Kangaroo Valley Travel Guide

This comprehensive travel guide to Kangaroo Valley covers everything you need to know before planning your trip including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food & drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety, getting there, and nearby destinations.


The Ultimate Guide to Kangaroo Valley Travel

Nestled in the heart of Southern Highlands in New South Wales, Kangaroo Valley offers an escape into picturesque landscapes, outdoor adventures, rich local culture, and delicious farm-to-table food. This comprehensive tour guide for Kangaroo Valley covers everything you need to know before planning your trip.

Introduction to Kangaroo Valley

With a history dating back to pre-colonial times, Kangaroo Valley is renowned for its natural beauty, agricultural heritage, and charming rustic villages. The region is enveloped by towering rainforests, exquisite waterfalls, sandstone escarpments, and scenic countryside vistas. Its 257,000 hectares of diverse landscapes are home to over 200 bird species, wallabies, wombats, kangaroos, and other exotic wildlife. Kangaroo Valley’s temperate climate offers the perfect escape year-round, with summer highs in the mid-20s and winter days hovering around 15°C.

List of Places to Visit in Kangaroo Valley

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Village Museum is the perfect starting point, showcasing a collection of over 12,000 artifacts, memorabilia, and antiques that chronicle the region’s rich history. The Hampden Bridge is a must-see, with its unique triple-arched design and picturesque views. The Saint Bernard Catholic Church, built-in 1864, is another iconic landmark worth exploring, with its quaint garden and serene ambiance.

Natural Attractions of Kangaroo Valley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Fitzroy Falls is a masterpiece of nature, a breathtaking 80-meter cascade, and one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk is a must-visit, featuring a 500-meter elevated walkway that offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding bushlands. The Buderoo National Park offers visitors a chance to explore Kangaroo Valley’s breathtaking countryside, waterfalls, and plateaus, as well as opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kangaroo Valley

The Sandstone Track starts from the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Center and leads visitors along a 10-kilometer route that takes them through towering sandstone escarpments, and the Murramarang National Park offers a 14-kilometer hike that takes visitors through a unique blend of rocky outcrops, eucalyptus forest, and pristine beaches.

Best Things to Do in Kangaroo Valley: Activities and Tours

Visitors can take a leisurely horseback ride through the valley’s tranquil countryside, sample the region’s world-renowned wines and artisanal cheeses, go canoeing or kayaking on the Kangaroo River, and enjoy exhilarating adventure activities such as 4WD tours, hot air balloon rides, and hang-gliding.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kangaroo Valley

Day Itinerary
1 Visit the Fitzroy Falls & Hampden Bridge, Museums, and Historical Places
2 Enjoy scenic drives to the coastal towns of Kiama and Jervis Bay
3 Take a horseback ride through the valley’s tranquil countryside or sample the region’s finest wine
4 Go canoeing on the Kangaroo River
5 Explore the Buderoo National Park and enjoy the scenic views
6 Enjoy some adventurous activities like 4WD tours, hot air balloon rides, or hang-gliding
7 Relax and enjoy the award-winning local cuisine over a picnic or at one of the many local eateries

Food and Drink Scene of Kangaroo Valley

Must-Try Dishes

Kangaroo Valley is renowned for its locally sourced fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and farm-to-table cuisine. The Silos Estate Winery serves up mouth-watering cheese platters, Chorizo and apple tartlets, and local wines, while the Jing Jo Cafe and Restaurant is famous for its homemade beef pies, lentil burgers, and fresh, seasonal produce from their organic garden.

Local Beverages

Kangaroo Valley’s world-renowned wines are a must-try, with over a dozen award-winning local wineries to choose from, including Yarrawa Estate, Paradise Wine, and Cedar Creek and Yarrawa Estate. Visitors can also sample local ales at the Jamberoo Pub, whisky at the Illawarra Brewery, or ginger beer at the The Treat Factory.

Where to Stay in Kangaroo Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kangaroo Valley offers an array of accommodation options ranging from luxurious villas to cozy cottages, quaint B&Bs, and affordable hostels. The Crystal Creek Meadows is a luxurious option that offers visitors private spa baths, log fires, and picturesque garden settings, while the Kangaroo Valley Glamping is perfect for those looking for a unique camping experience with all the comforts of home.

What to Buy in Kangaroo Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can bring home a piece of Kangaroo Valley with them by purchasing locally made jams, honey, olive oils, artisanal cheeses, and wooden carvings from the farmers’ markets, roadside stalls, and boutiques dotted throughout the valley.

Local Culture and Customs of Kangaroo Valley

The residents of Kangaroo Valley are a warm and welcoming community, proud of their natural heritage, and passionate about locally sourced, organic produce. Visitors are encouraged to embrace this local culture by attending seasonal markets, community events, and taking part in local food and wine tours.

Best Time to Visit Kangaroo Valley

Kangaroo Valley is a year-round destination, with visitors able to enjoy the region’s temperate climate and natural wonders in all seasons. Autumn (March-May) is a popular time to visit, with the leaves changing color in the crisp, clear air. The summer months (December-February) offer opportunities for outdoor adventures such as canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in the Kangaroo River or waterfalls.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kangaroo Valley

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment
  • Take advantage of locally sourced fresh produce and farm-to-table cuisine
  • Plan ahead for adventure activities and tours

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Disturb local wildlife
  • Disrupt the region’s peaceful ambiance

Safety and Health

Safety in Kangaroo Valley

Kangaroo Valley is a safe destination, with low crime rates and friendly, welcoming locals. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when swimming in the Kangaroo River, as the currents can be strong at certain points

Health in Kangaroo Valley

Visitors to Kangaroo Valley are advised to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses in the summer months by staying hydrated, seeking shade, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.

Getting to Kangaroo Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kangaroo Valley

  • Sydney Airport (180 km)
  • Canberra Airport (150 km)

Bus Stations Near Kangaroo Valley

  • Shoalhaven Heads Coach Stop (12 km)
  • Berry Coach Stop (25 km)

Other Options

  • Visitors can hire cars at the airport, take a taxi, or opt for organized tours or shuttle services

How to Get Around in Kangaroo Valley

Kangaroo Valley is best explored by car, with visitors able to enjoy scenic drives and easy access to the surrounding attractions and landmarks. Bike rentals and organized tours are also available for visitors.

Where to Go Next from Kangaroo Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Jervis Bay (80 km)
  • Kiama (55 km)
  • Wollongong (40 km)

Conclusion

Kangaroo Valley is a must-visit destination that offers visitors an authentic taste of Australian culture, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can make the most of their trip, discovering everything that Kangaroo Valley has to offer.

Kangaroo Valley High Street Kangaroo Valley High Street Hampden Bridge Hampden Bridge Pioneer Village Museum Pioneer Village Museum