Bundian Way

Item details


Name of item:	Bundian Way
Other name/s:	Aboriginal track path
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Aboriginal
Category:	Other - Aboriginal
Location:	Lat: -36.9851109999 Long: 148.8674918600
Primary address:	Mount Kosciuszko to Eden, KOSCIUSZKO, NSW 2627
Parish:	Tumbarumba
County:	Selwyn
Local govt. area:	Snowy Valleys
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Bega

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART LOT	52		DP	750213

Boundary:

There is no freehold land on the Bundian Way. Refer to Heritage Council Plan 2551.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Mount Kosciuszko to Eden	KOSCIUSZKO	Snowy Valleys	Tumbarumba	Selwyn	Primary Address
Towamba Road	Towamba	Bega Valley			Alternate Address
Craigie State Forest Craigie Range Road	Craigie	Snowy Monaro Regional			Alternate Address
Sandy Creek	Corrowong	Snowy Monaro Regional			Alternate Address
Nungatta Road	Nungatta	Bega Valley			Alternate Address
Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site Fisheries Beach	Edrom	Bega Valley			Alternate Address

Statement of significance:


	The Bundian Way is of State significance as a rare surviving ancient pathway used by Aboriginal people over thousands of years linking the high country at Kosciuszko and the coast at Eden. The Bundian Way is associated with seasonal gatherings of Aboriginal tribes on the Snowy River for Bogong moth collection and on the Eden Coast during whale migration. It is historically significant for its role in early colonisation whereby white settlers were aided by Aboriginal guides in exploration and the search for pastures. Historical documentation and archaeology found on the route reinforces traditional knowledge held by contemporary Aboriginal society and provides a strong validation of the social significance of this pathway today. The Way continues to be an important place of education and cultural activity in the Aboriginal community. The Bundian Way travels through wilderness areas of untouched beauty with spectacular views over the coastal plain which contributes to the aesthetic significance of the route.
	Date significance updated: 25 Jan 13
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Physical description:	The Bundian Way is a shared history pathway between Targangal (Kosciuszko) and Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach) that connects the highest part of the Australian continent and the coast. On its way to the coast the Bundian Way crosses the Snowy River and passes through some of the wildest, most rugged and yet beautiful country in Australia. In many parts the influence of the old land management is still obvious in its Aboriginal landscapes. It is the first Aboriginal pathway to be listed on the NSW State Heritage Register. The Bundian Way is a pathway traversing and connecting two landscapes: Targangal (Kosciuszko) and Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach) on Tullemullerer (Twofold Bay). The pathway was surveyed in 2010 using the location of Aboriginal objects, historical writings and maps, stories and oral history and surveyors scarred trees and journals to identify the route (Blay 6-7). The Bundian Way was identified by the survey team as the traditional Heritage Route. They also identified a slightly more accessible route which they have called the Touring Route which will be promoted as a walking trail. This listing refers to the Heritage Route which is 265km in length. The width of the curtilage of the route is 20 metres and generally follows fire trails, tracks and forestry roads. The route passes through state forest, national park, rural areas and coastal areas. About half of the route passes through proclaimed wilderness (Blay 8-9). A section follows Crown and Council owned roads through rural areas. Sections of the way have survey scars dating from the time of first settlement. For example Surveyor Thomas Townsend was guided from Omeo in 1841 by two Aboriginal Guides using part of the Bundian Way (Blay 10). The natural areas on the Bundian Way traverse a range of landscapes from the alpine high country, across its grassland edges and down through forested scarps to the coast. Across the Monaro the way is intersected by campsites at about every 12km located at a water source. These places are now used by travelling stockmen and are part of the Crown Land Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs). Aboriginal objects have also been found at these locations and often food sources were associated with the place. For example on the Monaro yam fields were identified, the yam being a traditional food source which would have been used by those travelling the Way (Blay 10). Whilst the Bundian Way follows a single path that heads directly between the high country and Twofold Bay, the path is crossed by numerous north-south routes and there are paths off the Bundian Way that follow spurs to other places. The Bundian Way is part of the regional network of old pathways. The following is an extract from the survey report by John Blay and Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council (Blay 11-14) which provides a physical description of the seven stages of the Bundian Way Heritage Route: Stage 1 Summary: Targangal (Kosciuszko) to Moyangul (Pinch) The route leads from the summit along the crest of the Great Divide to South Ramshead, down to Deadhorse Gap and generally then along the Cascade Trail past Cascade and Tin Mine huts. It deviates from this trail before Freebody's to follow the old route from Omeo followed by Surveyor Townsend in 