The Bundian Way, a historic pathway that connects Twofold Bay on the South Coast to Mount Kosciuszko, is on the verge of a promising expansion. This project, spearheaded by the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council (ELALC), aims to increase awareness of Aboriginal culture and provide numerous benefits to the Far South Coast region.
With an ambitious plan to enhance the trail’s offerings, the ELALC is preparing new infrastructure along the Bundian Way. "We’re preparing new infrastructure, accommodation, and cultural experiences along the route, as part of a multi-day walk through south-east NSW," said Clair Mudaliar, ELALC Tourism Development Manager.
The initiative focuses on a stretch running from Jigamy to Shadracks Creek, with completion expected in March. “It’ll provide a good length of track that will be just over 30 kilometres. We will be finishing that and making that available to visitors and locals as a two-day, guided or self-guided hike,” Mudaliar explained.
This expansion builds on the initial offerings launched in early 2025, designed to draw tourists and showcase local Aboriginal culture. "A year ago, we kicked off our first experiences, which was great because that enabled us to get tourism happening before the full project was completed," Mudaliar elaborated.
The project has also received backing from the Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC), which endorsed a fee waiver aimed at alleviating construction costs associated with the Bundian Way. The ELALC has sought permission to utilize public land within Cattle Bay Foreshore Reserve and Cocora Beach Reserve for a temporary construction zone.
Councilor Simon Daly spoke in favor of waiving the fees, stating, "The Bundian Way has a lot of community and tourism benefits. I think it makes sense to do everything we can to ensure they can continue to develop the Bundian Way without any financial impact of UPL fees or anything else that might slow down continuing to develop it.”
Mudaliar echoed the importance of the community support, stating they are exploring grant funding options for future phases of the project. “We have been actively looking for different funding streams that this might fit in for a little while, but nothing definitive yet. We’re just keeping our fingers crossed,” she noted.
The Bundian Way project does not merely represent a walking trail; it offers local Aboriginal people essential economic opportunities and a platform to share their rich cultural heritage. Mudaliar emphasized, “This part of the project [work on the latest stage] is probably about half of what it entails, really, or a third. The rest of the project, getting the trail built all the way to Fisheries Beach, and then the future plans of having a campground at Fisheries are quite vital parts of the project.”
Despite the ambitious goals and community support, Mudaliar acknowledged that much work remains, stating, “This is a big part of it, but we’ve still got a ways to go.” The council’s fee waiver request will be available for public exhibition for 28 days and could soon allow the project to overcome any lingering financial hurdles.
As the Bundian Way project moves forward, its impact on cultural tourism and community engagement will become increasingly apparent. With its completion on the horizon, many are eager to explore the pathway that carries the rich histories of Aboriginal peoples, enhancing both understanding and appreciation of the land’s Indigenous heritage.