Photo: Winston M. Yang Wyp / CC BY-SA 3.0
Bundanoon is a charming village in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, known for its dramatic sandstone escarpments, lush gullies, and cooling mist that rolls through the valley. This is a place where you can immerse yourself in nature, with walking trails that rival any in the state, and a community that takes pride in its eco-friendly ethos—Bundanoon was the first town in Australia to ban bottled water. The main street is dotted with cozy cafés, antique shops, and a welcoming pub, making it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Highlights & What to See
- Morton National Park: The star attraction—hike to the iconic lookouts over the Bundanoon Gully, including the stunning Fairy Bower and Echo Point, where you can see the glow-worm-lit amphitheatre at night.
- Glow Worm Glen: A magical short walk after dark to see thousands of glow worms lighting up the sandstone walls. It’s a must-do for a unique natural spectacle.
- Bundanoon Village: Stroll the heritage streets, browse the antique stores, and stop for a flat white at the Bundanoon General Store or a meal at the Bundanoon Hotel.
- Bundanoon Music Festival: If you’re visiting in April, this folk and roots music festival brings the town alive with performances in halls and parks.
- Bundanoon to Exeter Walking Track: A scenic 8 km trail through bushland and farmland, perfect for a half-day walk.
Suggested Time to Spend
Two to three days is ideal to experience Bundanoon’s highlights without rushing. Spend your first day exploring the village and taking the short walks to Glow Worm Glen and Fairy Bower. On the second day, tackle a longer hike in Morton National Park, such as the Bundanoon Creek Track. If you have a third day, consider a leisurely drive to nearby villages or a repeat visit to the glow worms at dusk. The town is compact, so you can easily pace yourself with a relaxed lunch between adventures.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Morton National Park (Fitzroy Falls): Just a 20-minute drive away, visit the spectacular Fitzroy Falls and the surrounding walking trails.
- Exeter: A tiny village with a renowned pie shop and antique markets, 10 minutes north.
- Bowral: The Southern Highlands’ largest town, 15 minutes away, offers the Bradman Museum, boutique shopping, and fine dining.
- Moss Vale: A historic town with a thriving food scene and the popular Moss Vale Markets on the first Saturday of the month.
- Berrima: Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village, 20 minutes away, with historic inns and the Berrima Courthouse.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Morton National Park — Baltimike / CC BY 2.0
- Bowral — Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Berrima — Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Exeter — BigMick101 at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- Moss Vale — Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0 au
- Fitzroy Falls — Bjenks / CC BY-SA 3.0