1841/2, and then follows the track down the Nine Mile Pinch to Moyangul (Pinch River) near its junction with the Snowy. Significant features of this stage: Artefacts were plentiful all along the trail. Large open sites were found at various places along the route, most notably above the Cascade Hut and the Tin Mine Hut, suggesting the settlers followed the Aboriginal people in where they chose to stopover and build. Stage 2 Summary: Moyangul (Pinch) to Merambego The route follows the old trail beside the Snowy River to the Sandy Creek Trail crossing, then follows the trail to the crest of the ridge, where it follows an old track down to Sheepstation Creek. It proceeds beside the creek to the junction with Joe Davis Creek, thence proceeds to the top of the ridge that divides the creeks, continuing along the crest of the divide to the gap and up the ridge to the crest of the range at an elevation of 1092m overlooking Edbo Flat. Thence along the old cattlemen's trail past the Stockyard to Byadbo Gap, following the Merambego track past the old homestead site to the Darrewarra campsite. Significant features of this stage: It appears one of Townsend's trees marked in 1841 still stands at the point where he crossed the river, near the Sandy Creek crossing. Subject to verification, and finding more trees (marked at intervals of one mile), this is a very significant place. Stage 3 Summary: Merambego to Delegate The route follows the main track and road through Wallendibby and Corrowong to Delegate. Significant features of this stage Extraordinary views back along the route from McGuigans Gap. Southernmost reach of the Treeless Plains at Corrowong. Aboriginal landscapes. Stage 4 Summary: Delegate to Bondi Springs (Mountaintop) The route follows the Craigie and Mila roads, then the Mila Shortcut Road to the Monaro Highway, thence about 1.5km beside the highway to the old Bondi Springs (Mountaintop TSR) across road from Southern Access Rd. Significant features of this stage: Mountaintop (Bondi Springs) has special values as Aboriginal landscape and educational values as a family and women's place. Stage 5 Summary: Bundian Pass to Towamba The route follows Southern Access Rd eastwards, then Pines Rd to near the Nalbaugh Falls picnic area, thence down to the White Rock River and along the old road reserve until entering SE Forests NP, thence through bush across the White Rock River, across the gap in the range and across Sheepstation Creek, thence up the hill beside Surveyors Gully and across Imlay Road, thence following the old route of the old Rockton Road, which joins Laings Road, Nungatta Road, Poole Road to beside Imlay Road for a km, and then along the old Pericoe Road to Towamba Hall. Significant features of this stage: Major campsites along White Rock, Sheepstation and Nungatta streams. Scar trees. Stage 6 Summary: Towamba to Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach) The heritage route crosses the Towamba River and generally follows the Towamba Road to Mitchells Creek, where it goes directly over the crest of the hills and along the ridgetops. No side-cuts were part of the earliest alignment. Rather than go down to Yuglama, it follows the short-cut Rd to Nullica flats and to Beermuna (Boydtown). Significant features of this stage: Forests. Mount Imlay. Imlay Creek campsite. Stage 7 Summary: Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach) to Eden and on to Monaroo-Bobberer-Gudu Culture Centre at Jigamy The walking route follows an old track to Davidson Whaling Station, then follows the shoreline around the inlet passing massive middens of the old Kiah (East Boyd). It snakes round above mangroves and the sand flats westwards to the old crossing of the Towamba River. Across the river it rejoins the old public access road reserve across the ridge to Beermuna (Boydtown), where just before the lagoon it follows a track to the beach. Thence it proceeds round the beach of Nullica Bay to the inlet, which might be waded but the bridge is easier. The way around Mungora (Northcote Point) might only be accessible at low tide and therefore following the ridge above the rocks and Currawalla Beach is easiest. From the north eastern corner of Bungo Beach a delightful track leads to Cocora Beach, after which it follows a route through Eden and along Aslings Beach to Ben Boyd NP and through State Forest to Jigamy. A loop route from Jigamy passes through Ben Boyd National Park to Quondolo Beach and Pinnacles Beach and National Park tracks back to Aslings Beach and Eden. Significant features of this Stage: This is a leg where there are frequent and very large middens and artefact scatters. While these are valuable reminders of the area's Aboriginal past, visitors should be asked not to walk on middens and to leave artefacts where they lie. Fencing is not required.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The Bundian Way traverses wilderness areas, national parks, rural lands, state forest and coastal areas.
	Date condition updated:14 Jun 12
Further information:	The Bundian Way is a shared history pathway between Targangal (Kosciuszko) and Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach) that connects the highest part of the Australian continent and the coast. On its way to the coast the Bundian Way crosses the Snowy River and passes through some of the wildest, most rugged and yet beautiful country in Australia. In many parts the influence of the old land management is still obvious in its Aboriginal landscapes. It is the first Aboriginal pathway to be listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.


