17 of the best places to stay in the Kangaroo Valley

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Here is the ultimate guide to accommodation in the Kangaroo Valley to suit a diverse range of tastes and budgets.

The best Kangaroo Valley accommodation is designed with the destination in mind. Be it a boutique hotel or a winery that will allow for a fabulous foodie weekend, here is our guide to the best places to stay in the Kangaroo Valley that will keep you ensconced in the NSW countryside.

1. Braebrook

Home cooks will find themselves filled with genuine inspiration in the kitchen at Kangaroo Valley Luxury Farmhouse Braebrook . The kitchen in the charming original weatherboard cottage has a sunny nook for breakfast, and spills out into a dining area and wraparound deck.

the classic living room interior of Braebrook, Kangaroo Valley
Braebrook is exudes rustic chic beauty.

The interiors are like a work of art that makes every moment feel special. Sit outside and admire a magnolia tree said to be Australia’s oldest. Lounge, limbs askew, on the day bed and stroll around the manicured gardens plotting your permanent escape to the country. The house accommodates nine people, and has a gas-burning stove, a large outdoor area and a barbecue.

the dining area at Braebrook, Kangaroo Valley
The dining room even evokes a rustic yet sophisticated appeal.

Best for: Staying put in an idyllic and tranquil setting.
Address: 5 Battys Road, Upper Kangaroo River

2. Wildes Boutique Hotel

It’s Wildes by name, and Wildes by nature. This dreamy 23-room boutique is a cosy little nest in the actual village of Kangaroo Valley (population 850), in the heart of the Southern Highlands.

the property exterior of Wildes Boutique Hotel
Wildes Boutique Hotel is made of sandstone.

Built around a main sandstone building, the Wildes Boutique Hotel nods to the natural beauty that surrounds it. The pooch-friendly hotel has a pool, which is a pleasant spot to relax on a sunny afternoon and a dedicated dining room.

There are also a range of versatile function spaces for families and friends celebrating a special occasion.

an outdoor pool with a yellow umbrella on the side at Wildes Boutique Hotel
Relax by the pool in the afternoons.

Best for: Those who want a romantic weekend away in Kangaroo Valley.
Address: 152 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

3. Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Retreat

It’s by design that golf courses are usually found in stunning locations. And if you are looking to book accommodation in Kangaroo Valley with a golf course then the Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Retreat should be top of mind.

the golf course area at KV Golf & Country Retreat
The spacious golf course offers picturesque Kangaroo Valley views.

Choose between one-and two-bedroom cabins and villas, a two- or three-bedroom Deluxe Villa or a state-of-the-art two- or three-bedroom Superior Deluxe Villa. Walking around the carpeted hillocks with the towering escarpments all around is undeniably beautiful.

the dining and kitchen at Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Retreat
Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Retreat can make a perfect home base.

Best for: A golfing holiday with great views across Kangaroo Valley.
Address: 391 Mt Scanzi Rd, Kangaroo Valley

4. Barranca

Barranca is all about the elements. Located at the edge of an escarpment, bathed in a honeyed light in the early afternoon, the four architecturally designed villas are peppered around a private 404-hectare property in the picturesque Kangaroo Valley.

a top view of people gathering outside Barranca in Kangaroo Valley
Barranca blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors. (Image: Somethingswild_creative)

The aesthetically rich villas are made from a mosaic of native Australian timbers and upcycled sandstone and provide the perfect place to kick back after a day hiking to nearby Fitzroy Falls or exploring the rolling farmland. Nobody ever stumbles across this Kangaroo Valley accommodation, which makes it feel like a secluded oasis.

a woman taking a shower outdoors at Barranca
Bathe in peace and solitude at Barranca. (Image: Somethingswild_creative)

Best for: Dashing off to explore the countryside and then retreating to your villa.

