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.

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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

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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.

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
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8 reasons it’s time to explore Lismore’s vibrant villages

(Image: Visit Lismore)

    Angela Saurine Angela Saurine
    Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.

    Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.

    1. Nights come to life

    Lismore's vibrant villages have Patrons enjoying a night out at Eltham Hotel.
    Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.

    2. A thriving arts and culture scene

    Racing on Molesworth Steet, Lismore for the BBCC Lismore Cycling Festival. Lismore's vibrant villages is filled with murals.
    Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.

    3. Boutique shopping

    Inside Two Ravens Antiques & Collectables in Lismore's vibrant villages.
    Uncover one-of-a-kind finds. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.

    4. Diverse food offerings

    Bartenders at the The Levee Lounge and Bar, Lismore
    Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.

    Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.

    Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.

    5. Alternative lifestyles reign

    Streetscape of Nimbin with buskers, Northern Rivers
    Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

    This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.

    6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep

    Person enjoying a walk through the rainforest in Nightcap National Park.
    Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.

    7. Boutique stays

    Contained in Nimbin Accommodation.
    Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)

    Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridge secluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.

    8. Form community connections

    Crowds enjoying the Lismore Lantern Parade on the North Coast.
    Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.

    Friday Meet and Make offers relaxed crafting at The Artisans Table, while Fire Twirling in The Quad delivers a high energy evening spectacle. The legendary Tropical Fruits New Years Eve Festival is a bold celebration of inclusion; Lismore Lantern Parade glows through streets with handmade lanterns on the winter solstice and Italian festival LisAmore! brings music and romance to the town.

    Start planning the ultimate getaway at visitlismore.com.au