There’s a curious phenomenon that often occurs whenever Bundeena locals get together. The scene might be a gathering on the beach or perhaps chugging across Port Hacking on Australia’s oldest commuter ferry or maybe going for a walk along the cliff tops of the Royal National Park.
Frequently, the conversation turns to a variation on the theme of, “How lucky are we to live here? How beautiful is this place?”
It never gets old. Far from breeding contempt, familiarity with the four beaches, the beautiful bushland and the glittering Port Hacking only deepens locals’ affection for the place.
Sunset on Gunyah Beach never gets old.Credit: Nick Galvin
We moved here some 25 years ago, refugees from big-city house prices (I know, I know), happy to put up with the 25-minute drive winding through the Royal National Park in exchange for the chance to buy an affordable house in this little slice of paradise. We raised two kids here, who first attended the little school in the middle of the village and then took the ferry to high school each day.
Since then, inevitably, house prices have come up to meet (and in places exceed) the rest of the city and there have been some changes. There are fewer of the original fibro beach houses and AirBnB and holiday homes have made their presence felt. But mostly Bundeena has stayed the same, hemmed in by the coast and the national park and gloriously isolated from the “mainland” as locals call it.
New bar The Salty Pearl has become a hit with locals and visitors alike.Credit: Nick Galvin
Of course, the natural environment is only 50 per cent of what makes this place so special, the other half is the extraordinarily close community. The isolation plus the fact there are just 2000 residents creates a vibe more akin to that of a small country town than a Sydney suburb.
A trip to the IGA to pick up milk often becomes a lengthy social occasion. Walking in to one of the two licensed clubs in town can feel like joining a house party full of friends. And the sheer number and variety of community organisations, from the Harold Holt Swimming Club (yes, really) to the myriad music groups, is astonishing.
Sydney’s oldest commuter ferry service is a charming way to arrive at Bundeena.Credit: Nick Galvin
It doesn’t suit everybody. Some people come here and quickly find they can’t hack the travel and the isolation but for those of us who have fallen for the place it is about as good as it gets - and we’ll keep teaching each other every time we get together.
Best cafe?
The newly opened cafe/bar The Salty Pearl has quickly become a favourite. Coffee and breakfast at Earth Thingz a few doors down is another highlight.
Best restaurant?
Bundeena Community & Services Club is consistently excellent with a great selection of specials and stunning views over Port Hacking. For takeaway, Bundeena Pizza always hits the spot.
Sweeping Jibbon Beach is a popular spot.Credit: Tamara Dean
Best beach, park or pool?
Take your pick of the four beaches - Bonnie Vale, Horderns, Gunyah, Jibbon. Gorgeous, sweeping Jibbon has the movie star looks but all the beaches have their plus points depending on the time of year and prevailing wind.
First place you take visitors?
Walk along Jibbon Beach and around the headland to see the Indigenous rock art there followed by a refreshing swim.
Perfect night out in your suburb?
Trail run then beers on the beach with mates.
What would make your suburb better?
I’ll get back to you on that.
Best secret spot in your suburb?
You’re kidding, right? I’d be run out of town on a rail. Keep it to yourself, but don’t miss Bonnie Vale and the Basin (through the campground), which is a top spot for fishing and walking. Better yet, explore from the water - you can hire a kayak from Bruce on the beach there. Then, take a charming walk up through the bush to neighbouring Maianbar and have coffee at the excellent Maianbar Beach Cafe. Tell Sam I sent you.
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