Bundanoon

Nestled in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Bundanoon is a charming village that feels a world away from the city bustle, yet is just a 90-minute drive from Sydney. Known for its misty mornings, towering sandstone cliffs, and the haunting call of lyrebirds, Bundanoon is a haven for walkers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful bushland escape. The town’s name, derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘deep gullies,’ hints at the dramatic landscape that awaits.

Highlights & What to See

• Morton National Park – The star attraction. Explore the iconic sandstone escarpments and lookouts at Bundanoon Gully and Glow Worm Glen. The park is crisscrossed with walking trails, from the easy Fairy Bower Falls walk to the more challenging Wildflower Walk.
• Bundanoon Village – A delightful main street with heritage buildings, cosy cafes, and antique shops. Don’t miss the Bundanoon Hotel for a classic country pub meal.
• Glow Worm Glen – A short walk leads to a grotto where thousands of glow worms illuminate the cliffs after dusk. Bring a torch with a red filter.
• Bundanoon Earth Festival – If visiting in April, this quirky festival celebrates sustainability with markets, workshops, and live music.
• Southern Highlands Cycle Trail – A scenic 10km rail-trail from Bundanoon to Penrose, perfect for a family bike ride.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find a full day sufficient to explore the village and do a couple of short walks, but to truly soak up the atmosphere and tackle longer trails, plan for an overnight stay. A weekend allows time to visit nearby towns and experience the glow worms at night. If you’re self-driving, Bundanoon is a perfect lunch stop on a Southern Highlands road trip.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Moss Vale – 15 minutes north, with a vibrant café scene and the historic Moss Vale Railway Station.
• Bowral – The Highlands’ hub, famous for the Dirty Janes antiques market and the Bradman Museum (cricket fans, take note).
• Fitzroy Falls – A spectacular 81m waterfall in Morton National Park, just 20 minutes south.
• Berrima – One of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian villages, with historic inns and the Berrima Courthouse.
• Kangaroo Valley – A scenic 30-minute drive east, offering river canoeing, the historic Hampden Bridge, and the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum Park.

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