Discover Nature’s Paradise Bundeena located in the spectacular Royal National Park.
The picturesque village of Bundeena offers visitors a quick and easy escape from the fast pace of the city to a setting of secluded bays, beaches, and bushland.
The village borders the south shore of the Port Hacking River and is surrounded by the beautiful and historic Royal National Park.
Bundeena takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning “noise like thunder” and has a distinct history. You will find traces of the original inhabitants, the Dharawal people, in rock carvings and middens (seafood shell piles). In addition to its famous artists and tranquil setting, Bundeena is known as the gateway to the 26 km Coast Walk through the Royal National Park to Otford.
Bundeena and Maianbar offer a wealth of beautiful scenery and plenty of fun to entice the whole family. Visitors will find plenty of outdoor activities, shops and cafes, and overnight accommodations, only an hour south of Central Sydney.
Among the 2700 residents fortunate to call this area home are artisans, small business tourism operators, shopkeepers, and others who enjoy living close to nature.
Beautiful Beaches
Bundeena’s beaches provide the ideal location for a day in, on or near the water. Whether you enjoy swimming, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, boating, fitness classes, or just plain relaxing you’ll find what you’re looking for in this hidden paradise. For more information read our Bundeena Beaches Insider Guide.
A Walk with Nature
Bundeena is the gateway to a number of breathtaking bushwalks located in the Royal National Park with stunning cliffs, water pools, lagoons and remote beaches. Learn more from our Royal National Park Bushwalks Guide.
The Bundeena Maianbar Heritage Walk is a sign posted tour packed with interesting local and historical facts. The walk covers Bundeena and traverses through Bonnie Vale and on to the sister village of Maianbar.
Whale Watching
In the winter and spring months, you can catch a glimpse of the whale migration from the Coast Track, along the cliff tops just east of Bundeena. To get an even closer look at these graceful creatures of the deep, a charter boat offers seasonal whale watching trips from the Bundeena Wharf on weekends.
Local Artisans
The desire to live and work close to nature brings many renowned artists to Bundeena and Maianbar. Many local artists participate in the Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month, when artists’ studios are open to the public. You’ll find an official Art Trail map on their website as well as in local cafes and shops. The walk is sign posted to make studios easy to find and ensure the artistic experience is enjoyable for all ages.
Bundeena and Maianbar are also home to other artisans whose crafts are for sale in their studios or in the local shops. There is an abundance of local talent producing fine handmade ceramics, jewellery, and textiles. Some artisans also offer classes and demonstrations on weekends. Bundeena Saltwater Market provides these and other local talent an opportunity to display their goods and services for sale on the first Sunday of each month. Market stalls are located in Summers Reserve across from the main shopping area.
Tasty Treats
There is a range of options to feed the hungry masses, including full-service meals and tempting treats at the local cafes. If you feel like dining alfresco, there is always the option to have a picnic in the park or on the beach. At Bundeena Saltwater Market you can also pickup some yummy takeaway and fresh baked goods.
A Place to Stay
From absolute beach front to secluded bush settings, overnight accommodation in Bundeena and Maianbar is available in accredited B&Bs, holiday cottages and houses, home stays or at the Bonnie Vale campgrounds. You’ll find something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Getting to Bundeena
Enjoy a drive into the Royal National Park off of the Prince’s Highway just sixty minutes south of the Sydney CBD. Park passes are not required unless you’re driving into Bonnie Vale or stopping elsewhere in the Royal National Park. Passes are available at the park entrance or at the Bundeena Service Station.
For a relaxed trip on a vintage ferry boat, visitors can enjoy a scenic 20 minute ride across Port Hacking between Cronulla and Bundeena. Ferries depart on the half hour from the public wharf at Gunnamatta Bay, located a short five minute walk from the Cronulla Train Station.
Additionally, there are cruises on the Port Hacking River and a local bus service which provides transport around the town as well as weekly excursions from Bundeena.