Address: 408 Bunkers Hill Road, Kangaroo Valley

5. Black Star

Black Star is the kind of place that inspires guests to sit back and breathe deeply. The luxury accommodation in the Kangaroo Valley is framed by a backdrop of the rugged ridges of the Barrengarry Mountain. And a stay here provides a taste of what it must be like to engineer a treechange.

the elegant interior of Black Star, Kangaroo Valley
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the views.

The accommodation is a contemporary take on a traditional barn with soaring ceilings and windows for walls that frame the views of the valley below and the mountain beyond.

The idea of the luxury dwelling, which sits on two hectares, is to choose your own adventure according to the seasons. Sit by the log fire in winter or swan around by the pool over summer.

an outdoor pool with valley views at Black Star, Kangaroo Valley
Soak up scenic valley views from the pool.

Best for: Entertaining friends in the chef’s kitchen.
Address: Paddington Lane, Kangaroo Valley.

6. Holiday Haven

There are beds of tended gardens filled with native flora and a large rampage of forest all around for those who want to fully enjoy the local foliage in Kangaroo Valley. Holiday Haven attracts a steady flow of visitors who are not inclined to rush off elsewhere; it’s here in the green folds of the valley they want to be.

the cabin exterior of Holiday Haven, Kangaroo Valley
Holiday Haven is equipped with creature comforts.

The staff are sociable and friendly, and the accommodation is diverse enough to suit a range of visitors and budgets. You will find couples strolling in solitude. Extended families taking advantage of the BBQ facilities. And adventurous teens paddling up and down the nearby Kangaroo River. Holiday Haven is one of the best spots for camping in the Kangaroo Valley, too.

an old couple standing by the river bank at Holiday Haven, Kangaroo Valley
Disconnect and reconnect with nature at Holiday Haven.

Best for: Families who appreciate having affordable, comfortable cabins near a playground.
Address: 5 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

7. Amaroo Valley Springs

Accessing wilderness walks from the front door of your villa at Amaroo Valley Springs is one of the greatest luxuries of a stay at the Kangaroo Valley accommodation. Follow the, ahem, udderly cute cow-shaped signs to this five-star adults-only retreat sitting pretty on 64 hectares of farmland.

the scenic Kangaroo Valley views from Amaroo Valley Springs
Revel in spectacular views at Amaroo Valley Springs.

All up, there are three boutique villas that sleep four adults and look to nature for ideas, forms and materials that enhance the living environment. The villas are both farm stay and luxury retreat in equal parts.

an outdoor tub at Amaroo Valley Springs, Kangaroo Valley
Dip in the outdoor tub while admiring the nature.

Best for: Birdwatchers who will appreciate spotting lyrebirds, owls, eagles, parrots and swallows.
Address: 260 Bunkers Hill Road, Kangaroo Valley

8. Crystal Creek Meadows

Hardcore #cottagecore fans will love the four luxury Kangaroo Valley cottages at Crystal Creek Meadows , which feel like you’ve stepped into a Country Style shoot. The elegant cottages have well-placed lamps for reading. Sofas to sink into. Log fires. Country-chic kitchens. And lavender-scented gardens to look out onto. Forget digital fun. Think board games, charades and apples in the orchard.  The cottages are an essay on subtle hues so as not to compete with the colour from the curtains of greenery all around.

Best for: Conscious travellers who appreciate the Advanced Ecotourism Certified rating.
Address: 1655 Kangaroo Valley Road

9. Aframe Kangaroo Valley

Soaking in a hot tub under a vast ceiling of stars is a vibe. And it’s one that screams ‘take me to the country or lose me forever’. This romantic retreat manages to nurture the nostalgia of the 1970s Aframe with furniture that retains some of the textures of the surrounding forest.

the cabin exterior of Aframe Kangaroo Valley
The cosy Aframe Kangaroo Valley cabin is nestled in nature. (Image: Hayley Rafton)

The Ben Gray Architect-designed retreat was constructed from telegraph poles that once lined a suburban Sydney street. The seven-metre tall windows on the north side of the house face the escarpment and have the wow factor of waterfall views.

