Bright green paddocks, dense rainforest and the still, snaking Kangaroo River, for which the village is named after – Kangaroo Valley on the NSW South Coast truly is a delight for weekenders and holidaymakers alike, with most of them coming from Sydney or Canberra, both a cruisey, two-hour drive away. Spend your days here learning its history on a self-guided walking tour, working up a sweat on one of its many nature trails. In summer, cool off in the waterfalls Fitzroy Falls and Belmore Falls, or at one of the many local streams and rivers. At night, sit outside and admire its starry skies, or curl up indoors by a fire with a glass of red from the region. However you spend your time here, you’ll no doubt leave feeling rested and reinvigorated – and maybe even with a pie (or two) to take home.
Getting to Kangaroo Valley
The best way to get to Kangaroo Valley is to drive from Sydney or Canberra, both roughly two hours’ away. Coming from Sydney? For scenic coastal views, not to mention the option for a pit stop in the charming South Coast country town of Berry, tack on an extra 20 minutes’ drive time and opt to take the Grand Pacific Drive instead of the more direct route via the Hume Highway.
There’s something to be enjoyed in Kangaroo Valley in every season. In the winter, its moderately chilly temperatures are ideal for bushwalking, visiting nearby wineries and night-time log fires. In summer, swim, kayak or canoe in its river or streams. The weather in spring and autumn is temperate, allowing for picturesque scenes of colourful bush flowers springing to life and burnt orange and red leaves littering the ground.
Top things to do in Kangaroo Valley
There is plenty to do in Kangaroo Valley, especially if you’re a nature lover. Encompassing an area of countryside and rainforest, Kangaroo Valley takes advantage of its setting with nearly a dozen beautiful hikes and walks, most of them in Morton National Park. You can also set out on the region’s beautiful waterways via canoe or kayak.. Wander past heritage-listed sights including a post office, courthouse and war memorial. Of note is the fairytale-worthy Hampden Bridge, which opened in 1898 and is one of the few suspension bridges in the country. With so many choices for things to do in Kangaroo Valley, we’ve made it easier by rounding it all up here.
Best places to stay in Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley does have several hotels, but it’s most known for its rustic holiday homes, bed and breakfasts and farm stays. We’ve put together a list of top Kangaroo Valley accommodation as well as the prettiest Airbnb stays you need to have on your radar. Or if you’ve got an adventurous spirit, you might enjoy immersing yourself in nature in one of the many beautiful camping spots.
Best Restaurants & Pubs in Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley is the kind of place you’ll still find honesty boxes in exchange for some of the produce and baked goods you’ve ever tasted. Here, the menus are influenced by the abundance of great local produce. From quaint cafes to upscale restaurants, we’ve compiled the best places to eat in Kangaroo Valley.
Hot tip: with rich volcanic soil ideal for viticulture (grape-growing), Kangaroo Valley also produces some delicious drops. For a taste of them, visit the only winery in Kangaroo Valley proper, Yarrawa Estate Vineyard, which sees the growing of citrus, apples, macadamias, pecans and walnuts, too.
