The new lookout in Cronulla Park is open - and in the words of one couple, "you don't get a better view of Bate Bay".
The triangular shaped concrete platform on the north-western side of the surf life saving club has plenty of space for social distancing requirements, two bench seats and is accessible to wheelchairs, prams and strollers.
The path leading to it from the Esplanade, along the rear of Cronulla RSL Club, has been widened and meets disability standards.
The upgraded path also provides a new accessible entrance to the surf club from Cronulla Park.
Work continues on new concrete steps, lined with sandstone blocks, next to the viewing platform.
Karen Kirby, who checked out the facility while walking her dog, was impressed.
"It is fantastic, although I think it looks a bit bare and might need something like some historical photos to brighten it up," she said.
Mark and Elvira said the lookout was "sensational" and offers unparalleled views of Bate Bay.
Paul, a local resident, said, "I thought it wouldn't work, but it does".
"But, I can't understand why the work for this, the surf club redevelopment and the public amenities didn't take place at the one time," he said. "The toilets and showers should be open by now."
The lookout received the "thumbs up" from most of the many people who reacted to the story on the Leader Facebook page, while comments were evenly divided.
Some were critical there was "too much concrete" or said the project was "a waste of money".
Positive comments included, "Since I was a teenager I always thought that some sort of viewing platform from that angle would be so good. Glad to see it finally finished".
A viewing platform, or lookout, was in initial council plans for an upgrade of Cronulla Park, but was removed to save money when the total cost blew out by $814,000 to more than $2 million.
The lookout was restored to the plans following a $100,000 state government grant.
Cronulla MP and Attorney-General Mark Speakman announced in 2019 the funding would come from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.