Did you know Kangaroo Valley is home to Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge? Built in 1898, the historic Hampden Bridge with its grand sandstone towers stands as a testament to the valley’s rich heritage. Nestled between the Southern Highlands and South Coast of NSW, this picturesque valley offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm that makes it an ideal escape from city life.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Located approximately 150 kilometers south of Sydney, Kangaroo Valley is easily accessible by car. The drive takes about 2 hours via the most direct route through Mittagong, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or even an eventful day trip from Sydney.
For those coming from Canberra, the drive is also about 2 hours, offering equally scenic routes. If you prefer a more picturesque journey from Sydney, consider taking the coastal route via the Sea Cliff Bridge, continuing through Kiama and Berry. This alternative path takes around 3 hours but rewards you with stunning ocean views along the way.
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Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Kangaroo Valley enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, each offering a unique experience. Summer (December to February) brings warm days perfect for kayaking and swimming, while autumn (March to May) paints the valley in golden hues and offers comfortable temperatures for hiking.
Winter (June to August) can be chilly with morning mists creating a magical atmosphere across the valley floor. This is the perfect time to spot wombats and enjoy cozy stays by the fireplace. Spring (September to November) brings wildflowers and increased wildlife activity, making it ideal for nature lovers.
Local Tip: If you’re visiting during school holidays or long weekends, book accommodations well in advance as this popular destination fills up quickly. The valley is particularly beautiful in early morning when mist often blankets the landscape.
Getting Around Locally
Having your own vehicle is essential for exploring Kangaroo Valley and its surroundings effectively. The area’s attractions are spread out across the valley and into neighboring national parks, making a car the most practical option for visitors.
For those looking to explore the Kangaroo River, kayak and canoe rentals are readily available in the village. Cycling is another popular option for experiencing the valley, with several scenic routes available for different fitness levels, including the Valley Floor ride (16km) and Upper Kangaroo Valley Road (24km).
Where to Stay
Kangaroo Valley offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget. From luxury spa retreats to cozy cottages and campgrounds, you’ll find something to enhance your valley experience.
Luxury Retreats
For those seeking indulgence, properties like Barranca offer private villas framed by bush in picturesque settings. These high-end accommodations typically feature spa facilities, gourmet kitchens, and stunning valley views.
Farm Stays & Cottages
Experience authentic country living at one of the many farm stays or rent a self-contained cottage. The Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Retreat offers cottages with stunning views, while The Dolls House B&B provides a charming cottage experience within walking distance of the village.
Camping & Caravans
For nature lovers, Bendeela Recreation Area offers free camping along the Kangaroo River with the bonus of abundant wildlife, particularly wombats. Holiday Haven Caravan Park provides cabins nestled by the river near the historic Hampden Bridge.
Find Your Perfect Stay in Kangaroo Valley
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Dining & Local Cuisine
Kangaroo Valley’s food scene celebrates local produce and country hospitality. The village center offers several delightful options for visitors looking to sample regional flavors.
Village Eateries
The General Cafe is perfect for breakfast and lunch, serving wholesome meals made from local produce. For a traditional pub experience, The Friendly Inn Hotel offers classic Australian fare in a historic setting dating back to 1870.
Kangaroo Valley is famous for its pies – the Kangaroo Valley Pie Shop claims to make “the world’s best pies,” a bold statement worth testing! The Kangaroo Valley Bakehouse is another local favorite for freshly baked treats.
Sweet Treats & Local Produce
For dessert enthusiasts, Kangaroo Valley Fudge House and Ice Creamery offers an impressive selection of handmade fudge, ice cream, and chilli sauces. Sweet As Kangaroo Valley is another spot for locally-made fudge and traditional lollies.
Wine lovers should take the short drive to Upper Kangaroo River to visit Yarrawa Estate for wine tasting and cheese platters. The cellar door is open on weekends and public holidays, offering the chance to sample everything from chardonnay to shiraz, along with locally produced fruit, nuts, and oils.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Kangaroo Valley offers a wealth of attractions that showcase its natural beauty and historical significance. From iconic landmarks to scenic lookouts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Hampden Bridge
No visit to Kangaroo Valley is complete without seeing the historic Hampden Bridge. This grand Victorian suspension bridge with medieval-style towers is Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge. The bridge’s impressive architecture stands in striking contrast to its rural surroundings, making it a popular photography spot.
Pioneer Village Museum
Located across the road from Hampden Bridge, the Pioneer Village Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the valley’s past. Set on one hectare of farmland, the museum recreates life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with authentic buildings including a dairy, schoolhouse, settler’s house, and forge.
The museum grounds also feature bushland walks where you can spot local birdlife. BBQ facilities and picnic tables make it a great spot for a family day out.
Kangaroo Valley Village
The charming main street of Kangaroo Valley is worth exploring at a leisurely pace. Dating back to 1870, it features tea rooms, craft shops, and heritage buildings. Browse the quirky shops, sample local produce, or simply enjoy the relaxed country atmosphere of this picturesque village.
