Sink deep into the valley…..Lose your cares and find each other
Lovers looking for the ultimate romantic getaway look no further than Kangaroo Valley. Whether your romance is a new thing, an old thing, or a how-it-suits-us thing, Kangaroo Valley, one of the most private and picturesque valleys in the world, it is peerless.
An ideal place to relax, connect and experience natural beauty. Only two hours’ drive from Canberra and Sydney, Kangaroo Valley hosts some of the best views, dining, outdoor adventure, and peace the NSW South Coast has to offer, with a wealth of accommodation options to suit everyone from the most down-to-earth hippy-at-heart to those who appreciate a little luxury.
Getting Here
From Canberra
Come straight here and get started with a morning kayak from the historic Hampden Bridge to kangaroo- and wombat-populated Bendeela Camping Ground, or take it slow and come via Marulan, Exeter, or Berrima for that morning coffee, before descending from the paddocks and vineyards of Meryla and Fitzroy Falls to the valley floor, rolling out more of its beauty at each hairpin turn of the road. (Visitors and residents both talk of that ‘Aah,’ feeling on the first sight of the valley, a green expanse dotted with creeks and homesteads and sometimes a wisp of mist.)
From Sydney
Nestled between the Southern Highlands and the South Coast, a stay in Kangaroo Valley can be a great excuse to stop off for a little shopping in Moss Vale or Bowral, or to take the scenic route along the coast and see the Grand Pacific Drive, or pop into Wollongong for a swim, an exhibition, or the Friday Forage Markets.
Day 1
Start your morning with a nourishing, beautifully presented breakfast of locally sourced produce, at Hampden Deli or The General Cafe, accompanied by great coffee and superior dog-spotting. Park at the Showground to take in the views of the escarpment before a leisurely meander of the main street. Take in the Hive, Valley Vintage and the Nostalgia Factory at the top of town, right through to Sweet As and Kangaroo Valley Leadlights. Browse Kangaroo Valley Wood Crafts and This is Living gifts on your way back to collect a picnic hamper from Hampden Deli and enjoy an afternoon picnic on the Three Views walk, or hire a kayak and enjoy your picnic on the river’s edge. Return to base and relax, before heading out to dine at Hampden Wine Lounge or Jing Jo Thai restaurant.
Day 2
Rise gently and enjoy the morning of birdsong before finding your own birds-eye view for breakfast at Cambewarra Lookout. From there, the majestic view at Drawing Room Rocks is worth any couple’s selfie and easily rewards the effort. Cap it off with lunch at the Friendly Inn heritage pub. For those less rugged, Upper Kangaroo River Road offers bucolic scenery at its best and the Yarrawa Estate winery. Enjoy the cellar door experience before harvesting lunch at the General Store. Pick up a pizza from Buona Pizza to go with your Yarrawa Estate wines, or grab a bottle from Kangaroo Valley Fine Wines and Craft Ales, head back to your accommodation and settle back together to drink in the sunset.
The best nests
Whether dodging the papps or yearning for one-on-one time, those looking for a more secluded getaway find what they need here in discreet hideaways with every type of style and view. Stock up on food and drink as you arrive. Or, to really relax and stay in the glow of your bubble, preorder meals from Angie’s Table or a box of groceries and a renowned Mrs Bread miso loaf from the General Store.
Heading home
Extend the holiday vibes with a stop in at Fitzroy Falls, where the views are spectacular, including from the smaller Mannings Lookout. If heading back along the coast, why not go via Berry. For those with a Gothic bent, the historic cemetery at Bellawongarah can be a romantic spot on the way.