There’s more to Kangaroo Valley than its cute cafes and small-town simple life. The valley is a tourism sweet spot and is known as Australia’s most beautiful valley. There’s a reason why it’s such a big stop for tourists, and that’s the beauty of the nature.
Kangaroo Valley is completely surrounded by mountains and hills, so don’t get claustrophobic. There’s around 1,000 people living in the area and about the same amount of available accommodations. This includes Airbnbs, cottages, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and other temporary accommodations.
There’s also a free campground up Bendeela Road. Although the campground has been closed for most of 2020 due to bush fires, then the COVID pandemic.
Since living in Kangaroo Valley for nearly a year I’ve become acquainted with some of the best things is to do and see in the area. I’m sharing tips on what to do in Kangaroo Valley based off of my knowledge in the area.
Included in this list of what to do in Kangaroo Valley is where to eat, drink, hike and see throughout the area.
Table of Contents
What to See in Town
Kangaroo Valley’s town isn’t a tourist trap and it’s worth a walk up and down the block. The Nostalgia Factory is a small shop that’s easy to get lost in, it’s filled with trinkets of all sorts and from all eras. While you’re there, check out the Halcyon Bookshop below. Despite being a bit hidden it’s a cozy old bookshop where you might find a rare gem.
Across the street, Kangaroo Valley Woodcrafts has quality woodworks including candle holders, toys, clocks, puzzles, and more. Check out below for options on some of the best places to eat and drink in the valley.
Bushwalks in the Area
Exploring Kangaroo Valley is done best when outside to see the natural beauty. The Three Views Walk can be a day trip in itself, or just over an hour. It’s a relatively flat walk the entire way and cycling is permitted on the wide path. Heading up to the Three Views Walk is a nice drive to see another part of Kangaroo Valley. This is in the direction of Tallowa Dam.
Another good hike with views is the Drawing Room Rocks. This bushwalk is about an hour an a half, or longer depending on your fitness level. It can be intense going up but the views around the area are definitely worth it. Similar to the Three Views Walk, the drive up to the Drawing Room Rocks allows a different view of the valley while passing by lush farm land and country homes in Wattamolla.
For more information on both of these walks, check out the articles for the Three Views Walk and the Drawing Room Rocks.
Where to Eat and Drink in the Valley
Kangaroo Valley isn’t a city and the food and drink options are definitely limited. For what it’s worth, the options aren’t that bad considering the size of the town. For good pies and coffee you can’t go wrong with Kangaroo Valley Bakehouse. Their pies are better packed and made daily, on location.
Maddison’s In The Valley is another great spot for food and coffee, they even have a small patio area—great for the summer. But there’s no beating the daily-made pastries at the Hampden Deli. They also serve coffee by the popular coffee roaster, Allpress. It’s the biggest location in the valley to enjoy table space outdoors.
And, if you’re looking to bring something back to your Airbnb for breakfast the next day, the daily-made sourdough bread at The General Cafe is some of the best I’ve ever had. Get there early for bread, it often sells out before noon.
For evening drinks, The Friendly Inn has a surprising amount of local craft beers on tap. There’s also a decent selection to take home, if that’s your thing.
Jing Jo is a local and visitor favourite for Thai eats. Just get your takeout order in early, they often get so busy there’s over an hour wait!
Local native Banksia 
Drawing Room Rocks view 
Red Rocks Trig, Cambewarra Nature Reserve
Lookouts Worth Visiting
These lookouts do not disappoint, whether you’re planning a picnic, or wanting to watch the sunset somewhere, these are a few of the best places in the area. Cambewarra Mountain Lookout may be an obvious option, but on a clear day it’s easy to see all of Jervis Bay and further. On location is also the Lookout Cafe, to fuel up before heading out.
Another special place for the sunset is Red Rocks Trig. Despite NSW Parks recommending a 1 km walk to the viewpoint, you can actually drive most of the way so it’s only a 5 minute walk. It’s possible to get there in a conventional vehicle, but 4-wheel drive is best. And finally, Manning Lookout is just a 20 minute drive from Kangaroo Valley. This lookout has a view into the valley along with the rocky escarpment that it’s known for.
Check out the Wildlife
If there’s one thing that Kangaroo Valley is well-known for: it’s the wildlife. Despite its name, it should really be called “Wombat Valley”. In terms of what wildlife is in Kangaroo Valley, there are wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, platypus, feral pigs, wild goats, deer, wild dogs, foxes and more.
It’s easiest to see wildlife at Bendeela Recreational Area around sunset or in the morning. Echindas are easy to come by along bush walks in the area, and platypus are at some of the rivers, but they’re harder to come by since the floods earlier in the year.
Special Events
In the summer months, Kangaroo Valley seems to have special events going on almost every weekend. The biggest event of the year is the Kangaroo Valley Show, most of the events throughout are community or agriculture-focused. This includes competitions of all sorts such as children’s games, animals, produce and more. There’s also food trucks and other stands scattered about the showgrounds, where the show takes place.
Other big events include the Kangaroo Valley Craft Beer and BBQ Festival and the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival. There’s also other small events put on throughout the year.
Interested in a road trip? Check out Kangaroo Valley on the Melbourne to Sydney coastal road trip.
