It is ironic that for many visitors to Australia they will land at Sydney Airport which is located at the North of Botany Bay. In April 1770 Captain Cook set foot for the first time on the continenant a few miles to the south. There is a memorial to Cook first landing but it has to be sought out as it is not obvious. To the south of the bay is Cronulla which has a fine long beach with a reputation with the surfers for its good waves. When taking to the sea always swim between the yellow and red flags erected by the surf patrols, it is possible to get caught in a outward rushing rip tide and carried out. IF you unfortunately to find yourself in a rip do not to panic and do not try and swim directly against the current, toward the shore. Instead try and swim parallel with the beach until you hopefully reach stable water. Then make your way towards the beach. Talk to the surf patrol guards and they will be happy to explain the local conditions and point to any potential sites of rips.