A hop, spring and a jump

Are you ready to come out of hibernation and looking to escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday? There is a little seaside village about ninety minutes from the Sydney CBD where you will feel a million miles from anywhere and everywhere. Here Gary Brown will help you get a spring in your step with a visit to the sleepy suburb of Bundeena.

The pace may be slower but that doesn’t mean there isn’t much to see and do in Bundeena. Quite the opposite. Most people I know will go back and visit the area time and time again, each time discovering something else to do.

Bundeena is a place where you can spend time fishing, canoeing, sail boarding, swimming, snorkelling, walking, boating, cruising the river, camping, chilling out with family and friends, exploring the monthly art tours and markets, or visiting the annual Art of Living Festival. Or you may prefer to just sit back and watch the world go by while having coffee and cake.

WHAT’S ON DURING SPRING

The Bundeena/Maianbar Art Trail is held on the first Sunday of each month. You can walk or drive the trail, visiting a variety of artists who open their studios for you to view their works of art including watercolours and oils, pottery, sculptures and jewellery.

Talk with the artists and find what inspires them. Some also offer classes and demonstrations on weekends.

To find out which studios are open and down load a map click here.  

Bundeena Saltwater Market is on the same day between the hours of 9am to 2pm and definitely worth a look while you’re there. The markets showcase the works of local artisans, jewellery, handbags, folk art, photography, fine foods, antiques, plants, books, clothes and much more.

To find out more about the markets click here. 

SEE & DO

Bundeena has so much to offer that one day really is not enough.

Bundeena Outdoor Adventures offers kayak and paddle board hire, paddling and walking adventures and stand-up paddle board lessons. 

Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises not only provide an hourly ferry service between Cronulla and Bundeena, but they have a variety of cruises that take in magnificent views with commentary about the area. 

If driving to Bundeena, a stop off at Audley is a must. Bring your own picnic or grab a meal at the Audley Dancehall & Café which overlooks the leafy grounds and Hacking River. 

Or maybe bring your fishing gear and try to catch your lunch and cook it on one of the BBQ’s at Bonnie Vale.

There are also a number of walks you can do.

The Bundeena-Maianbar Heritage Walk is a sign posted tour packed with interesting local facts, so you can learn about the area’s natural and cultural history. A detailed map of the walk is posted near the ferry wharf.

Jibbon Loop is an easy walk in the Royal National Park that takes you past Aboriginal rock engravings including whales and kangaroos made thousands of years ago by the Dharawal people.

WHERE TO STAY

Bonnie Vale Campground is the perfect place to get back to nature. It offers tent, trailer and caravan sites on the edge of the Royal National Park overlooking the beach. 

For those who would like the camping adventure without having to bring the gear, check out Bundeena Outdoor Adventure’s two day ‘Hike n Camp’ Adventure in the Royal National Park. The cost includes hire of all your hiking, camping (excluding sleeping bag), cooking gear and shuttle bus transfers. For more information on what Bundeena Outdoor Adventures have to offer click here.

If you prefer the comforts of home, National Parks have three cottages available for stays. Weemelah, Hilltop and Reid’s Flat have been fully refurbished and all have stunning views.

There are also a number of bed and breakfasts in Bundeena. For options click here. 

Otherwise contact Ray White at Bundeena who can assist with a holiday rental. 

HOW TO GET THERE

Make getting there part of your adventure and take a leisurely drive through the Royal National Park. If travelling from the north along the Princes Highway, turn left at Farnell Avenue. From here it’s about a 25 minute drive through Audley, past Maianbar and into Bundeena.

If coming for the south, the scenic Grand Pacific Drive will take you along the coast over the Sea Cliff Bridge, through Coalcliff (good fishing) and Stanwell Park up to Bald Hill lookout (don’t forget to check out the hang gliders). Then wind your way through the Royal National Park on Lady Wakehurst Drive through Otford, Lilyvale, Wattamolla and past Garie Beach onto Bundeena Drive through to Bundeena.

If travelling from Sydney on public transport, you could catch a train on the Bondi Junction line that will take you directly to Cronulla. From here it’s a short ten-minute walk to Tonkin Street Public Wharf behind Cronulla Railway Station where you can hop on the historic Cronulla Ferry to Bundeena.