Explore tranquil Bundanon on the Shoalhaven River
Just over one hour south of the centre of Wollongong, on the banks of the Shoalhaven River lies the estate of celebrated Australian artist Arthur Boyd. The property called Riversdale, about 20km west of Nowra, was purchased by the Boyd family in...
Just over one hour south of the centre of Wollongong, on the banks of the Shoalhaven River lies the estate of celebrated Australian artist Arthur Boyd. The property called Riversdale is about 20km west of Nowra and was purchased by the Boyd family in 1974. The adjacent property, Bundanon, was purchased from friends in 1979.
From the early 1980s, the Boyd family shared their home with visiting artists and the public, and in 1993 gifted the 1000-hectare property to the Australian government, which continues to provide revenue support, supplemented by funds raised by the Bundanon Trust.
Riversdale is the site of the Boyd Education Centre, Art Museum, the newly constructed award-winning the Bridge accommodation and Ramox Café. The museum hosts a program of seasonal exhibitions. The nearby library has a changing selection of Budanon art.
A further nine kilometres down a dirt road is the Bundanon homestead, Arthur Boyd’s studio and the artists in residence complex. The homestead features a range of painting and ceramics by Arthur Boyd and his family, including his parents, Merric and Doris.
Boyd died in 1999 and his studio, complete with paintings and working materials, remains preserved.
The Ramox café (named for a mythical creature that Boyd invented and is found in some of his paintings) has a 'paddock to plate' ethos, with executive chef Douglas Innes-Will and the team sourcing local ingredients including fresh produce, wines from nearby Cupitt’s Estate and coffee from Gerringong roasters Daily Grind.
Our group enjoyed a leisurely lunch, sharing an array of fresh tasty salads and charcuterie plate, served by the friendly wait staff. My favourite was the fennel, grapefruit and witlof salad. The menu is subject to change due to the availability of local produce.
I highly recommend spending a day at Bundanon, soaking up the tranquil environment and beautiful views, in appreciation to the Boyd family for their ongoing generosity.
Fore more information, visit the Bundanon website
