The Down Low – Bundanoon

Interview

In our interview series, the Down Low, it’s been a bit tricky sourcing info on some of the smaller villages. What does one say about Burrawang for example with its four shops? We were thinking Bundanoon would be similarly challenging. We have a Twitter relationship with ex-Highlander Ben Morgan. And since he still raves about Bundanoon, despite having lived in Sydney for some time, we thought he might have some hidden gems to share. How right we were! Here is our interview with Ben Morgan.

SOHI: Can you tell me some background info about you?
BEN: I pretty much spent the first 20 years of my life in and around Bundanoon, but due to its lack of tertiary education (a problem that really should be remedied) I chose to head to Wollongong University where I studied Journalism and Creative Writing. After graduating I got my current job as Online Editor at Indesign Publishing in Surry Hills, and I’ve been here for 2 years developing amazing contacts within the design field and meeting some of the most talented individuals our world has to offer – a true privilege.
If you asked me to name my greatest passions, they would be food, friends and design.

What’s your history with Bundanoon and how often do you now visit?
I arrived in Bundanoon as a bub when my parents left the rat race (Roseville on the North Shore). If you ask me, the best decision they ever made, if you ask my older sister (10 years my senior), it was an horrific experience!
I have a deep attachment to Bundanoon – it’s a town with a lovely character and I know all those little corners that tourists never seem to find. I don’t get back nearly as often as I should, even though my parents (Ann and Dave) still live there in a beautiful rammed-earth house 10 minutes walk from “the shops”. I probably get back 6-8 times a year.

Are you willing to tell us Bundanoon’s best-kept secret?
Well… I might have to keep the best-kept secret pretty secret, but its second-best-kept secret would be the Hamburgers and potato scallops at the Primula Café. They’re not at all gourmet, they can sometimes be a little greasy, but I’ve never found anything quite like them (look, it’s probably a fair dollop of nostalgia here, so don’t let this sway your opinion of my ability to make sound culinary judgments).

What’s your favourite restaurant/cafe/food store in Bundanoon and why?
In saying the above, the best food, without a doubt, in the whole of Bundanoon is made by my Mum, Ann Morgan (Guilty Cakes and Catering 4883 6857). But there’s also a fantastic guesthouse called Idle-a-Wile, which does amazing dinners – like being invited into someone’s home.

What’s your favourite free activity in Bundanoon?
No contest on this one – bushwalking. There’s everything from ‘meandering’ to ‘hardcore bush-bashing’ tracks. My favourite would have to be Erith Coalmine – amazing on a hot summer’s day to cool off under the waterfall.

What is your favourite purchase from Bundanoon?
My Bundy on Tap Camelbak water bottle. (image above) I use it every day and it reminds me that Bundanoon is so passionate about so many things (for those of you who don’t know, Bundanoon was the first town in the world to ban still bottled water).

What is your poison and where do you buy it locally?
Well… my poison is definitely food. But in particular, I love the Pear and Almond upside-down cake from the Bicycle Shop Café, and the new Pizza Shop is a welcome addition to Bundy’s limited culinary offering (no offence Primula… Pub… Club… Chinese Restaurant!)
Also, while I’m at it, there are a number of very talented and amazing people in Bundanoon, including artist Harry Pidgeon and author David Foster lives there too!

Thanks Ben! Though it’s only the next village along from SOHI HQ, we’re ashamed to say we didn’t know about 90% of the things Ben had to say about the place. The next time we go to the village markets, we will be taking some quite serious detours.