Bundeena

Bundeena can be found on the south eastern edge of the Sutherland Shire. It is a picturesque suburb, located on the southside of the Port Hacking River and is surrounded by the Royal National Park.

There are two options to get to beautiful Bundeena. You can catch a ferry from Gunnamatta Bay in Cronulla which takes approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive through the Royal National Park from Sutherland, which also takes approximately 25 minutes. 

It is thought that Bundenna is an Aboriginal word that means ‘noise like thunder’, presumably a reference to the sound of waves crashing on the beach. Unfortunately, the original source of the word and its translation has not yet been confirmed. There are approximately 2,000 residents who live in Bundeena. It is also a popular place with tourists for weekends away and summer holidays, so it can get quite busy at times.

Bundeena is the perfect suburb for nature lovers. There are 4 beautiful beaches for swimming and coastal walks; Bonnie Vale Beach, Gunyah Beach, Horderns Beach, and Jibbon Beach. Given how close Bundeena is to the Royal National Park, there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like deers, kookaburras, wallabies, and echidnas. 

For those who enjoy camping, the Bonnie Vale campground is just outside of Bundeena in the Royal National Park. It’s a short walk into Bundeena for any essentials or a good meal at the RSL Club.

In the centre of Bundeena, there is a small set of shops that include a supermarket, chemist, newsagency, real estate agent, cafes, takeaway, and a few speciality stores.  Across from the shops you will find the Bundeena Oval where locals participate in Bundeena Little Athletics and the local soccer club, Bundeena-Mainbar FC. There is also a great park for children to play in, with barbeque and picnic facilities to enjoy too. Bundeena Public School is a primary school for students in kindergarten through to year 6.

High school students fall under the Cronulla High School catchment area, which involves a ferry and bus ride each way.

Did you know?

On the first Sunday of every month, Bundeena Saltwater Markets are held at Summers Reserve, just across from the Bundeena shops.

Local Businesses in Bundeena That We Love!

  • Bonnie Vale Campground (2 Seabreeze Lane, Bundeena, 2230)
    What a location! Enjoy powered and unpowered sites right on the beach. 
  • Art Trail (Various locations in Bundeena) 
    Once a month local artists open their studios to the public, follow the trail and enjoy.
  • Double Dip Diner (22-30 Brighton St, Bundeen 2230)
    You can’t go wrong with BBQ, tacos, nachos and burgers by the beach. The whole menu is delicious.
  • Bundeena Kayaks (Seabreeze Lane, Bundeena 2230)
    Explore the Port Hacking River and Royal National Park from a different angle. Tours or solo adventures available.
  • Dying at Home (Based in Bundeena)
    Helping carers worldwide to be able to care for their loved ones at home, providing knowledge and support.

Bundeena FAQ's

No, you don’t need to pay to visit Bundeena. If you are traveling by ferry you will need to purchase a ferry ticket. 

You don’t need a National Park Pass to visit Bundeena if you are just driving through the Royal National Park to enter. If, however, you do want to stop in the Royal National Park to sightsee, or if you are staying at the Bonnie Vale campground then you will need to purchase the relevant pass. 

Absolutely! Bundeena is a great place for a swim, snorkel, surf or just to relax on the beach. 

Bundeena is a beautiful, relaxed place to live, especially for young families. There a many outdoor activities to enjoy.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census, the population of Bundeena was 2,103. This included 608 families with an average of 2.5 children.