Bundeena
Beach near Bundeena, Royal National Park - Credit: Natasha Webb/DCCEEW
Bundeena
Pretty beaches, stunning coastal vistas and peaceful bushland meet in this picturesque village. Perched on the southern shore of the Port Hacking River and surrounded by the heritage-listed Royal National Park, Bundeena is a launchpad for adventure. Enjoy a range of water sports, meet local artists and bushwalk to ancient Aboriginal ancient rock engravings, all within easy reach of Sydney.
Highlights
Outdoor adventure
If you like anything to do with water, you're in the right place. The fishing around Bundeena and Deeban Spit in nearby Maianbar is excellent. Hire a kayak or go stand-up paddleboarding on your own, or join a tour with Bundeena Kayaks. There are lovely sandy beaches to enjoy, including Horderns, Gunyah, Jibbon, Shelley and secluded Marley.
Stand-up paddleboarding, Bundeena
Bring your bushwalking shoes as there's more than 100km of walking tracks in the Royal National Park to explore. Bundeena Drive to Little Marley Beach is a scenic 8km return walk that offers birdwatching and gorgeous views. The hike to Jibbon Head at the southern entrance to Port Hacking also rewards with magnificent views of sandstone cliffs, the Pacific Ocean and across to Cronulla.
Aboriginal rock engravings at Jibbon Head include depictions of Gawura the great whale and Baiame the sky spirit. Sydney Nimble Tours offer a guided tour of this area and its extraordinary Aboriginal heritage. For a multi-day adventure, the 26km Coast Track in the national park begins in Bundeena. It can be done in one day, but most people split it over two days. Before you take on any track in the bush, it's important you read these bushwalking safety tips.
Gunyah Beach, Bundeena
Art trails & markets
Time your visit with the monthly Bundeena Saltwater Market to pick up works from local artists and fresh produce, such as speciality cheeses, and homemade jams and chutneys. Check out the events calendar to see what else is on.
Bundeena is home to a vibrant artistic community. Some of Sydney’s finest artists and artisans open their studio doors to the public on the Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail, on the first Sunday of the month. Artworks on show and for sale include paintings, drawings, wood carving, decorative and functional pottery, glassware and jewellery.
Gunyah Beach, Bundeena
Eat & drink
If you need to fuel up before your adventures, drop into Driftwood Cafe or Cafe Manna for coffee and breakfast. Or head to the bistro at the family-friendly Bundeena Bowling Club for Thai food favourites, including tom yum, beef massaman and pad see ew. Finish your day trip on a sweet note with a treat from The Gelato Factory.
For an unforgettable day out, Bundeena Picnics organises private picnics on picturesque spots along Port Hacking River and surrounding Bundeena.
Bundeena picnics, Bundeena - Credit: Donna Gibbeson
Getting there
A scenic way to get to Bundeena in southern Sydney is to catch a train from Central Station to Cronulla, for a connecting ferry across Port Hacking, with the whole journey taking about 90 minutes. A drive from the city centre or Parramatta is about 70 minutes.
