4 minute read
Bundaleer
from Visit Jamestown
by Tracey
BUNDALEER FOREST RESERVE
Bundaleer Forest, just 9km south of Jamestown, has been a picnicking destination for generations of locals. Today, it is becoming increasingly well known as a place to walk and cycle.
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NATURAL BEAUTY
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.
In winter and spring, immerse yourself in the beauty of towering trees and lush green undergrowth. In summer, the Maple Walk provides a shady haven.
Relax in the picturesque picnic ground surrounded by century old gums. Bring a picnic lunch. In winter, enjoy a campfire or barbecue.
ACCOMMODATION
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
EXPLORE HERITAGE BUILDINGS
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.
WALKING & CYCLING
Whether you like a gentle stroll, invigorating hike or pushing pedals you’ll find a trail that suits you.
The whole family will enjoy the gentle Maple Walk and the interactive Sculpture Walk. For the more adventurous try the Scenic and Conservator’s Trails which take around 1.5 hours. More walks information opposite page.
MAWSON & HEYSEN TRAILS
Scenic sections of the Mawson and Heysen trails traverse the forest for the more serious cycling or hiking enthusiast.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Bundaleer Forest is also ideal for orienteering, rogaining (the sport of long distance cross-country navigation), geo-caching, bird watching, horse riding and exploring flora and fauna and photography. Most days you’ll see kangaroos and euros, and sometimes an echidna. Listen for kookaburras and spot a brightly coloured Mallee Ringneck.
SPORTING FACILITIES
A recreation and sporting ground (featuring a well-maintained cricket oval, newly resurfaced synthetic tennis courts and a hall for hire) is adjacent the picnic ground.
A golf course takes pride of place at the northern end of the reserve.
TRAIL RIDES IN THE FOREST
The KTM Trail Rides are held annually (in August) in the magnificent Bundaleer Forest.
Riders experience open riding and ridge riding which opens up amazing views across beautiful valleys. Phone: Gerry 0427 470 007, www.find-n-trax.com.au
BUNDALEER WALKING TRAILS
Sturdy, sensible footwear is recommended for walkers attempting any of these walks.
Maple Walk 45 minute stroll (1.5 km return) Rating: Basic
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.
Enjoy the sounds of frogs croaking from the creek and birds calling from the tree tops. Keep watch for kangaroos, euros and echidnas.
Take in the community sculptures on your return to the picnic grounds.
Sculpture Walk
20-30 minute stroll (less than 800m return) Rating: Basic
This is a short walk, but full of family fun, thanks to a series of intriguing sculptures created as part of the biennial 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.
Scenic Trail
up to 1.5 hours duration (4.6 km return) Rating: Advanced
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.
Conservator’s Trail 1.5 hours (4.6 km return) Rating: Moderate
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.