Current use:	Aboriginal cultural activities, national park, state forest, local roads
Former use:	Aboriginal cultural use, travelling route, education, trade, exploration.

History

Historical notes:

The Bundian Way is an ancient Aboriginal route that traversed the land between Targangal (Mount Kosciuszko) and the coast at Bilgalera (Twofold Bay, Eden). The Bundian Way has been recently been surveyed and researched by the Eden Aboriginal Land Council and John Blay who have identified the full 265 kilometres of the route. Historical records such as original 19th century survey reports and journals make numerous references to the route between the high country and the sea. For example the journals of Oswald Brierly (Blay: Mitchell Library) describe a journey he made from Twofold Bay in 1842 along a traditional route through the mountains under the guidance of an Aboriginal man, Budgibro. The journal includes notes and drawings of the journey and the route taken. A surveyor, Francis McCabe, made a survey of the route between the Monaro and Twofold Bay in 1945 (Blay: Archives Office NSW). G.A. Robinson's records the story of Al.mil.gong, who walked all the way from Omeo to present his new corroboree to his kin at Bilgalera on Twofold Bay on 14th August, 1844. In January 1866 A.W. Howitt observed " . . . a very old mark made by the blacks who used this very track in going to Maneroo . . . A little beyond was a new mark - evidently Harry's (who had already taken there by Omeo Jack a year or so back and we then found ourselves on the old black's trail..." (Blay quoting A.W. Howitt)

Historical records were then used to identify the correlating terrain and crosschecked by evidence such as accessibility, resources, scarred trees and other Aboriginal objects. Through the extremely rugged country the route followed the only passable way along ridgelines and through gaps. There are places on the route that are clearly ideal camping places and associated with these are food sources such as yams, water and substantial artefact deposits. When geologist, W.B. Clarke, travelled in the area in 1852 he recorded how Aboriginal people who lived nearby told of the Bundian Pass (Blay).

The Bundian Way is a pathway that connects the highest part of the continent with the eastern coast bringing together the people of the greater region, most notably for ceremonies associated with whaling in springtime at Twofold Bay and moth hunting in the high country during summer. Large gatherings of Aboriginal people occurred in the high country during the summer at the time when the Bogong moths were in season. The gatherings were an essential part of Aboriginal cultural life and the moths ensured that there was sufficient food for the numbers gathered. There are numerous accounts of these gatherings amongst the papers of early 19th century settlers. Aboriginal people are recorded to have travelled to the areas where the moths were most prolific, usually in rock shelters. Bogong moths have a very high fat content and were sought after for nourishment. The records state that Aboriginal people would arrive lean and thin and leave well nourished by the oils and fats provided by the moths. In 1836 George Bennet described in detail the way the moths were cooked or smoked and stored for later use. Some of the cooked moths were pounded into dough and mixed with grain to make a type of cake. He described them as having a sweet nut-like taste (Blay 17). Bogong moths (Agrotis infusa) migrate each year as the weather warms in south east Australia: flying over spring to the high country of the Snowy Mountains in southern New South Wales and the Victorian Alps. People would travel from as far afield as the east coast to attend these gatherings which lasted over the summer months.

