Gymea Hotel

The Gymea Hotel opened in 1959 as the Gymea-Rex and still sits directly across from Gymea Station on the T4 line, nine train minutes from Cronulla Beach. Australian Leisure and Hospitality, the Woolworths hotel arm, has run it since 2012 under licensee Nev Edmonds. Dogs on leads are welcome across the alfresco area, which sits under a retractable roof with heaters for winter and water bowls stationed at the tables.

The Bay Bar handles outdoor cocktails while the main bar, sport lounge and arcade zone carry the everyday crowd. The kitchen keeps things steady with beer-battered flathead, schnitzels, minute steaks and a pizza list running from margherita to a house supreme. Vegan and gluten-free options sit across the menu. Open-mic night every Tuesday, touring acts and DJs most weekends, trivia, bingo and a pool table — the Shire's Royal National Park trailheads are a short drive away.