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Hidden between rainforest-clad escarpments and rolling dairy country, Kangaroo Valley is the kind of place Sydneysiders daydream about on a Wednesday afternoon when the buzz of the city starts to grind. It’s lush, quietly dramatic and blissfully old-school, with misty mornings, heritage bridges and enough bougie food options to keep city-dwelling weekenders happy. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wine-fuelled lunches, or a reset button, this magical little village is worthy of a place on your getaway hit list.
Where is Kangaroo Valley?
Kangaroo Valley sits in the NSW Southern Highlands, about 160 kilometres south of Sydney, resting in a valley between Nowra on the South Coast and the Highlands towns of Bowral and Moss Vale. It’s famously hemmed in by steep escarpments, which makes the drive in feel like you’re slipping into a secret world.
What are the best things to see in Kangaroo Valley?
Start with Hampden Bridge, Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge (and the most photographed icon in the village). Nature lovers should make a beeline for Belmore Falls, Carrington Falls and Fitzroy Falls in nearby Morton National Park, especially after rain when they’re thundering. The green paddocks and misty hills around the village call for long, meandering walks and long alfresco lunches (Kangaroo Valley General Store has you covered on the picnic front). If you’re craving an ocean fix, the beaches of Shoalhaven are within easy reach.
What are the best things to do in Kangaroo Valley?
If you’re feeling active, kayaking the Kangaroo River is a must – calm, scenic and beginner-friendly (we’d recommend booking a guided ’yak with Kangaroo Valley Adventure Co). There’s also bushwalking galore, from rainforest trails to escarpment lookouts, plus cycling trails and horse riding lessons along quiet tracks through the hills. If you prefer to spend your weekend with a glass in hand, we’d suggest booking a tasting at one of the wineries in the area, or settling in for a fireside pub session (The Friendly Inn in the centre of the village is a top notch country pub).
Where are the best places to eat in Kangaroo Valley?
As mentioned above, The Friendly Inn is a local institution, serving hearty pub classics and old-school Aussie charm. Southern Pies is legendary for good reason, and Kangaroo Valley General Store is always bustling – part deli, part cafe with a wholesome, hearty menu of brunch-style faves.
Where are the best places to stay in Kangaroo Valley?
Sitting quietly below a spectacular sandstone escarpment on a 1,000 acre property just outside of town, you’ll find Barranca Kangaroo Valley – a luxe farmstay that’s home to a handful of architecturally stunning villas with wildly beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. This is the kind of place you come for luxe, indulgent, farmer-for-a-day escapism – help feed the animals as the sun rises over the hills, then settle back into your villa with a pot of coffee and a breakfast hamper stacked with organic local goodies. If you’re travelling on a smaller budget, there’s a magical riverside campsite just downstream from the village, a few Airbnbs dotted around the area, and a gorgeous off-grid cabin waiting between the trees.
How do you get to Kangaroo Valley?
The village is around two and a half hours south of Sydney, with most travellers taking the Princes Highway toward Nowra before peeling off and descending into the valley via the famously steep (and very scenic) Kangaroo Valley Road – go slow, wind the windows down and enjoy the drama. Public transport technically exists via train to Moss Vale and a connecting bus, but if you want to explore waterfalls, wineries and back roads without clock-watching, driving is very much the move.
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