In the spring people would travel to the coast in order to attend the whale gatherings at Bilgalera (Fishermans Beach, Twofold Bay). In August 1844 George Augustus Robinson, Chief Protector, recorded an event in his journal which describes one of these gatherings. The account tells of a corroboree with whales harvested to feed the 60 or 70 people present about half of whom he describes as "Maneroo" who had walked from as far afield as places around Delegate and Cooma (Blay 64, Clarke 152).

People walked the Bundian pathway not just to attend a corroboree or gathering to access a particular food supply but for practical, ceremonial and educational purposes: to maintain kinship ties, conduct business and trade, share knowledge and resources or make alliances and settle disputes. Aboriginal people were not nomadic for they were strongly connected to their own "country" to which they had obligations and cultural ties; rather they undertook seasonal journeys which were an important aspect of their cultural life.

When white settlers and explorers moved into the area they were shown the route by Aboriginal guides such as Budgibro and Omeo Jack; this assistance helped settlers to find places to bring their cattle and where to establish homesteads. Today part of the Bundian Way is still used as a travelling stock route.

There were numerous traditional pathways between the high country and the coast, however, the Bundian Way is one of the longest and best documented routes which still retains its historic setting. The landscape appearance of the setting is largely unchanged. The cultural knowledge associated with the Way has persisted into modern times and the Way continues to be highly significant to Aboriginal people in south east New South Wales and the Monaro.

There are historic themes which relate specifically to the different sections of the track. In the Bundian Way Survey Report John Blay and Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council describe them as follows:

Stage 1 Targangal (Kosciuszko) to Moyangul (Pinch). Historic themes: High Country, Bogongs.

Stage 2 Moyangul (Pinch) to Merambego. Historic themes: Before and after the coming of the shepherds and cattlemen.

Stage 3 Merambego to Delegate. Historic themes: The changing land. Richness of the old Monaro.

Stage 4 Delegate to Bondi Springs (Mountaintop). Historic themes: Settlement and the coming of the settlers.

Stage 5 Bundian Pass to Towamba. Historic themes: The old Bundian Pass; stages of dispossession; shadows of the Imlays, Ben Boyd, Robinson, Brierly and Weatherhead.

Stage 6 Towamba to Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach). Historic themes: The old Bundian Pass; stages of dispossession; shadows of the Imlays, Ben Boyd, Robinson, Brierly and Weatherhead.

Stage 7 Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach) to Eden and on to Monaroo-Bobberer-Gudu Culture Centre at Jigamy. Historic themes: Bilgalera and Kiah: land and sea country a long time occupied; first contacts.

