Bundanoon

Bundanoon is a charming village in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, known for its stunning sandstone escarpments, lush gullies, and a relaxed country atmosphere. A favourite weekend escape from Sydney, it offers excellent bushwalking, cycling, and a thriving café scene. The town has a strong eco-conscious streak – it was the first town in Australia to ban bottled water – and its main street is dotted with antique shops, bakeries, and cosy pubs. Whether you're exploring waterfalls, spotting lyrebirds, or simply enjoying a flat white on a verandah, Bundanoon feels like a proper Highland hideaway.

Highlights & What to See

• Bundanoon Creek & Waterfalls – Follow the walking tracks to a series of pretty cascades, including the popular Bridal Veil Falls and Dimmocks Falls. The gullies are lush and cool, even on hot days.
• Morton National Park – The park borders the village and offers spectacular lookouts over the Shoalhaven River valley. The Pinnacle Lookout and River View Lookout are must-dos, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Bundanoon Earth Walk – A 1.2-km self-guided trail along the creek that explores the region's geology, with informative plaques and a giant model of the solar system. Great for families.
• Antique & Artisan Shopping – The main street is lined with antique stores, galleries, and boutiques. Don't miss the Bundanoon Country Market (third Saturday of the month) for local crafts and produce.
• Wildlife Spotting – The area is famous for its superb lyrebirds, which can often be seen along the walking trails, especially in the early morning. Also keep an eye out for wombats and wallabies.

Suggested Time to Spend

Bundanoon can be enjoyed as a day trip from Sydney (about 1.5 hours drive), but it really comes into its own as a weekend getaway. To do justice to the national park walks and the village atmosphere, plan for two days. This gives you time for a long bushwalk on day one and a relaxed morning exploring the shops and cafés before heading home. If you're keen on hiking multiple trails, consider staying three nights.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Moss Vale – A larger town just 15 minutes north, with a historic main street, excellent bakeries, and the beautiful Mount Broughton estate.
• Bowral – The Southern Highlands' most famous town, known for its gardens, bookshops, and the annual Tulip Time festival. 20 minutes north-west.
• Fitzroy Falls – Spectacular waterfall in Morton National Park, with a short, wheelchair-accessible walk to the viewing platform. 30 minutes south-east.
• Kangaroo Valley – A picturesque valley with the historic Hampden Bridge, canoeing on the river, and the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum. 40 minutes south-west.
• Robertson – Famous for the Big Potato and the lush Robertson Nature Reserve. A scenic drive through dairy country, about 30 minutes east.

Please check official sources for current details.