Explore Kangaroo Valley’s Best Attractions
Discover guided tours and activities to make the most of your visit:
Waterfalls & Lookouts
Kangaroo Valley is surrounded by some of the most impressive waterfalls and lookouts in New South Wales. These natural attractions showcase the dramatic landscape of the region and are among the most popular things to do in Kangaroo Valley.
Fitzroy Falls
Located in Morton National Park about 20 minutes from Kangaroo Valley, Fitzroy Falls features a spectacular 81-meter waterfall. The West Rim Track (3.5km return) takes you past five waterfalls and lookouts, offering breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding landscape. For wildlife enthusiasts, this is also a great spot to see lyrebirds if you arrive early.
Belmore Falls
Another gem in Morton National Park, Belmore Falls features a spectacular double drop with a combined height of about 130 meters. The lookout is easily accessible by car, offering stunning views of the falls and valley below. A short trail along the edge of the escarpment takes you to additional viewpoints. Despite its beauty, Belmore Falls doesn’t get as crowded as other attractions in the area.
Cambewarra Mountain Lookout
Perched 650 meters above sea level, Cambewarra Mountain Lookout offers one of the longest panoramas in Australia, stretching 146 kilometers across the South Coast region. The lookout features The Lookout Cambewarra Mountain restaurant and cafe, perfect for lunch with a view. Bird feeders on the restaurant’s patio attract colorful native birds including King parrots and Crimson rosellas.
Outdoor Adventures
Kangaroo Valley’s pristine natural environment provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. From water sports to hiking, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the valley’s beauty.
Kayaking & Canoeing
One of the most popular things to do in Kangaroo Valley is paddling the Kangaroo River. Several operators including Kangaroo Valley Safaris and Kangaroo Valley Kayaks offer equipment rentals and guided tours. The most popular route starts at Hampden Bridge and continues to Bendeela Recreation Area, a journey of about two hours through beautiful scenery with opportunities to spot water dragons and birdlife along the riverbanks.
Bushwalking
The area surrounding Kangaroo Valley offers numerous walking trails for all fitness levels. The Three Views Walking Track in Morton National Park (up to 9.5km return) takes you to three cliff-edge lookouts with sweeping views of Lake Yarrunga, Tallowa Dam, and the Shoalhaven River. For a shorter option, the 570-meter loop to Carrington Falls offers spectacular views with minimal effort.
More adventurous hikers might enjoy the Drawing Room Rocks walk (4.5km return) in Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, where wind and rain have eroded the sandstone cliff top into surreal table and chair formations.
Golf
The Kangaroo Valley Golf and Country Retreat offers an 18-hole course set against the backdrop of the valley’s escarpment. The course features undulating fairways and water hazards, with kangaroos often seen grazing nearby. The retreat also offers accommodation and dining options for those wanting to extend their golfing experience.
Wildlife Encounters
Kangaroo Valley is a haven for Australian wildlife, offering visitors numerous opportunities to observe native animals in their natural habitat.
Wombats at Bendeela
Bendeela Recreation Area is famous for its wombat population. As dusk approaches, these charming marsupials emerge from their burrows to graze on the grassy areas. The site is so popular with wombats that visitors need to watch their step to avoid the numerous burrows dotting the landscape. Early morning and evening are the best times to see these iconic Australian animals.
Kangaroos
Despite their declining numbers since the valley was named, Eastern grey kangaroos can still be spotted in several locations. Bendeela Recreation Area offers opportunities to see kangaroos browsing among the wombats in the evening. The Kangaroo Valley Golf Course is another reliable spot to observe these iconic marsupials, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
Birdwatching
The diverse habitats of Kangaroo Valley support a rich variety of birdlife. Cambewarra Mountain Lookout is excellent for spotting colorful parrots, while Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is ideal for seeing lyrebirds. The little-known birdwatching walk behind Pioneer Village Museum offers the chance to spot up to 55 different bird species in a short 30-minute trail.
Wildlife Viewing Tip: Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot most Australian wildlife. Move slowly, keep noise to a minimum, and maintain a respectful distance from all animals. Never feed wildlife as human food can be harmful to their health.
Practical Travel Tips
Make the most of your Kangaroo Valley adventure with these helpful tips from locals and frequent visitors.
Ready for Your Kangaroo Valley Adventure?
From paddling down the pristine Kangaroo River to exploring magnificent waterfalls, spotting native wildlife, and savoring local cuisine, Kangaroo Valley offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and country charm. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this hidden gem just two hours from Sydney promises an unforgettable escape from city life.
The valley’s unique combination of dramatic escarpment walls, lush farmland, and historic village creates a magical setting that changes with each season. So pack your sense of adventure and prepare to be enchanted by one of New South Wales’ most picturesque destinations.
Start Planning Your Kangaroo Valley Getaway
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