The Bundian Way Management Committee of volunteers who have spent over ten years organising for the recognition and use of the Bundian Way by residents and visitors, was recognised with a NSW Heritage Volunteers Awards by Minister for Heritage, Robyn Parker MLA (Bombala Times, 16/1/13).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Conserving and protecting natural features-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Plains and plateaux supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Rivers and water bodies important to humans-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Environments important to Aboriginal traditional and spiritual life-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Mountains and peaks providing landmarks for humans-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Natural - pre European settlement vegetation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	All nations - sites evidencing occupation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Aboriginal Culture-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	All Nations - Maintaining Aboriginal communities-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Unseen but Present-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Gardens and landscapes reminiscent of an 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes used for self reliant recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of scenic beauty-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant tree(s) providing rural amenity or character-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of passive recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of contemplation and devotion-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and countryside of rural charm-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban and rural interaction-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of remembrance-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of cultural and natural interaction-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Exploration-Activities associated with making places previously unknown to a cultural group known to them.	Guiding the explorers-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Forestry-Activities associated with identifying and managing land covered in trees for commercial purposes.	Maintaining regrowth and new forests-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Traditional Aboriginal path ways.-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Travelling to and within remote areas-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Bush tracks-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Naming places (toponymy)-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Colonial government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - parks and open spaces-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Open Space Provision-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Open Space Provision-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Developing cultural institutions and ways of life-National Theme 8
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - neglected, regenerating to bushland-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Camping-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Rock climbing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Rock climbing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Climbing mountains and peaks-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting lookouts and places of natural beauty-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting lookouts and places of natural beauty-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The Bundian Way is an ancient pathway which demonstrates the historical movement of Aboriginal people over thousands of years between the high country and the coast. The Bundian Way provides historical evidence of the cultural life of Aboriginal people of the Monaro and of the South Coast and their inter-relationships with each other. The Bundian Way provides direct evidence of the crucial role Aboriginal people played in early exploration and settlement by white colonists. Aboriginal people provided knowledge of the routes, the places where resources such as food and water could be found and also the best places for grazing and settling.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The Bundian Way is associated with seasonal gatherings of Aboriginal tribes in Eden (Bilgalera) and in the Snowy Mountains (Targangal). Tribes came together in the springtime at Twofold Bay (Tullemullerer) for a gathering associated with the migration pattern of whales. They also came together in the summer in the high country via the Snowy River (Nurudj Dujurung) to gather Bogong Moths.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The high country end of the Bundian Way travels through wilderness with extremes in heights with extraordinary views . Many points along the way afford spectacular outlook over the coastal plain. The land is valued for its remoteness and natural beauty. The aesthetic significance of the Way contributes to its value as the tourist route which is currently in conceptual development.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	Historical documentation and archaeology found on the route reinforce the traditional knowledge about the Bundian Way held in contemporary Aboriginal society and demonstrated through oral history. This provides a strong validation of the social significance of this pathway today. The Bundian Way demonstrates the connection with "Country" of Aboriginal people of the south coast of NSW and the Monaro. This cultural connection survives and continues in the people of these areas today. The work of the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council and other members of the Aboriginal community to survey, research and protect the way as a place of education and ongoing cultural activity demonstrates a strong community sense of connection to the Bundian Way.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The Bundian Way and the associated cultural information has the potential to reveal information about the way in which the landscape was managed and traversed prior to its settlement in 1820. It also presents an opportunity to acquire more accurate information about the interaction between the colonists and local Aboriginal people and how these interactions influenced settlement patterns.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The Bundian Way is rare as it has the best preserved cultural landscape setting of the ancient east west routes of south eastern Australia. The ancient route traverses lands that have changed comparatively little since the early 19th century: many other routes have since become highways or pass through areas which have been subject to substantial change. The Way is unusual in that it has been surveyed along its full length and verified by physical evidence in the form of archaeology, food resources and markings on trees; further verification has been undertaken by cross-referencing with diaries and journals of early white settlers and explorers.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The Bundian Way is an excellent example of the influence that Aboriginal knowledge of "Country" had upon the expansion of settlement in the colony. It is a fine example of one of the routes and pathways that were utilised throughout New South Wales and Australia by Aboriginal people over thousands of years.
