Experience The Best Of Australian Art At Bundanon Art Museum

With its own eco-accommodation, fine dining and award-winning architecture, art museum and community, Bundanon is so much more than the perfect weekend getaway.

I’m standing as still as a statue despite the excitement making my heart beat faster. I’ve just spotted my first wild wombat ever (though believe me, I’ve been trying) and I haven’t even left the Bundanon Art Museum car park yet. I consider this an incredibly good omen of what’s to come.

It’s hard to understand all that Bundanon is just by reading about it. Tucked into Shoalhaven, It’s not just an art gallery and a creative space, nor is it just a relaxing and unique weekend away. It’s a place to disconnect from the world and fully immerse in the creative spirit and natural environment.

wombat grazing at bundanon art museum — Meet the adorable locals. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

The history of Bundanon Art Museum

Bundanon was home to one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, Arthur Boyd, and his equally artistic wife, Yvonne. The 1000-hectare property was so loved by them both – and inspired much of Boyd’s artwork – that in 1993 they donated Bundanon to the Australian people.

Since then, it’s grown to become a major destination art museum. Guests will also discover sophisticated eco-accommodation, the acclaimed onsite Ramox Cafe, an extensive program of art exhibitions and residencies, activities to connect with the natural surrounds, and stunning architecture that at once catches the eye and blends into its environment.

woman wandering through bundanon art museum looking at Wilder Times: Arthur Boyd and the Mid-1980s Landscape exhibition — Check for the latest special exhibition in the gallery. (Image: Zan Wimberley)

The experience

Once I’ve recovered from my car park wombat encounter, I follow the path to the reception. From this angle at the bottom of the property, I can really take in the whole scope of Bundanon. Its wide grassy fields which are sometimes home to events, carefully manicured gardens and the striking form of The Bridge and two quaint cottages that are now used as offices are all on display, backdropped by the wild bushland. It’s a lot of juxtapositions that somehow work in perfect harmony.

I’m here for the weekend for an experience held for the public once a month. It includes a changing itinerary to help guests disconnect from the chaos of the real world so they can slow down and reconnect with nature, be inspired by cultural experiences and form a community with the other art appreciators who join the stay.

From the moment that wombat entered my peripheral, I forgot about deadlines, phone calls and Instagram. And from the minute I was handed my key and entered my room in The Bridge, I switched my phone to aeroplane mode (reception and wifi are minimal anyway) and let the meditative vibe of this place engulf me.

the bridge at bundanon — The Bridge is an architectural marvel. (Image: Zan Wimberley)

The Bridge itself is a marvel. Designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects, every feature is a very deliberate choice to provide comfort while remaining eco-friendly, from the windows framing the bushland outside so you can view nature as the artwork it is (especially at sunrise) to a temperature control system that’s managed through passive design principles. It’s won several architecture awards since it opened in 2022.

Communal stations between rooms invite guests to share conversation over tea, coffee or the incredible view. The Bridge is also where we all come together in the dining room for a three-course meal prepared by the Ramox Cafe chefs. Communal tables encourage us to learn more about each other (and the flowing wine certainly helped form bonds), while the food leaves our mouths watering. Most of the guests enjoy confit pork belly and haiwaj spice kingfish; as a vegetarian, I’m served a delicious tart and the best pan-fried gnocchi I’ve tasted in a while

communal area on the bridge at bundanon art gallery — Bond with fellow guests in communal spaces. (Image: Anna Wiewiora)

While this alone is enough to make a great weekend getaway, a range of other activities on our itinerary help open us up to the rest of the property.

First on the list is a bushwalk with Michael Andrews, Bundanon’s natural resources manager, where we learn about the incredible level of thought put into returning this property to its original state. Over a couple of hours, Michael shares the circulatory system of lakes and rivers and how he’s been working to return a natural waterflow to the land. He shares tales of endangered frog reintroduction, plant regeneration and the native wombats and kangaroos (whose appetites sometimes make all this a little bit more difficult). A wave of excitement runs through our group as he points out a lyrebird dashing its way through the shrub.

Later, a wander through the gallery.

the landscape of bundanon — Explore the landscape at Bundanon. (Image: John Janson-Moore)

After dinner, we join Jervis Bay Stargazing to witness the clear night sky through telescopes that make the moon feel as close as the person next to us. Being able to make out every nook and cranny floods me with a feeling of insignificance, while at the same time making every little thing seem so essential to make this universe what it is. It’s a wild feeling.

The next day is for taking all that’s inspired us and channelling it into our own art. As someone who loves to see art, but has no skill in making my own, I start the session with anxiety shared by some others in the group. By the end, however, our guide on this journey – Brendan Smith – puts all fears to rest as we get caught up in the fun of pulling colours from nature. No, really: flowers and leaves were rubbed with rocks, charcoaled bark was crushed, river sands and muds were turned into paste, and more.

art supplies for art workshop at bundanon art museum — Derive art supplies from nature during your workshop. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

On the way home, I drive an extra 20 minutes to see Boyd’s Homestead (now a museum for the Boyd family’s collected artworks) and Studio. It’s the perfect way to bring the weekend together by combining historic context for all that Bundanon is today.

In intentionally returning to a simpler past of nature and creative nurture, it feels like Bundanon is a solution for the future – both for the planet and finding our place within it.

boyd homestead museum at bundanon — See the Boyd Homestead Museum. (Image: Katherine Lu)

The details

The Bundanon Stay Experience

Held once a month, The Bundanon Stay Experience is $1300 for two (king bed or twin singles) or $900 for singles. While it’s designed to create community, guests are welcome to join in as little or as much as they prefer with the planned itinerary (though I recommend taking advantage of these unique offerings).

guest room in the bridge at bundanon art museum — Check in and switch off. (image: Anna Wiewiora)

The food

All meals are catered during your stay. But in case you need an extra coffee or snack (or whole extra meal – it’s your weekend, after all, and the menu is to die for), onsite Ramox Cafe is also open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. The cafe has beautiful views overlooking the property and the Shoalhaven River, plus there’s often a live musician creating a laidback ambience.

dishes on an outdoor table at ramox cafe at bundanon art museum — Delight in the tastes of Ramox Cafe. (Image: Anna Wiewiora)

The Homestead and Studio

Not part of the stay itinerary, The Homestead and Studio is located a 20-minute drive through beautiful bushland from the main Bundanon property. Guides will show you around both venues, allowing you to delve into the life and inspiration of Arthur Boyd and his family.

arthur boyd's art studio at bundanon — Visit Boyd’s studio, exactly as he left it. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

This immersive art experience is the only of its kind in Australia