnell with kids is always an adventure. Unlike Cronulla, we find the beaches at Kurnell are a lot gentler and far less crowded. And there’s so much green space! On a good day our family can head to Kurnell and feel like we have the whole place to ourselves. Pick the weekend, and finding a park can be absolute chaos.
Kurnell Visitor Centre
Table of Contents
The Kurnell Visitor Centre is a great place to start your journey at Kurnell. It features an art gallery, theatrette, historical exhibition, shop and café.
Through the various interactive displays, you and your family can learn how the Aboriginal inhabitants lived at the time of Captain Cook’s landing in 1770 and find out more about Aboriginal people in the area and the impact of this historic event.
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 10.00 am to 3.30 pm. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9.30 am to 4.00 pm. Closed Christmas holiday.
Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Kamay Botany Bay National Park is typically our first destination when our family heads to Kurnell. It boasts a remarkable landscape that takes you from the beach overlooking Port Botany where the waves gently lap the shoreline, up through to Cape Solander where the sandstone cliffs, while perilous as they often break off and fall into the ocean, provide a breathtaking vista out to sea. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale or two.
The area is also of historic significance as it was here on 29 April 1770 that Captain James Cook made first contact with the Gweagal people when HMS Endeavour landed ashore. This event would see Australia change forever with a significant impact on the lives of Australian Aboriginals.
250th Anniversary Sculptures at Kurnell
To mark the 250th anniversary of Cook’s landing on 29 April 2020, a number of commemorative bronze sculptures were installed along the foreshore. Originally the sculptures were to be unveiled at the Meeting of Two Cultures ceremony which was sadly cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead, they were installed without ceremony providing quite a surprise to those who visited on the days after.
The three sculptures were chosen by the Kamay 2020 Project Board who described the selected installations as “sensitive, balanced and include story-telling of both Aboriginal and European viewpoints of the arrival of the Endeavour”. The La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council were also consulted with chairwoman Noeleen Timbery saying that she was proud “to have participated in the selection of the commemorative installations, and feel that they help to represent the ongoing connection of the Gweagal people to the area“.
The Whales and Nawi (canoes) were installed by Julie Squires and Theresa Ardler, of ThinkOTS. Theresa describes the Whales as “….the dreaming figure for the Dharawal speaking people and an integral part of our community and beliefs. My Gweagal Clan looked out for whales from the Kurnell Peninsula. My Elders and my people still do this today, as it brings a strong sense of a spiritual connection on country, remembering we were once a part of the ocean, but now are land people, although still spiritually connected to both natural elements.”
My favourite, the Eyes of the Land and the Sea was created by artist Alison Page and Nik Lachacjzak, of UAP Australia. When describing this sculpture, Alison said it “brings together different perspectives on our shared history – the bones of a whale and the ribs of a ship – and sits in the tidal zone between the ship and the shore where the identity of modern Australia lies. The first encounter between James Cook and the First Australians was a meeting of two very different knowledge systems, beliefs and cultures. The abstraction of the ribs of the HMB Endeavour and the bones of the Gweagal totem the whale, speaks to the different perspectives of those first encounters, providing a conjoined narrative of two very different world-views.”
Burrawang Walk
With a large section of Burrawang Walk wheelchair accessible, this track is one to take with the whole family to learn about the story of the first meeting of European and Aboriginal culture.
Starting at the Kurnell Visitor Centre, Burrawang Walk takes visitors along the pathway where they will encounter several of the area’s historic sites, including the welcome wall, the freshwater stream, the meeting place, Banks’ Memorial, Ferry Shelter Shed and Captain Cook’s Landing Place.
Along the way, you will hear a soundscape that features Aboriginal language, children laughing and clapsticks which provide a great sense of the strong Aboriginal connection to Country.
Cape Solander
Cape Solander is located in the Kurnell section of Kamay Botany Bay National Park and boasts, in my opinion anyway, the best whale watching location in Sydney.
From June each year, humpback whales begin their journey out of Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef. If you head to Cape Solander you will probably see a few if you have some patience (and a little luck).
