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.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.