Bundaleer, a South Australian Heritage Icon, remains rich with the heritage of its early days, with many of its buildings restored and heritage listed.
Visit the home of the first Conservator of Forests in South Australia, 19th century tree planting enthusiast, Scotsman John Ednie Brown.
Visit Curnow’s Hut, the home of Bundaleer Forest’s first nurseryman William Curnow, who invented ‘tubestock’ using cut bamboo to nurture his seedlings.
Stay overnight at the Conservator’s Hut or the Bundaleer Sport & Rec hall where kitchen facilities make catering easy.
For bookings phone John: 8664 0979
Bundaleer Forest is one of the nation’s most beautiful forests, courtesy of the vast diversity of exotic and native species planted by foresters in the 1870s in their bid to find the most suitable timber plantation tree.
The forest is glorious all year round, but the most striking time to visit Bundaleer is in autumn, when the foliage of the maples, oaks, elms and poplars graduates from summer greens to hues of yellow, red, orange and lime.
The Conservator’s Trail can be accessed from the picnic grounds or from the arboretum on Neindorf Road, a beautiful plantation of native gums and European species.
The trail passes the newly restored Bundaleer cottage and stables, old nursery beds and the Conservator’s Hut, where early forest conservators would stay. Enjoy truly spectacular views of Bundaleer Valley.
The Scenic Trail commences at the south-eastern end of the picnic grounds. Your effort will be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the forest and valley. Marvel at the original dry stone wall along the ridge, built in the 1800s, including eucalypt and radiata plantings of various ages and growth stages. Keep an eye out for local bird and animal life.
This is a short walk, but full of family fun, thanks to a series of intriguing sculptures created as part of the bi-ennial Bundaleer Festival.
Play music on the giant percusssion instrument, lose yourself in the arboreal sculpture, see the giant sundial, and check out the huge ‘postcards’ of Bundaleer and Jamestown.
Enter the Maple Walk through the cast iron gate on the western edge of the picnic grounds.
The path twists and turns its way through a section of forest which features a glorious array of native blue and red gums, European deciduous ornamentals, as well as carobs and a giant cork tree.
ust north of Appila you will see signs pointing you in the direction of Appila Springs.
Picnic at the Springs anytime, or take a swim when it’s warm.
For the environmental enthusiast take time to read the fascinating educational displays.
Head over to Booleroo Centre for the annual Steam & Traction event.
www.booleroosteamandtraction.org.au
Roos greet you at the town’s entrance and set the tone for a laid back visit. Take your time to explore what Orroroo has to offer – an 1880s settler’s cottage, a giant red gum tree, Ngadjuri rock carvings and a poem etched in stone. Buy roo products at Orroroo Kangaroo.