If you are interested in a good trek, you can also head to Cape Baily Lighthouse from here.
Hot tips for whale watching in Sydney.
The Details You Need to Know When Visiting Kurnell National Park
Opening Times: 7am to 7pm daily
Address: La Parouse (North) – Anzac Pde, Kurnell (South) – Cape Solander Drive
Fees: La Perouse area: No fees. Kurnell area: $8 (except for the Potter Point section).
Kurnell Sand Dunes
With the sand dunes dating back to Mesolithic times, their decline is quite concerning especially as they are home to a large ecosystem of animals and plants. When Tee was growing up here in Sydney, the Kurnell / Cronulla Sand Dunes were an interesting place to head. However, over the last few decades, sand mining has removed a vast volume of sand and only a few of the dunes are left.
The sand dunes feature in Mad Max Beyond Thunder Done. Whilst we have been walking in here as a family, we haven’t been sand sliding and hope to go to Stockton to try this.
Silver Beach, Kurnell
Fronting Botany Bay, Silver Beach in Kurnell is unpatrolled but does feature a netted swimming area mid-way along the beach.
For those that like bringing their dogs to the beach, you can head between the third and fourth rock groynes at the western end of Silver Beach.
Quibray Bay Viewing Platform
If you head to Towra Point Nature Reserve in Kurnell you will find Quibray Bay Viewing Platform. It’s noted as a great place for birdwatching and also features scenic views across conservation areas close to Sydne.
Cape Baily Lighthouse Walk
Around 3 kilometres from the end of Cape Solander Drive you will find the Cape Baily Lighthouse. Opened in 1950, this lighthouse is known for its unusual 1950s concrete tower and 19th century Chance Brothers lantern which is today operated by solar power.
Where to Eat
We visit Kurnell quite regularly and usually bring our own food and drink. However, now and again we do stray from our typical pattern and do indulge in a meal from one of the nearby stores.
Milkhouse
The Milkhouse has become one of the most popular cafes in Kurnell and features Uruguayan cooking such as empanadas, chori pan, churros and other favourites of South America Visit the Milkhouse Cafe
Talotta’s Pizzeria
Big portions and yummy pizza, pasta, ribs and more, we have been dining at Talotta’s Pizzeria since the kids were toddlers and are always warmly greeted. Visit Talotta’s Pizzeria.
Steve And Effies
Whilst it is cash only and hasn’t been updated for a good decade or more, I head here whenever I am feeling like chips and gravy as it is so yummy!
There are a few more cafes in Kurnell however, we have only tried those above. We will add more as we try them.
PIN THIS
Other things to do in Sydney with kids
Head over to our best indoor playgrounds with kids. and the best outdoor playgrounds in Sydney.
The best things to do in Sydney with Kids : We provide you with a plethora of activities that will keep you and your kids busy. From quick trips to overnight experiences, you’ll love this list of goodies!
One of our most popular posts is our Ultimate guide to Sydney school holiday activities. It is quite possibly the most comprehensive listing you will find.
Love a proking a little adrenaline rushing through your system? Head to our Luna Park post to read all about this heritage listed park.
Where to stay in Sydney with kids. We have rounded up an assortment of great options for you to consider across Sydney.
Looking for a wildlife adventure? We have created the ultimate list of Australian Zoos and Wildlife Parks for your reference. Want something a little more personal? What about one of Sydney’s Animal Encounter experiences where you can touch, feed and even care for some of Sydney’s zoo and wildlife animals?
Of course, when the sun is out you might like to head to one of Sydney’s Water Parks with the kids or even better, one of Sydney’s Best Beaches!
This one is a little scary, but we know some families love seeking out the unusual. How about one or two of Sydney’s Most Haunted places?
Fruit picking is one of our most favourite family experiences. Check out our Sydney Fruit Picking resource so you can head out this weekend!
Get out of the city this weekend and head for a Farm Stay near Sydney.
What about heading to a festival? We’ve pulled together an annual calendar of festivals across Sydney.
Oh…and don’t forget our Strawberry Picking around Australia resource!