Lupine Adventures - Beautiful Bundanoon in the Sensational Southern Highlands

AKA Travelling in a Pack

If you have a big group that wants a weekend getaway, the Youth Hostel in Bundanoon is well worth a visit, and no one needs to be left out. It's large, sleeping 42 comfortably, with cosy fires in the dining and lounge room, all at very cheap rates.


The kitchen is huge, with plenty of stove tops, 2 ovens and three fridges, so there it is easy to self-cater, no matter how large the group. This Youth Hostel even offers breakfast packages, if you don't want the hassle of bringing your own.

The dining room has plenty of tables, so meals can be served for everyone to dine together.  We probably spent as much time playing board games by the fire in the dining room, as we did relaxing in the inviting lounge room. The lounge really has that country feel that is the reason you escape to guest houses in tiny towns in the first place.

The bedrooms vary in size, but there is a 7 bed and 6 bed room, as well as plenty for 4 or 5 people. One of my favourite aspects of this hostel is that they provide the linen - it's one less load of laundry for me after a weekend away!

There is a huge wrap around verandah, that offers sheltered dining outside, a hammock to laze in and an all weather ping pong table. The kids favourite was the climbing wall, that got quite a work out from adults and kids alike on our weekend.

There's a basketball hoop for a bit of one-on-one, and a volleyball court that's a great way for kids and adults to play together.

The highlight of this hostel is the BMX track, on the sprawling grounds. The track has different degrees of difficulty, and it was interesting to see how quickly you could improve as your confidence grew. I loved the track, having never done anything like it before. If you don't have a mountain bike, head down to Ye Olde Bicycle Shop & Café in town - if you mention you're a member of the YHA, you get a discount.

You could quite happily spend the entire weekend on the grounds of this country retreat, but there is so much close at hand to explore. The Morton National Park offers stunning views and bushwalks for all levels of fitness. The beautiful Fairy Bower is sure to please, and make sure you bring a torch to head down to the Glow Worm Glen at night, for a truly magical experience as the twinkling lights of a hundred little glow worms light the cliff face.

If markets are your scene, make sure you check out those in Bundanoon on first and third Sunday of each month. We also coincided with the Exeter markets - first Saturday of the month - but it's worth exploring these picturesque little towns regardless. A delight for a photographer, you won't be disappointed just pottering around.

There's even a day spa there, and a number of our group slunk off for a massage at Solar Springs Health Retreat while we kept an eye on the kids, which was a great way for some of the single mums in our gang to have a break without needing a sitter. It can get busy so book well in advance.

Bundanoon itself is a pretty little township and there are plenty of restaurants, should you wish to dine out. The train station is just a short stroll (6 minutes) down the street, as is the bike hire. There are coffee shops, gift shops and of course, a pub. Should you wish to go further afield, there are vinyards too.

Our weekend was a resounding success, and we've already booked for next year, with all 42 keen to comeback. My only advice, however you decide to spend your days, make sure you're back on that verandah with a drink in hand for sunset.

Practicalities

Bundanoon Youth Hostel http://www3.yha.com.au/Hostels/NSW/Southern-Highlands/Bundanoon/

Please note, one of you needs a YHA membership, but this is only $42 and can be purchased online prior to arrival. It also allows you to receive discounts on activities around the country, so you can easily recoup this expenditure.

Also note, due to traffic out of Sydney, it is best to leave a little before 3 or wait until later. We left at 3 but got caught in traffic and didn't arrive until 5.30.

What's on in the Southern Highlands - great site for things to do and dates of events:

http://southern-highlands.com.au/

 

Morton National Park http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/morton-national-park

Related Articles:

Bundanoon YHA http://www.weekendnotes.com/bundanoon-yha/

Morton National Park http://www.weekendnotes.com/morton-national-park-bundanoon/

Other Rent-a-Hostel articles:
http://holidazeandhellidaze.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/lupine-adventures-pittwater-yha.html

Note: The YHA is now a fancy accomodation called High Ball House. Linking with #NaturesNotes and #OurWorldTuesday because I'm thinking about where to go in the school holidays and Bundanoon for the glow worms might be back on the cards...(if it's reopened after the bushfires)