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There’s no shortage of fun activities in and around Bundeena and Maianbar. Here’s our take on some of the best things to do...
4Have a beachin' time
With four beaches on the doorstep – Bonnie Vale, Horderns, Gunyah and Jibbon – Bundeena is a beach-lover’s paradise. Spend a morning or afternoon on some of the fi nest beaches Sydney has to offer. Each of Bundeena’s beaches has its own distinctive character, from cute, rocky little Gunyah to the wide expanses of Jibbon. The broad sandfl ats of Maianbar are also a children’s paradise at low tide. When visiting Bonnie Vale don’t forget to pick up a NPWS permit from the service station.Buying gifts
Local artists sell their wares at the Bundeena Newsagency (ph 8517 4479) where you can also buy your newspaper, put in your lottery or buy beach gear or flowers. They are open seven days a week, on Saturday and Sunday until 12pm. Gifts and cards can also be purchased at Bundeena Post Office open five days a week (Monday to Friday). Open late on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings until midday during summer. Banking and cash withdrawals are also available. Phone 9523 5800.Cruise on the cutest ferry
The little green-and-yellow ferries that chug back and forth between Bundeena and Cronulla are a familiar sight to visitors and locals alike. Cronulla & National Park Ferry Cruises also operates cruises around Port Hacking each day in the summer months. For three hours you explore the upper reaches of the Hacking River aboard the Tom Thumb III as you follow in the path of Bass and Flinders. A newly-acquired vessel, TSMV Gunnamatta, operates champagne breakfasts, morning tea, lunch and sunset dinner cruises. For further details call 9523 2990.Catch your dinner
There are few better ways to spend a lazy afternoon than dangling a hook in the water. Bait and gear are available from Bundeena Service Station and the Maianbar General Store.Getting active
Bundeena Kayaks hire kayaks from Bonnie Vale during the warm weather months five days a week (closedMonday and Tuesday). They also run Paddlefit classes on Fridays at 9.30am and learn-to-kayak sessions on Saturday at 8am. Guided day and night tours are also available. The popular new sport of stand-up paddle boarding is also offered with boards for hire. Lessons also available. Bookings are essential (ph 0419 254 981).
And if you feel like trying your hand at boxercise call Claire at BodyShift on 0408 639 474. She runs one-hour
classes at Bundeena Oval on Tuesdays at 9.30am or at the Bundeena Community Hall on Thursday nights at 6.30pm. Also Zumba classes on Monday and Wednesday nights at 7pm.
If lawn or barefoot bowls is your thing, visit Bundeena Bowling & Sports Club on Liverpool Street. Relax afterwards with a cool drink in the beer garden. The Bowling Club also has regular live music entertainment. Phone 9523 7292 to check out what is on.
Dance the night away at Bundeena RSL Club. They also have regular live bands playing on weekends. Phone 9523 2115 to find out what’s on.
Have a picnic
Bonnie Vale picnic ground is one of the most picturesque spots in Sydney and it is also ideal for children. There are plenty of picnic tables, shady spots and free barbeques. All the supplies you need are available locally. The service station on Bundeena Drive or the Maianbar General Store can supply everything for a barbeque lunch, while The Fringe Cafe will organise a range of tasty takeaway food. If you are driving, pick up a NPWS permit from the service station to avoid a parking fine!Follow your art
Bundeena-Maianbar is famous as an artists’ haven. On the first Sunday of each month join the local art trail where artists open their studios to the public. Visit www.arttrail.com.au for details. Penelope Wood is part of the Art Trail but her studio is also open by appointment (9527 1477). Ellie Smith’s Neil Street Gallery is a freelance boutique gallery. It holds regular exhibitions by local and other artists (ph 9527 9795). Bob Marchant’s Gallery is on Brighton
Wander through the forest
One of the area’s most beautiful short walks is along the track that winds up from Bundeena to Maianbar. The track starts next to the campground in the Bonnie Vale recreation area and climbs up through the forest before coming out in Maianbar. Along the way, you can enjoy spectacular views and when you get to Maianbar, enjoy a cool drink and a delicious snack or lunch at the Maianbar General Store (ph 9523 0639).Walk down memory lane
The Bundeena-Maianbar Heritage Walk is a self-guided walking track with signs highlighting many fascinating points about the area’s past and its unique plants and wildlife. The first stage starts at Bundeena wharf, at the steps to the right of the waiting shed. A leaflet explaining all the points of interest is available from local shops and cafes.Markets & Festivals
Bundeena Markets showcases the works of local artisans. It is held on the first Sunday of the month at Bundeena Reserve from 9am until 3pm. There is something for everyone: handmade ceramics, antiques, plants, jewellery, folk art, clothes, books and much more. For more information visit www.bundeenainfo.com/marketsBundeena also hosts the Art of Living Festival now in its 17th year at the grounds behind the community centre on Bundeena Drive. The festival highlights the cultural diversity of the local community and the Sutherland Shire. The 2012 festival will be held on the weekend of 10-12 March. On the Friday night the opening of the art exhibition is held in the community hall and continues over the entire weekend. On the Saturday, the Village Fair brings Bundeena “back to basics” and exhibits and awards prizes for the best vegetables, best homebaked cakes and the grandest eggs. The Sunday is the big day for live music and entertainment, market stalls, workshops and plenty of activities for the kids. For more information visit www.artofliving.com.au.
In November, Maianbar will host its own Art & Craft Festival. For more information phone 9544 2052.