Holiday houses in Bundanoon

The Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, 150 kilometres southwest of Sydney, is known for its bucolic seasonal gardens, avenues of English trees, charming historic towns, up-and-coming wineries, and paddock-to-plate produce. And you can enjoy it all in Bundanoon, which means “place of deep gullies” in the local Dharawal Aboriginal language. You’ll understand why this name was bestowed when you venture into the vast Morton National Park, which sprawls across 49,400 acres just to the town’s south.

By day, hike to waterfalls crashing into precipitous ravines, go mountain biking, and enjoy picnics surrounded by eucalyptus and peppermint gum trees. By night, retire to restaurants where farm-to-table is not a fad but a way of life. Bundanoon is elevated, which guarantees refreshing temperatures year round, not to mention clear skies perfect for stargazing. It also guarantees intriguing cool-climate wines here at the closest grape-growing region to Sydney.

One of the immense joys of the Southern Highlands is its seasonal flora, which means you can anticipate glorious garden blooms and flower festivals in spring (September through November) and fiery autumnal colours with leaf-peeping opportunities between March and May. Amid this explosion of gold and orange is the Bundanoon Highland Gathering, held every April to celebrate Brigadoon, that mythical Scottish Highlands village. Expect festivities with plenty of Scottish flair, whether it’s highland dancing, pipe band parades, feats of strength, or traditional games like caber tossing. The cooler climate here also makes it a popular summer getaway for Sydneysiders, who come to escape the heat of the city.

Bundanoon Cycling Route

Bring your bike, or rent one in town, and embark on the Bundanoon cycling trail through Morton National Park. It’s only 15 kilometres, but expect to spend at least three hours exploring, pausing at Southern Highland escarpment lookouts, refuelling over a picnic lunch, or taking on scenic paths through forest to cooling creeks.

Fairy Bower Falls

Feel the full force of nature when you arrive at Fairy Bower Falls, a magical fern-laced haven within Morton National Park. There’s a serious incline to the bottom of the waterfall, but your effort is compensated with cool spray and a fairytale setting. Budget an hour for the loop walk.

Glow Worm Glen

A short stroll from the heart of Bundanoon you’ll discover a spontaneous nightly light display at Glow Worm Glen, a lush nook where thousands of glowworms create a magical bioluminescent scene from December to February. The walk takes about an hour return — bring a torch for your nighttime stroll back to your base.