Holiday houses in Bundeena

From beaches to bushland, Bundeena ticks just about every box on a nature lover’s wishlist. Despite the fact it’s just 55 kilometres south of Sydney, Australia’s largest city, this former fishing village on the southern shore of the Port Hacking River offers plenty of small-town charm, largely attributable to its bucolic setting surrounded by the beautiful Royal National Park. This protected reserve offers a dramatic union of windswept coastal cliffs, secluded stretches of sand, freshwater swimming holes, and wildlife-rich native forest. There are significant Indigenous sites here as well, from rock carvings to sacred middens. Bundeena is your gateway to this natural bounty and the thrilling outdoor adventures that accompany it. Take to the water, where kayaking opportunities abound, and wander along more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails. Or soar through the air: One of Australia’s top spots for hang gliding and paragliding awaits at Bald Hill Lookout.

There’s no bad time to visit Bundeena, but certain seasons are more or less suited to your interests. Peak season among hikers and animal fanatics is winter, when the sun’s intensity is dialled down, leaving pleasant temperatures for hiking dramatic clifftop trails, and migrating whales put on their annual breaching display off the coast. Spring transforms the bushland with native wildflowers, while summer heralds abundant watersports, whether it’s surfing at Garie Beach, swimming in the ocean at Bonnie Vale, or taking a freshwater dip in Karloo Pool.

Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail

On the first Sunday of every month, local creatives join forces to show off their talents along the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail. This “open day” tour sees local artists welcome visitors into their private studios and galleries, and is a good time to meet the makers and pick up an inspired painting or artwork as a souvenir. Maps indicating participating outlets are available online or in local cafes.

Coast Track

Dozens of hiking trails cover the Royal National Park, but none is quite as epic as the 26-kilometre Coast Track. The full route takes most people two days to complete, but you can get a taste of the offerings on smaller sections, like the track from Bundeena to Little Marley Beach. Expect glorious coastal lookouts, sandstone cliffs, and fragrant native forest.

Jibbon Loop Track

From the Bundeena ferry wharf it’s a two-hour walk along the Jibbon Loop Track to some of the region’s most important Indigenous sites. Squeak across the sand at Jibbon Beach (bring your swimwear to cool off) until you reach immense rocks engraved with art by the local Dharawal people tens of thousands of years ago.