Aframe interiors in the Kangaroo Valley
This romantic retreat manages to nurture nostalgia. (Image: Janneke Storm)

Best for: Engaging the senses both indoors and outdoors. And, hands down, hanging in the hot tub.
Address: Barrengarry

10. Sky Ridge

Sky Ridge is part of the carefully curated collection of homes managed by Kangaroo Valley Escapes. It’s just the place to perch and feel pampered while on a road trip to the NSW wilderness. The two-storey black barn is a marvel of steel, glass and polished concrete with elevated views over the rumpled folds of the valley.

the living room interior of Sky Ridge, Kangaroo Valley
Sky Ridge features an industrial chic aesthetic.

Wildlife at the property is abundant with echidnas, birds, possums, kangaroos, wallabies and wombats all likely to make cameos during your stay. Architect Alexander Michael designed the off-grid home, which sleeps eight, on the slopes of Mt Scanzi, and it abuts a pocket of pristine bushland.

a bonfire setup with nature views at Sky Ridge, Kangaroo Valley
Spend laid-back afternoons by the fire at Sky Ridge.

Best for: Those dedicated to doing a digital detox in the country.
Address: 679a Mt Scanzi Rd, Kangaroo Valley.

11. Scribbles Cottage

Who doesn’t love a bit of #cottagecore? The aesthetic that celebrates simple living is so popular it was one of the Macquarie Dictionary’s words of the year in 2020. Despite being in the heart of Kangaroo Valley village, the cute-as Scribbles Cottage is whisper quiet and smells of expensive scents and candles.

setting up a bonfire outside Scribbles Cottage
Get toasty warm by the fire pit.

Curl up near the log fire while listening to the soundtrack of the Kangaroo River rushing past.  Or Channel Donna Hay and pull together a grazing table to enjoy on the large deck which boasts beautiful river views. The light-filled renovated original settler’s cottage is just a short hop away from the iconic Hampden Bridge.

a woman dipping in the tub while reading a book
Curl up in the tub with a book in hand.

Best for: Group getaways for those who like to entertain.
Address: 15 Cullen Crescent, Kangaroo Valley

12. The Dairy at Broger’s End

You might expect Kevin McCloud, the host of Grand Designs, to round the corner and start narrating the back story of these renovated milking sheds, which have been transformed into luxury accommodation using reclaimed and recycled materials.

the property exterior of The Dairy, Kangaroo Valley
Lavender-purple wisteria beautifully blooms outside The Dairy at Broger’s End.

Insta-braggers should definitely film the moment when you fling open the French doors to the al fresco dining area, which is covered by pretty clusters of lavender-purple wisteria.

The Dairy at Broger’s End , which was one of the OG dairy milking sheds in the Upper Kangaroo River, sleeps up to four people and includes a fireplace, outdoor bathtub and well-appointed kitchen. Complete the country experience by collecting free range eggs from the chickens for breakfast.

a traditional water pump with sink outside The Dairy at Broger’s End
Maximise your country experience with a relaxing bath.

Best for: Families who want to experience life on a working farm with cows and chickens.
Address: 4 Battys Road, Upper Kangaroo Valley

13. Robinson’s Run

Planning to elope in Kangaroo Valley with 10 of your closest friends in tow? You will have the run of Robinson’s Run when you book out this contemporary country manor for the weekend. Located on a crook of a creek that runs through the property, Robinson’s Run is an ode to the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that is so suited to the Australian climate.

the exterior property view of Robinson’s Run
Robinson’s Run is an Instagrammable spot to cosy up for the weekend.

The different living areas all open up to the elements, making for a stay that is so Instagrammable that it has its own hashtag. Deploy #robinsonsrunkv when you’re bunkered down in this luxury holiday accommodation in Budgong, Kangaroo Valley.

scenic views from the property interior of Robinson’s Run
Seek solitude, privacy and wellness at this ultra-stylish abode.