Integrity/Intactness:	The cultural landscape setting of the Bundian Way is highly intact.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Consult with owner and/or community
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) Bundian Way Summit Mount Kosciuszko to Fisheries Beach, Eden SHR No. 1906 I, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales, in pursuance of section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW), do, by this my order, grant an exemption from section 57(1) of that Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of any activities described in Schedule "C" by the [owner, mortgagee or lessee of the land] described in Schedule "B" on the item described in Schedule "A". The Hon Robyn Parker, MP. Minister for Heritage Sydney, 20th Day of December, 2012 SCHEDULE "A" The item known as the Bundian Way, situated on the land described in Schedule "B". SCHEDULE "B" All those pieces or parcels of land known as a 265km route following fire trails, tracks, roads and road reserves with a continuous width of 20 metres located in Parish of Tumbarumba, County of Selwyn; Parish of Towamba, County of Auckland; Parish of Hayden, County of Wellesley; Parish of Corrowong, County of Wellesley; Parish of Nungatta, County of Auckland; and Parish of Kiah, County of Auckland and shown on the plan catalogued HC 2551 in the office of the Heritage Council of New South Wales. SCHEDULE "C" The following activities do not require approval under 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 providing they do not impact the significant fabric or cultural landscapes of the Bundian Way. Some examples of significant fabric include Aboriginal objects, trees with historic surveyor's marks, culturally significant trees and campsites, historic settler's fences and middens. An example of a cultural landscape includes Mountaintop (Bondi Springs) which has significant food plant concentrations such as the yam garden. Exempt activities are as follows: 1.Cultural practices by Aboriginal people associated with the significance of the Bundian Way and the sharing of these practices with others. For example the controlled demonstration of food harvesting on guided tours. 2.Fire management activities specified in a Bush Fire Risk Management Plan prepared under the Rural Fires Act 1997. 3.Specified Forestry Activities carried out on State Forest with approved Operation Plans under the Integrated Forest Operations Approval (IFOA) for Eden Region. a.Timber felling, b.Construction and operation of log dumps, c.Construction and operation of snig tracks, d.Road construction, e.Road re-opening, f.Commercial collection of firewood, g.Bush fire hazard reduction work, slashing or chemical control in accordance with the Rural Fires Act 1997. h.Grazing activities. 4.Forestry activity and operations under the Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 and the Plantations and Reafforestation Regulation 2001 including the following: a.Roadside vegetation control including manual, mechanical and chemical treatment of non-culturally significant vegetation; b.Establishment of plantations within State Forests and the management and tending of plantations; c.Harvesting within State Forest where it includes extraction, loading and hauling from road verges and landings; d.Fire management activities such as bushfire planning, mitigation and control. 5.Maintenance of existing roads, fire and other trails and tracks, including sub-grade, pavement and drainage works. 6.Sealing of the existing unsealed (Eden to) Towamba Road between the Princes Highway and Towamba. 7.Vegetation management to maintain sight lines on existing roads and along easements of utilities such as powerlines and pipelines. 8.Maintenance and upgrading of existing bridge structures. 9.Use of existing road maintenance gravel pits. 10.Signage associated with the use of the road and management of public land including Travelling Stock Reserves, Crown reserves and Crown roads, Commons and Showgrounds. 11.Maintenance of existing utilities and other similar services (such as above or below ground telecommunications, electrical infrastructure, water or sewerage pipelines). 12.Maintenance and upgrading of existing visitor facilities (such as picnic areas). 13.Maintenance and upgrading of existing infrastructure including the following: a.water storage tanks, b.fences, and c.erosion control or soil conservation works (such as contour banks). 14.The grazing and movement of animals. 15.The removal of isolated, dead or dying vegetation. 16.Environmental rehabilitation work including temporary silt fencing, tree planting, bush regeneration and weed removal and rubbish removal. 17.Pest control management and removal of weeds.	Jan 18 2013
CMP-Comment	Conservation Plan submitted for comment	Proposed horse riding in wilderness amendments (2018) to plans of management for: Far South Coast Escarpment Parks, Kosciuszko National Park and Mummel Gulf National Park and State Conservation Area		Aug 3 2018
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01906	18 Jan 13	3	121 & 122

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written			Bundian Way Survey Report
Written	Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council		The Bundian Way (website)	View detail
Written	G.A.Robinson; Ian D.Clark (Editor)	2000	The Journals of G.A.Robinson 1844-45, Vol.4
Written	John Blay	2015	On Track: Searching out the Bundian Way
Written	John Blay and Eden Aboriginal Land Council	2011	Report on a Survey of The Bundian Way 2010-2011
Written	Southern Rivers Catchment Management Trust	2013	Southern Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2013-2023
Written	The Bundian Advisory Committee	2014	Bundian Way Master Plan 2014-2017 - An Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council tourism project
Written	The Monaro Post (unattributed)	2022	Bundian Way bulldozed	View detail
Written	unsourced article in 'The Bombala Times', 16/1/13	2013	Bundian Way Committee recognised

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5060185
File number:	EF12/1971

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