Woodside Bundanoon is designed for locals – so retirees and over 55s can downsize without leaving the community they love – and there’s so much to love! From bushwalks and public parks to some of the best cafes in the Southern Highlands, there’s nothing we love more than inviting guests from out of town, bundling them into the car, and showing them what we love about this very special village, with nature at our doorstep and the city lights only a train ride away.
Bushwalks
The allure of Morton National Park is a large part of Bundanoon’s charm. Gambells Rest, a short drive from Woodside Bundanoon, is the start of an excellent day’s bushwalking – Erith Coal Mine, Tooths Lookout and Fairy Bower Waterfalls are local favourites of world-renowned beauty. Echo Point and Lovers Walk are easy walks but still spectacular.
Need nature but don’t feel like getting the boots dusty? Take a thermos of tea and a book to one of the picnic benches and settle in for some fresh Highlands air.
PS – What other town in NSW features a glow worm cave within walking distance from home?!
Food and drink
All Bundanoon locals have their favourites! We love the Bundanoon Hotel (especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon), DeliLicious and Bottega B – but, really, that’s just scratching the surface!
Biking
Lycra is not an uncommon sight at Bundanoon, with plenty of locals hitting the roads and trails every day. The village is also a destination for cyclists from out of town, adding a lovely vibe to the local cafe scene.
Prefer a challenge? Bundanoon Cycling Route is a cruisey 14km loop, great for the whole family.
Shops
It’s a joy to spend a morning wandering Bundanoon’s charming country-style shops. With The Village Grocer and Bundanoon’s Pharmacy, Newsagent, bottle shop and butchery firmly established, we love that you don’t need to leave town to get everything you need. The cherries on top? For our money, The Good Yarn and Bundanoon Botanicals.
Events
Bundanoon is home to some of the biggest and most important events in the Highlands. Brigadoon is the annual Highland Gathering – a celebration of Scottish culture and Bundanoon’s ties to Scotland. Caber-tossing, bagpipes, drums, tartan, excellent food, a grand parade and more.
Winterfest has become a regular on the events calendar. The festival lasts a week, but it’s the street party that everyone talks about for the rest of the year!
We also love the Garden Ramble: eight stunning private gardens open their gates to the public for a weekend – plus a scarecrow competition!
New to the events calendar in the Highlands is the reinvigorated Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival. Follow SHFWA for news on the next event.
Community
For many, retirement means finally getting the chance to join a club, learn something new, volunteer or meet new people.
Bundanoon is a great place to start! Even if you’ve lived here your whole life, there’s always a chance to broaden your horizons.
Bundanoon Makers Market is on the first and third Sunday of every month. Don’t miss the freshest, most delicious lamingtons in the Southern Highlands! It’s held at the Soldiers Memorial Hall, home to loads of community groups and events – local theatre groups, dance groups, performances, cinema nights and more.
