Kandos

Explore local history 

Kandos has a surprising claim to fame as the ‘town that built Sydney’. After limestone was discovered here in 1913, a settlement and cement works were soon established, playing a major role in the development of Sydney infrastructure. This included the city underground railway and the base and pylons for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

The cement works closed in 2011, but you can still explore this fascinating industrial history and learn about 20th-century machinery at the Kandos Museum. Housed inside a heritage-listed church, the museum has an impressive collection of stories, objects and photographs. 

Kandos Museum, Kandos - Credit: Karon Grant

The edge of wilderness

Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Kandos is gateway to the stunning Capertee Valley in the Capertee National Park, the second-largest canyon in the world and a fantastic spot for bushwalking. Head to Pearsons Lookout for incredible panoramic views out across the valley, including the majestic Patoneys Crown monolith. Explore more striking sandstone cliffs, canyons and rock pagodas in the Gardens of Stone National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Capertee Valley, Capertee

East of Kandos, you'll find Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp on the Cudgegong River in the Wollemi National Park. It's a popular spot for camping, bushwalking and watersports. Join Southern Cross Kayaking for guided tours, including sunset paddles and Indigenous-led experiences. More water sports await at nearby Windamere Dam, like jet skiing, canoeing and sailing. It's also popular for fishing and is stocked with Murray cod, perch and catfish.

Southern Cross Kayaking, Wollemi National Park

Drink, dine & discover

The Mudgee region's wineries and cellar doors are less than an hour away from Kandos. Even closer are the boutique cellar doors of Rylstone, such as De Beaurepaire Wines and Naked Lady Wines. Also in Rylstone is 29 Nine 99, an authentic Chinese yum cha and tea house that has developed a cult following.

29 Nine 99 Yum Cha and Tea House, Rylstone

Don't miss the Kandos Street Machine and Hot Rod Show in January, when the whole town joins in the party. Over four days in May, the vibrant Kandos arts community is celebrated at the biennial Cementa, a dynamic contemporary arts festival. Art is available all year-round at the community-run WAYOUT Artspace or on a tour with Made In Kandos, which gives you exclusive access to local studios.

Made in Kandos Art Spaces, Places and Studio Tours, Kandos - Credit: Gabrielle Bates

Scenic drives

Explore some of the beautiful surrounding countryside on a scenic drive. Travel along the Bylong Valley Way, which winds between the towns of Sandy Hollow and Ilford for 140 kilometres, passing through stunning wilderness. Make your way through the Wollemi and Goulburn River National Parks as well as vineyards, forests and rolling farmland.

Kandos, Mudgee - Credit: Mudgee Region Tourism

Getting there & where to stay

Kandos is a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney and around 50 minutes from Mudgee. The Great Western Highway is currently closed between Mount Victoria and Hartley, so you will need to travel via the Bells Line of Road and alternative routes. You can also fly into Mudgee Airport or take a train and coach to Mudgee, which takes around six hours. Accommodation options in Kandos include motels, restored cottages and glamping retreats.