A 1.8km story walk has been created in Eden, on the Sapphire Coast of NSW, that tells Indigenous and colonial stories about the ancient route to the High Country.

The Story Trail features eight stories, told through large signs placed along the trail. The stories are in first person and were researched and crafted by Les Kosez, the chair of the Bundian Way Advisory Committee.

‘We were given an opportunity to bring the most compelling stories of the Bundian Way to life…themes include hunting with dolphins, living through the ice age and the relationships between Aboriginal people and European settlers.’

Bundian Way Story Trail, signage, eden, sapphire coast tourism

Momentum is building for the complete 365km Bundian Way but it’s not currently open as a connected track for hikers. The route is an ancient pathway that stretches all the way to Mt Kosciuszko (Targanal) and was used by Indigenous Australians from Yuin, Ngarigo, Jaitmathang and Bidawal Country to move between the mountains and the sea. The route was then used by early settlers as a stock route.

In 2013 the NSW Government gave the route Heritage listing but more work is needed for the dream of an official trail to be realised. However a Bundian Way Art Gallery has recently opened in the Snowy-Monaro town of Delegate, and Les has more projects in the works.

So if you’re in Eden, have a stroll down the Story Trail, take in the coastal views of Twofold Bay (Turemulerrer) and read the stories. With any luck, one day you’ll be able to hike all the way to Kosi.

Photos via Sapphire Coast Tourism