Kangaroo Valley is one of the most beautiful and least commercialised valleys in NSW — a lush green river valley with almost no phone signal, one tiny village, world-class kayaking and farm stays that make you forget Sydney entirely.
Getting to Kangaroo Valley
The most scenic route from Sydney is via Robertson and Fitzroy Falls — add 20 minutes but the drive through Southern Highlands dairy country and the descent into the valley via Barrengarry Mountain is genuinely spectacular. The valley floor is lush, green and completely unexpected after the escarpment descent. The village of Kangaroo Valley itself is tiny — one main street with a couple of cafés, a bakery, a pub and a general store. The ATM often runs out — get cash in Nowra before you arrive.
Kayaking the Kangaroo River
The Kangaroo River is one of the best beginner kayaking rivers in NSW — calm, beautiful and easily navigable. Half-day hire from the village takes you through the gorge under the magnificent Hampden Bridge and along river flats bordered by towering rock walls. Full-day paddlers can go much further into the valley. The river runs through the middle of the Kangaroo Valley Tourist Park where kayaks can be hired — no experience required.
Where to Stay in Kangaroo Valley
The valley has some of the most romantic accommodation in regional NSW. Yarramundi Retreat offers private cottages with river views and outdoor baths — ideal for couples. Several glamping operators have set up luxury bell tents with fire pits in the valley farmland. Pioneer Farm Retreat is a working heritage farm with self-contained cottage accommodation and views across the valley floor. The Friendly Inn in the village has heritage pub rooms above one of the best pub restaurants in the Shoalhaven.
Things to Do in Kangaroo Valley
Hampden Bridge is Australia's oldest remaining suspension bridge — a beautiful structure spanning the Kangaroo River that you walk across before swimming in the clear water below. Fitzroy Falls, 15 minutes from the village, is a 100-metre waterfall with walking tracks along the gorge rim. Horse riding through the valley farmland is an excellent half-day activity. The village providore is the place to build a perfect picnic for a river afternoon.