Where is Bundeena:
It is a coastal town located about 29km south of Sydney CBD right at the edge of the Royal National Park.
Why visit?
For the beautiful beaches, fishing and coastal walks. This is great for those looking to do something different with kids. Something other than parks and the beach.. or rather, add a bit of adventure to yet another glorious day at the beach. This is also for those little one’s who love ferries and trains.
Requirements:
For your sanity
- Sense of adventure
- Patience (extra servings )
- Well rested, well fed kids.
For practical purposes:
- Opal card-for the train
- Money- cash or card
- A picnic (optional-bundeena has a grocery store and a few cafes)
- Swimmers, sun cream,hats,drinking water (lots of it) and snacks (lots of those too)
How to get there:
There are two options.
The train and ferry combo:
Take the T4 train towards Cronulla via Kogarah. Time will depend on where you take the train from (Central station, Bondi Junction, Wolli creek are just a few options ). Get off at Cronulla station and follow google map directions to the wharf.
The ferry only:
For those skipping the train, drive to Cronulla and park at Tonkin park near the wharf (free at the time of writing this) and walk a few hundred meters to the ferry.
The Ferry:
Timetable can be found here.
From Cronulla, it runs every hour starting at 0530 on weekdays and 0830 on weekends and public holidays. It leaves Bundeena every hour starting at 0600 on weekdays and 0900 on weekends and public holidays. The last Ferry leaves Bundeena at 1900hrs.
It’s $7.10 one way for an adult and $3.55 for children over 4. You can pay by card at a little kiosk by the wharf or buy the tickets for cash on the ferry. Return tickets can only be purchased at the kiosk.
The ferry is a smooth-ish 25 minute ride to Bundeena. You will be treated to South Sydney’s beautiful coastal cliffs and soothing sounds of the crashing waves.
Once at Bundeena, you will be spoiled for choice with beaches. To your left is Gunyah beach and to your right is Hordens beach. Gunyans is a bit more rocky and has small rock pools for little ones to play in. Important to note that there is not much shade at either beach in the morning hours so please come prepared. There are a few more beaches in the area but first take a rest at one of the two and congratulate yourself on making the journey. Relax, have a swim followed by a picnic and create beautiful memories.
Amenities.
Toilets are about 100 meters from the ferry towards the town. The town of Bundeena has a small grocery store where you can buy picnic items should you want to travel light. Alternatively, you can eat at one of the cafes in the area.
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, there are a few bush walks that take you through the Royal National park. Details on our favourite hike in the area can be found here. For updates on park safety, always check the national parks website before visiting.
I hope you have fun, please feel free to come back here and share your experience. We would love to hear all about it.