Hi Tim My first post on here.
I've lived in Australia since 1971 originally from Derby. I lived in the Cronulla area for many years and loved it there, it's the only beach suburb with rail service, the line has recently been duplicated it takes about 50 minutes or so to the City centre.
There are many Brits in the area as there was a migrant hostel in South Cronulla (long closed) if you have children it's great, lots of sports facilities and schools, surfing is big there.
Cronulla has many apartment blocks especially North Cronulla, houses can be expensive we have friends in South Cronulla their house, purchased 2010 with distant view of the beaches was just over one million dollars.
Don't let that put you off, apartments are more affordable, the area is in the Sutherland Shire (known as "The Shire")