Fast facts
- National Trust-listed village
- Nestled between the Cambewarra and Barrengarry Mountains
- 160 km from Sydney, population 360
Why go there
Kangaroo Valley is both pretty and dramatic – remnants of rainforest cling to the steep escarpment, while the Kangaroo River and small creeks criss-cross the valley. Here you can enjoy the ideal ingredients of a short break – cafés, galleries, pubs, cabins in the bush and bushwalks.
History
One of the main drawcards for early European settlers, the rich volcanic soils of the area are ideal for farming. The small township of Kangaroo Valley developed around the river and, when the beautiful sandstone Hampden Bridge was built in 1898, it opened up the valley to visitors.
Hampden Bridge, now the oldest surviving suspension bridge in Australia, is said to be the most photographed in the country.
Things to do
- Explore the upper reaches of the Kangaroo River by canoe or enjoy a picnic by the clear cool water.
- Wander over the historic Hampden Bridge, past the cemetery and through the heritage-listed village.
Don’t miss
- The Pioneer Farm Museum, based on a typical 19th century farmhouse.
- The spectacular views of the Shoalhaven River and Kangaroo Valley from Cambewarra Mountain lookout.
- A tour around one of the working fruit farms.
- Joining a kayaking or canoeing safari to Kangaroo River and Shoalhaven Gorge.
- Freshly baked bread from the Kangaroo Valley Bakehouse.
