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Families looking for an easy escape from the city should head to Kangaroo Valley.
The picturesque town, south of Sydney and east of Canberra has historical remnants, nature walks and plenty of great farm stays. This is a town where you can do as much or as little as you like.
Get active
Kanagroo Valley was once a pioneering community. It boasts fascinating remnants of a bygone era. Start at the historic Hampden Bridge, a beautiful sandstone suspension bridge crosses over the Kangaroo River. This road was the main access from Sydney to the South Coast before the freeway was built. History-lover should also check out the Historic Village Walk. It explains Kangaroo Valley’s history and includes the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Village Museum.
Kids will love bushwalking in Kangaroo Valley. The easiest walk goes from the carpark to a spectacular view at Manning’s Lookout.
If your family is more adventurous, try exploring the hidden gems of the valley on horseback. The Man from Kangaroo Valley trail rides, allow kids to experience a Banjo Paterson poem in real life.
The best way to see the incredible sandstone cliffs is by water. Rent a canoe or kayak from Kangaroo Valley Safaris Canoe and Kayak , pop on your life-jackets and get paddling.
My first visit to the area, on an outdoor education trip in Year 9, was a canoe camp on the Kangaroo River. It was a great way to make the most of the lush greenery and craggy cliff-sides.
Hampden Suspension Bridge. Photo: Denisbin
The best bushwalks
Kangaroo Valley has many bushwalks to exlore. But we also love nearby Morton National Park. The Three Views Walk is a famous track lined with wildflowers offering cliff-edge views. Morton’s Fitzroy Falls are a popular pit-stop for visitors. Try the walking trail and see if you can spot a platypus along the way.
Cooks Nose and Seven Mile Beach track are other favourites in the area.
Beautiful view down the valley from the top of Fitzroy Falls. Photo: Denisbin
Where to stay
The quaint, cosy village of Kangaroo Valley is ideal for a weekend getaway in a small cottage or cabin. Rent a self-sufficient homestay through online providers. Twin Falls Bush Cottages in Fitzroy Falls is a good start.
If you are a family of animal lovers, take your pick of the many local farm stay options. Properties like Cedars Cottages, Minimbah Farm and Big Bell Farm give you an authentic insight into farm life, with some charm and tranquillity on the side. And some chickens, goats and alpacas of course.
Otherwise, for the ultimate immersion in nature, enjoy the basic campsites at Bendeela, or pitch a tent at Glenmarck Caravan Park.
Grazing at Minimbah Farms. Photo: North Sullivan, Destination NSW
Extras
Pick your time of year wisely and you’ll be able to catch the famous Fairgrounds Festival. This annual summer music festival has some great gigs and food and is only a short drive away. Otherwise, visit the Kangaroo Valley Show or Kangaroo Valley Arts Show.
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Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.