The festive season is upon us, and who better to guide you through the best of the Sutherland Shire than our own team at Engadine Bowling Club? We asked our supervisors and team members – Jodie, Nicole, Sabastian, Jayden, Lachlan, and Azaelee (Zae) – to share their favourite local spots for Christmas shopping, summer swims, and festive celebrations.
These are the places they return to year after year – the hidden gems they recommend to friends, and the traditions that make the Shire such a special place to celebrate Christmas. Here are some of their top festive tips.
Christmas Shopping: The Local Verdict
Ask any of our team where to do your Christmas shopping, and the answer is unanimous: Westfield Miranda or for those of us old enough to remember, what used to be affectionately known as Miranda Fair.
As Nicole puts it, “You can get everything in one place!” It’s not just about convenience – although having Big W, Mecca, and hundreds of specialty stores under one roof certainly helps when you’re tackling a long Christmas list. It’s about the festive atmosphere, the decorations, and knowing you’ll find exactly what you need without the stress of driving all over Sydney.
Sabastian offers an insider tip for outdoor enthusiasts: “I do a lot of my Christmas shopping in Taren Point because my family are big campers – there are plenty of shops out there that work great for gifts.”
And for Jodie, sometimes the best shopping happens from the comfort of your own lounge room with TVSN, cuppa in hand and slippers on!
Capturing Christmas Memories: Santa Photos
When it comes to those precious Santa photos, our team have their tried-and-tested favourites across the Shire.
Jodie swears by David Jones at Miranda for that classic, timeless Santa experience, while Nicole loves Engadine Town Square Shopping Centre – local, festive, and easy to visit during your weekly shop.
Jayden takes a nostalgic route: “I think I only ever got my photos from Caringbah Supa Centre, so I’d have to say that one.” There’s something special about returning to the same spot year after year and watching your kids grow in those annual Santa photos.
And Zae offers a unique idea you might not expect: Our Father Café in Burraneer, proving that sometimes the best festive experiences come from unexpected places.
Summer Adventures: Where the Locals Go
If you’re staying local over the holidays, there’s plenty of great places to explore in our own backyard. Jayden sums it up perfectly: “I love going to Cronulla or Kurnell for the beach. I’ll go to Cronulla to body surf and then Kurnell if I want a relaxing, quiet day at the beach.”
Sabastian, our resident adventurer, is all about paddle boarding and snorkelling: “I like going to Cronulla or Bundeena for water activities or hiking and outdoor rock climbing with my partner and family over summer.” Zae’s favourite spots, Bundeena and Bonnie Vale , are absolute gems for natural beauty.
Lachlan’s favourite fishing spot? The peaceful Woronora River, perfect for a lazy afternoon casting a line. A perfect place to escape when you’re looking to relax and unwind a little. There are so many places in Woronora to explore. Hire a kayak and get out on the water for a paddle.
For families, Nicole recommends Sutherland Leisure Centre. With its great facilities and ample shade, it’s a local favourite for families with young children. Be sure to get there early, as it can get very busy over the summer. Alternatively, a friend’s place with a pool is always a great place to gather.
The Shire’s Best Christmas Lights
When it comes to Christmas lights, Sabastian is the expert. For the past few years, he’s been the driver for our staff Christmas Lights Tour, and he’s mapped out the ultimate route:
- Gamenya Place, Engadine – consistently spectacular
- Nolan Avenue, Engadine – another Engadine gem (Nicole’s pick too!)
- Forest Road, Gymea – a highlight of any lights tour
- Tea Tree Place, Kirrawee – beautifully decorated year after year
- Allambie Avenue, Caringbah South – don’t miss it!
This is the kind of local intel you can’t find on Google – these are the streets families make traditions around, capturing the true festive spirit of the Shire. Asked about their favourite Christmas movie or song and the team merrily answer:
- Jodie – Elf! It’s a family favourite.
- Nicole – The Santa Claus – we watched this every year with the family as kids and it always feels special and brings back so many great memories.
- Sabastian – Nightmare Before Christmas – a family tradition since I was a kid to watch it on Christmas Eve to distract us so my parents could wrap presents without us knowing about it.
- Jayden –The Grinch as well as Santa Claus because they have two of my favourite actors, Tim Allen and Jim Carrey and they focus on the idea of ‘believing’. My Favourite song is ‘All I want for Christmas’ by Mariah Carey because it always plays on Christmas morning and gets me in the Christmas spirit.
- Lachlan – The Polar Express.
- Zae – Elf
Fresh Seafood Secrets
Nicole lets us in on her go-to for festive seafood: Notaras Seafood at Cronulla. When a local supervisor recommends a seafood supplier, you know it’s top quality. Perfect for your Christmas Day prawns and oysters! Southern Fresh Seafood in Taren Point also has a great range.
Starting the Season Right: Decorations
When do locals put up their decorations? The consensus is clear – 1st December. Although we have to say this is a point of contention at the club – with many members already decking the halls and making the season feel merry.
As Sabastian says, “I’m a strong believer that Christmas decorations don’t go up until the first of December,” though he admits they’ve been creeping earlier in recent years!
Jodie shares her own beautiful tradition: “We get our Christmas tree from Gymea Scouts – always a real tree, decorated the first weekend in December. They have the best trees and it’s great to support the Scouts.”
Zae keeps it simple: “December – or as soon as Mum lets us!”
Festive Traditions at the Bowlo
Our team’s favourite part of the festive season at the club? Easy – the 101 Christmas Ham Raffles.
Jodie calls them “the best hams ever!” and Jayden agrees. Nicole adds that the Christmas Seafood Raffle is another highlight, along with the incredible festive buzz that fills the club this time of year.
Sabastian takes pride in driving the staff Christmas lights tour, while Lachlan appreciates both the atmosphere and the practical perks – “our Christmas present of half a ham from the club” – and notes the greens are looking their absolute best.
For Zae, this will be her first festive season with us – and she’s looking forward to experiencing that Bowlo Christmas magic.
When it comes to drinks, there’s equally some festive spirits! Jodie reveals a staff favourite: The Moffitt Cocktail, created by a former team member, Traccin. It’s become a bit of a family favourite among the crew.
Nicole swears by her mum’s punch on Christmas Day, Jayden keeps it classic with Kahlua and milk, and Lachlan’s a Carlton Dry man. Whatever your drink of choice, our bar team will have you sorted.
Join Us at Engadine Bowlo over Christmas
The festive season is about more than just places – it’s about people, traditions, and community. As Jayden says, the club becomes “so much more lively” over the festive season, and that energy is infectious.
Whether you’re here for a ham raffle, a cocktail, a meal at Engadine Grill, or a game of bowls on our beautifully maintained greens, you’re part of something special.
We’re not just a club – we’re your neighbours, your local experts, and your community hub.
From Jodie, Nicole, Sabastian, Jayden, Lachlan, Zae, and the entire Engadine Bowling Club team – we wish you a festive season filled with joy, laughter, and those special Shire moments that make Christmas truly magical.