Best for: Keen walkers who want to explore the trails that follow the course of the creeks on the property.
Address: 165 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

14. Lake David Luxury Lake House

Planning a 50th birthday party? You will have room for your entire entourage to stay when you book the luxury Lake David Luxury Lake House , which looks out over Lake Yurrunga. The 16-hectare finger of land is just 20 minutes outside of the village of Kangaroo Valley.

the pool area at Lake David Luxury Lake House
Luxuriate by the pool at Lake David Luxury Lake House.

Call Henry Clive Caravan Bar to get the party started while you take advantage of the fully equipped country kitchen for inspiration. The property, which is about two and a half hours from both Sydney and Canberra, has a full-sized tennis court, heated pool, eight-person jacuzzi, spa, sauna and games room.

the bedroom with a views at Lake David Luxury Lake House
Lake David Luxury Lake House oozes countryside charm.

Best for: Lovers of nature: the real star of the show here is the glistening lake and towering escarpment.

Address: 903B Jacks Corner Road, Kangaroo Valley

15. Budderoo Guesthouse @ Terrewah Farm

Kangaroo Valley is a paradise for foodies. And the owners of this working farm have created paddock-to-plate experiences that read like a love letter to the land. A stay at Terrewah Farm is all about education with everything from courses on home composting to soil testing.

the interior of Budderoo Guesthouse @ Terrewah Farm with scenic views
Check into Budderoo Guesthouse @ Terrewah Farm for great valley views.

Although there are many on-farm experiences on offer, you can also just bunker down in Budderoo House, an architecturally designed gem that has breathtaking views of the valley. Carrialoo is also located on the farm and is crisscrossed with bush trails, making it one of the best Kangaroo Valley Airbnbs.

the well-lit property exterior of Budderoo Guesthouse @ Terrewah Farm with scenic views
This sleek accommodation in Kangaroo Valley is an architecturally-designed gem.

Best for: Those who want to learn more about where their food is from.
Address: 293 Tallowa Dam Road, Kangaroo Valley

16. Cally Mill Farm

A stay at Cally Mill Farm checks a lot of boxes when it comes to weekends away in the Kangaroo Valley. The brand-new architecturally designed four-bedroom, five-bathroom home sits on a 20-hectare parcel of land that is oriented toward those valley views. This isn’t a run-of-the-mill farm stay.

the property exterior of Cally Mill Farm, Kangaroo Valley
Cally Mill Farm is exceptionally positioned in a scenic location within the valley.

The luxury retreat has a central living area with vaulted ceilings and a master bedroom with its own wing that even has its own private outdoor bathtub. A getaway to this luxury farm stay in the Kangaroo Valley ensures a healthy dose of fresh country air with a wealth of nearby landmarks within walking distance.

the outdoor fireplace and seating area at Cally Mill Farm, Kangaroo Valley
Sit by the outdoor fireplace for a dose of fresh country air.

Best for: Finding peace in the countryside away from the chaos of the city.
Address: 155 Tallowa Dam Rd, Kangaroo Valley

17. Kangaroo Valley Glenmack Park

Travellers can stay in a caravan, self-contained cabin or villa or camping site when they book a stay at Kangaroo Valley Glenmack Park . The campground is near the village of Kangaroo Valley, with great restaurants and cosy pubs on the doorstep.

people jumping into the pool at Glenmack Park, Kangaroo Valley
Plunge into the pool at Glenmack Park.

City slicker families will love the fact their children can pet the resident animals such as Harvey the horse, Mikey the pony and alpacas Bambi, Yoda and Chewy. The park has a resort-size swimming pool, mini golf and large children’s playground too.

guests petting farm animals at Glenmack Park, Kangaroo Valley
Say hi to the resident farm animals at Glenmack Park.

Best for: A family getaway for the weekend.
Address: 215 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

Not sure what to do in the area? Here are the best things to do in the Kangaroo Valley.
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Shellharbour Marina
Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven
Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog
Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum .  Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.  Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood.
Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Cicada Luxury Camping
Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.