Bundanoon main street
Apr/May 2024
LINDA EMERY
Outwardly, the main street of Bundanoon has changed little over 100 years: a string of shops and cafes facing the railway that brought droves of holidaymakers and honeymooners during its tourist heyday between the wars. Attracted by the natural beauty of Morton National Park, then known as Bundanoon Gullies, visitors could stay at one of many guest houses – more than 60 at one point, some of which had their own golf courses and tennis courts.
Then, as now, cafes were meeting places for tourists and residents. The Paragon Cafe on the left of the main photograph was operated from the late 1920s by Greek-born brothers Anthony and Peter Berdoukas. In 1930, a dance hall opened above the cafe, run by a fashionable dancing teacher from Sydney, Harold Roberts.
In 1935, the opening of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall provided a venue for dances, socials and films. The building has some fine art deco features including the entrance and the World War I honour rolls that flank the stage, reminders of the townsfolk’s vision to create a fitting memorial to their fallen soldiers. The hall remains a focal point for community activities.
The shop next to the hall, once the popular Bon Ton Cafe, is now The Good Yarn, a craft and gift shop established by a group of enthusiastic locals in 1977 to raise funds for charity. Staffed by volunteers, it is an Aladdin’s cave of vintage treasures, gorgeous handknits and fresh produce.
Across the road from the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is the goods shed of Bundanoon Railway Station, now home to the Bundanoon History Group. Since 1994, it has housed the group’s archives and become the venue for changing displays of Bundanoon life from the early days to the present.
In the ’60s and ’70s, Bundanoon became a somewhat sleepy village, but in 1978 an event took place that would wake it up.
Like its fictional Scottish counterpart, Brigadoon appeared one misty morning and became an annual institution. From humble beginnings with just a handful of pipe bands and spectators, the Bundanoon Highland Gathering is now recognised as one of the finest gatherings in Australia, attracting thousands of visitors from all over Australia and abroad. The display of massed pipes and drums with over 500 participants is a sight and sound not to be missed.
In recent years, the town has seen an upturn in tourism and has blossomed as a most desirable place to live. Along its main street, included in the Bundanoon Conservation Area, business owners continue to provide all the services needed by its growing population.
Back Issue April / May 2024 (PDF Download)
Relive the beauty of the Southern Highlands with this digital back issue of Highlife.
AN ARTIST’S COUNTRY OASIS
Landscape artist Alexander McKenzie paints his luminous imaginary worlds in a dream Bowral studio. He and his wife Simone show us the striking new property that prompted their move from Sydney.
THE MANY LIVES OF THE MILL
Built as a flour mill by the Throsby family in the 1840s, and used as a convalescent home for soldiers after WWI, The Mill has proved adaptable for nearly 180 years. Owners Jacki and Mike Brooks show us their historic home.
PRETTY IN PRINT
It seems people can’t get enough of Alischa Herrmann’s pretty and colourful designs. Her stationery company, Bespoke Letterpress, continues to expand, with two more stores opening in October.
BOLD MOVES
Mittagong artist and art teacher Louisa de Haas has switched from creating colourful jewellery to making her vibrant mark on canvas. She tells us why a splash of neon makes everything better.
A GARDEN FOR EVERYONE
Heritage roses and camellias and a hedge maze are among many attractions in the garden at Harper’s Mansion in Berrima. Find out why it is much loved by visitors and its volunteer gardeners.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Chef Eilish Maloney explains the thinking behind her ambitious food-focused cooperative, The What If Society, which opened its second store in August.
PLANT A SEED
Harvesting seeds is easier than you think and it’s a cheap way to replenish your garden and dinner table. Kirstine McKay explains the tricks of seed collecting and how not to plant tomatoes.
ONE PERFECT VILLAGE
For 12 years, Huw Kingston has returned to Brisighella, a hilltop village in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. He explains why it keeps drawing him back.
EDUCATION FEATURE
Schools today run a huge variety of extracurricular activities. We asked 11 schools to tell us about special programs they offer.
This is a virtual product. Upon purchase, you’ll receive instant access to download the magazine as a PDF. A secure download link will also be sent directly to your email, so you can revisit and enjoy your issue anytime.
