5 of the best Bundeena beach shacks

Hop on the train to Cronulla and the ferry to Bundeena for a close escape from Sydney.

Although Bundeena is just a short ferry ride from the beachside suburb of Cronulla, it feels downright bucolic. It’s an accessible getaway that will make you feel like you’re worlds away from Sydney. Regardless of the season, the spindle of a suburb bustles with activity, especially on the first Sunday of the month when the resident artists open their studios for the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail. That’s when sails are hoisted and yachts drop anchor off Jibbon Beach, weekenders spill from the train in Cronulla to the ferry and Sydneysiders make a day trip of it by travelling to Bundeena via the Royal National Park. This most bohemian suburb in the Sutherland Shire also has some great places to stay. Here’s our low-down on the best beach shacks to stay at in Bundeena.

1. Bundeena Beachshack

Kayaking up Cabbage Tree Basin is one of the best things to do in Bundeena and the fibreglass pleasure crafts are complimentary when you stay at the Bundeena Beachshack. The secluded shack is located on Gunyah Beach, which was built in 1926 near to the Royal National Park, the second oldest gazetted national park in the world. The rustic, self-contained cottage, the last remaining fisherman’s cottage still standing, has been faithfully restored to offer the ultimate barefoot luxury: there’s a private sun-bathing platform above the beach, a dine-in veranda and pergola-covered courtyard area strung with fairy lights. Bring a page-turner and curl up near the window or don a mask and flippers and go for a snorkel near the jetty.

Bundeena Beachshack exterior — The secluded Bundeena Beachshack is located on Gunyah Beach.

Best bit: Dozing off to the sound of waves lapping the shore.

Address: Near Gunyah Beach, beachshack.bundeena.com

2. Bundeena Beach Shack With a View

Cronulla locals call Bundeena residents Bundanesians. And from the water, the beachside suburb could easily be mistaken for a slice of South-East Asian paradise. For Sydneysiders who haven’t been to Bali for a while, Bundeena is the next big thing. This fibro shack is clean and comfortable and has a history as a holiday home that stretches back to the 1950s. There’s no better way to unwind in Bundeena than by kicking back with the birds singing outside the windows. It’s a nostalgia-inducing experience. If you’re industrious, you could hire a kayak and paddleboard over to Cronulla. Otherwise, stay put and enjoy a spot of beachcombing near Bonnie Vale or a sundowner on the new deck.

Best bit: The outdoor bath.

Address: Near Simpson’s Bay, Airbnb.com.au

Exterior of Bundeena Beach Shack with a view — The fibro shack offers a nostalgia-inducing experience.

3. Ethel & Ode’s

You will get a feel for the flip-flop life in Bundo, as it’s affectionately known in the Sutherland Shire, when you book a stay at Ethel & Ode’s. Want to catch up with the extended family but enjoy the privacy of your own space? Ethel & Ode’s has a few different spaces to suit. Inspired by the memories of the owners’ grandparents, this contemporary offering includes the big house, which accommodates eight people, the bunkie a self-contained studio for two located just steps away from Jibbon Beach, and fogo an adults-only retreat with absolute waterfront views. Order a breakfast box from Audley Dance Hall , learn to meditate at the Bundeena School Hall or join the local Harold Holt Swim Club for an ocean dip every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday from the Bundeena Wharf.

Ethel & Ode’s view from bedroom — The picturesque views from inside one of the bedrooms at Ethel & Ode’s.

Best bit: The proximity to the beach and to the Jibbon rock art engravings.

Address: Near Jibbon Beach, ethelandodesbeachhouse.com

Ethel & Ode’s exterior in Bundeena — Ethel & Ode’s has a few different spaces to suit numerous sized groups.

4. Bundeena Beach House

Sitting smack-bang over the sand on Little Gunyah Beach is where you will find Bundeena Beach House, which is one of the original fishing huts in the village. The property includes the original beach shack alongside the original cottage, which have both had a facelift and, together, sleep up to four guests in comfort. The Bundeena Beach House is just the place you want to relax in after all that beachside living as you can wander, barefoot, from the beach to one of the local cafes and back again without having to get in the car.

Best bit: The north-facing deck which juts out over the beach.

Address: Near Little Gunyah Beach, bundeenabeachhouse.com.au

5. The Periscope House

Most of the beach shacks in Bundeena are pretty low-key cottages and bungalows. But if you want to go all out, and stay in a luxury home in Bundeena, you can perch yourself at Periscope House, one of the most luxe and lofty hangouts on offer in Bundeena, located on the cliffs overlooking Port Hacking. You won’t need to use your car at all during your time at Periscope House as you will find everything you need in the four-bedroom house (including a gourmet welcome hamper). A vast horizon and rolling waves await holiday-makers who like to take to the water or flop on the powder-soft sand here. But it’s the location of Periscope House that is most alluring: it’s the perfect place to feel new again and enjoy a soothing escape in Sydney.

Luxury beach house The Periscope House in Bundeena — The Periscope House offers a more luxurious stay in Bundeena.

Best bit: You won’t need a periscope to appreciate the perspective, as the massive windows frame the views.

Address: Near Cabbage Tree Point, Luxico.com.au

View of The Periscope House in Bundeena and its private beach — Take the stairs down to the private beach during your stay at The Periscope House.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.