Bundeena and Maianbar are two unique,
idyllic villages in the Sutherland Shire. They nestle on the southern
shores of beautiful Port Hacking and on the edge of the Royal National
Park.
By road, Bundeena is only 25 kms
from Sutherland and usually an hour from the centre of Sydney. By sea,
it is a stunning 20 minute ferry trip from Cronulla and if you are
lucky, you may be escorted by dolphins.
Bundeena is often described as “a
sleepy hamlet” but this is only one of its attractions. In its central
area, cafes, galleries, shops and the local clubs provide excellent
services to their customers. Most of these facilities overlook the main
beach, Horderns, with Gunya and Jibbon Beaches only short walks away.
Bundeena is also the starting
point for many walks within the Royal National Park to Marley,
Wattamolla, Garie and the coastal walk to Otford. Just past Jibbon
Beach, along the coast, ancient Aboriginal carvings can still be seen.
The Heritage Walk starts just after visitors leave the ferry.
On the first Sunday of the
month, visitors have the additional attraction of the Art Trail. Some
choose to walk while others choose to drive between the two villages.
Between Bundeena and
Maianbar, visitors to the area can enjoy the recently upgraded Bonnie
Vale picnic grounds and camp sites which are part of the Royal National
Park. Because these facilities are close to the water, swimming,
kayaking, fishing, boating and snorkelling are popular activities
enjoyed by both locals and visitors.
A few kilometres from
Bundeena by car is the village of Maianbar. This is the smaller of the
two villages but still has many attractions. Visitors who love bush
walking can access Maianbar from Bonnie Vale camping area and enjoy a
beautiful walk which takes in both the enjoyment of bush and the
sparkling waters of the Basin, part of Port Hacking.
Residents and visitors can
also access water sports from Maianbar or enjoy a coffee at the local
café. Maianbar also has numerous artists who open their studios
on the first Sunday of the month.