Kangaroo Valley

Nestled between the sandstone escarpments of Morton National Park, Kangaroo Valley feels like a secret garden of the New South Wales south coast. This lush, pastoral valley is a blissful escape from the coastal crowds, offering a mix of heritage villages, bushwalking, and river paddling that appeals to couples, families, and nature lovers alike. With its historic Hampden Bridge, rolling dairy farms, and the winding Kangaroo River, the valley invites you to slow down and breathe in the eucalyptus-scented air.

Highlights & What to See

• Hampden Bridge – Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge, built in 1898, is a photogenic gateway to the valley and a perfect spot for a riverside picnic.
• Kangaroo River – Hire a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from the Kangaroo Valley Canoe Company and drift past towering cliffs and grazing cattle; the water is calm enough for beginners.
• Fitzroy Falls – A short drive into Morton National Park, this dramatic 81-metre waterfall plunges into a rainforest gorge; the wheelchair-accessible lookout offers sweeping views across to the coast.
• Pioneer Museum Park – Step back in time at this open-air museum with a collection of historic buildings, vintage farm machinery, and a working blacksmith’s forge, all set in a tranquil bushland setting.
• Bendeela Recreation Area – A popular camping and picnic spot along the river, known for its resident wombats that emerge at dusk – bring a torch and camera for a classic Aussie wildlife encounter.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find that one full day is enough to soak up the valley’s main sights – paddle the river, explore the village, and visit Fitzroy Falls. However, to truly unwind and enjoy walks like the Kangaroo River walking track or a longer bushwalk in Morton National Park, plan for two days and stay overnight in a cosy cabin or B&B. A weekend allows time for both adventure and relaxation.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Berry – A charming historic town with a thriving food scene, boutique shopping, and the famous Berry Donut Van; just 20 minutes east.
• Shoalhaven Coast – Pristine beaches like Seven Mile Beach and Hyams Beach (said to have the whitest sand in the world) are a 30-minute drive east via the scenic Jamberoo Road.
• Morton National Park – Extend your bushwalking with trails to the Belmore Falls or the Bundanoon area, known for its glow-worm tunnels and spectacular sandstone lookouts.
• Kiama – Head north to see the famous Kiama Blowhole, the historic lighthouse, and the pretty seaside town with its farmers markets and cafes.
• Jamberoo – A small village with a historic pub, the Jamberoo Mountain Road (a scenic drive), and the popular Jamberoo Action Park water theme park.

Please check official sources for current details.