About Kangaroo Valley

Kangaroo Valley is a National Trust classified village located just two hours from Sydney and Canberra in the New South Wales South Coast region. Close to the Southern Highlands, Kangaroo Valley is a stunningly picturesque valley nestled between steep escarpments, and the beautiful white sandy beaches of the South Coast.

The surrounding escarpments are covered by rainforest, a beautiful clean river weaves its way through the patchwork quilt of farms, and several other small creeks criss cross the valley.

In 1812, surveyor and explorer George Evans was the first European to sight Kangaroo Valley whilst returning from his exploration of Jervis Bay. He claimed he had a view "no painter could beautify."

In 1817, Charles Throsby, an explorer and Captain Richard Brooks, a cattleman, opened up the area for white settlement. At this time Kangaroo Valley was part of the tribal lands of the Wodi-Wodi Aborigines.

Kangaroo Valley became popular for its cedar trees prized for their exquisite timber used for cabinet making and furniture. Dairy farmers followed the cedar cutters and transformed the picturesque Kangaroo Valley into the endless rolling green pastures and patch work quilt that is seen today.

Facilities in Kangaroo Valley include, a post office, newsagent, bottle-shop, bakery, general store, petrol station.

Kangaroo Valley has won several tourism awards and is well equipped with facilities for visitors. During your stay in Kangaroo Valley you can enjoy shopping, browsing art galleries. Relax over a cup of coffee in one of several cafes or enjoy a fine meal in one of the restaurants.

Bike Riding
Kangaroo Valley offers numerous places to enjoy a bike ride including sealed country roads and mountain tracks. You can bring your own bike or hire one in the village.

Bushwalking
Kangaroo Valley offers 25 different walks in and around the Valley. The walks range in difficulty from gentle strolls around the village, to difficult bush walks suited to experienced walkers. A National Parks and Wildlife booklet describing the walks is available from several of the shops in Kangaroo Valley.

Fishing
Tallowa Dam , Lake Yarrunga and the Kangaroo River are all well stocked with Australian Bass. A fresh water fishing licence is required, and can be purchased in the village, bag limits also apply.

Picnicking
Relax and enjoy a picnic with the family at one of many picnic areas around the village. BBQ and picnic facilities are located on both sides of the river near the Hampden Bridge.

Tennis
Four tennis courts are available for hire in Kangaroo Valley.

Swimming
Kangaroo Valley offers a swimming pool in the village with life guards on duty. Other swimming holes are located at various places along the river, however these do not have life guards.

Bendeela
Located along Bendeela Rd, approximately 12 kms from the village, Bendeela is offers a great opportunity to see wombats in the wild. These large, hairy, marsupials come out to feed in the late afternoon. There is also a picnic area and places to swim.

Fitzroy Falls
Just a short scenic drive via Barrengarry Mountain takes you to Fitzroy Falls, in the Morton National Park. Tumbling 82 metres from the ravine to the ground floor these spectacular falls can be easily viewed from a lookout. Several bushwalks also offer spectacular views of the falls.

George Wiley Bridge
The George Wiley suspension bridge was erected in 1931 over Broger's Creek. It was constructed by local dairy farmers and a blacksmith who had no technical expertise or experience in bride construction. The bridge is 63 metres in length, and during its time supported vehicles up to 2 tonnes. A concrete bypass is now used for traffic.

Hampden Bridge
Kangaroo Valley’s most photographed landmark, Hampden Bridge spans the Kangaroo River. Opened in 1898, this is the oldest suspension bridge in Australia and the third largest in the state. The bridge is noted for the castellated towers at either end, which support the cables and resemble the turrets of a medieval castle.

Historic Buildings
John Horbury Hunt a well known architect designed several buildings in Kangaroo Valley including the Barrengarry Public School (1880), The Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd and the Rectory (1889).

Manning Lookout
Manning Lookout offers some of the most dramatic views over Kangaroo Valley and well worth a visit.

Pioneer Farm Museum
Based on an an 1865 farmhouse, the Pioneer Farm Museum, is located adjacent to Hampden Cottage. The farm was originally located at Bendeela but had to be relocated when Tallowa Dam was constructed. The farm house is faithfully furnished by the historical society to the period.

Tallowa Dam
Approximately 24 kms from the village, Tallowa Dam is located on Mt Scanzi Rd. Situated in a beautiful Australian bush setting this quiet lake offers canoe launching facilities, fishing, and BBQ facilities.

Upper Kangaroo River
The beautiful Upper Kangaroo River offers an ideal place to enjoy a picnic, or go swimming at Flat Rock.

Long, sunny summer days, perfect for swimming; and cool, crisp winter nights, ideal for enjoying an open fire are characteristic of Kangaroo Valley’s climate.
The average temperatures in the shoalhaven area which encompasses Kangaroo Valley are:

Average Winter temperatures: 6 degrees Celsius to 16 degrees Celsius
Average Summer temperature: 16 degrees Celsius to 26 degrees Celsius

Getting there