The Tourist Path Less Traveled By

For me, there’s no better way to get to know a new place than exploring it by foot. When traveling, wake up early and go for a quick jog. Hike one afternoon. See things that an average tourist can’t see just by driving down the main street of town.

The Bundian Way Trail stretches from just north of Eden, down and across to the Snowy Mountains. The Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council has been working to improve this trail, as it aims to provide employment opportunities for Aboriginal people as well as protect the heritage route, rich with history and nature. If you’re looking for a way to explore Eden by foot, I highly recommend this 45-minute hike.

“The views are lovely, and you go past the mussel farm,” says Tricia Lamacraft, 67, as she enthusiastically suggests the trail to my friends and me.

The newly renovated section of the Bundian Way in Eden features reddish sand paths, steps lining the steeper hills, as well as lookout areas and benches for when you need a quick rest or if you just want to sit and take it all in. Weaving along the coast, you can walk across quiet beaches and listen to the water gently lapping the shore. Look down at your feet and among the washed up seaweed you’ll find shells colored purple and orange, decorated with unique ridges and swirls.

If you walk up the beach toward the grass, you’ll see children running around the little quaint playground, while their father cooks on the nearby grill, smoke whirling upward into the chilly air. Farther down the shore, their mother walks hand-in-hand with the youngest child, smiling and pointing out objects in the sand.

For those feeling adventurous, climb up the rocks to experience the most breathtaking of views of Twofold Bay. If you gaze out at the water, you can see odd-looking things floating in the water. This is the mussel farm. Underneath each of these are lines of mussels that will later supply food to the town of Eden.

Eden’s isolation yet independence as a town offers a distinctive landscape with great activities, such as the Bundian Trail Way, for visitors seeking a more active, hands-on experience. Although you may be exhausted by the end, the trail is well worth it, and great healthy exercise too.