Rolled up in the snug wine country of the Southern Highlands, just inland from the NSW south coast, the Kangaroo Valley is barely a two drive south of Sydney’s city limits. It’s an absolute pearler of a spot to pull up stumps for the weekend.
Dating back to the late 1800s, Kangaroo Valley’s main street has a welcoming country vibe. Visitors should stop in at Friendly Inn hotel for a cold drink or counter lunch or enjoy a cuppa at the classic tearooms.
The Barrengarry Old Store is the perfect spot to fill provisions and if you’re on the move, you’d be mad not to grab a quick lunch from the Kangaroo Valley Pie Shop.
The nearby Kangaroo River is a gorgeous spot to explore on kayak or canoe, with plenty of opportunities to have a cast for a native freshwater bass. If you’re hankering to get your rig off the blacktop, point your bullbar towards the nearby Morton National Park for your offroad fix.
STUFF TO DO
4WDING: Griffin Fire Trail, within Morton National Park, starts at the end of Jacks Corner Rd towards the western end of Kangaroo Valley.
The trail passes through pretty eucalypt forest and rock formations before you’ll need to make the Yurranga Creek crossing. The crossing is usually straightforward, but can be tricky after heavy rain. Continue another 1.5km to Crankey Creek, which is a ripper spot for a lunch break.
FISHING: The Kangaroo River is a magnificent calm waterway to explore under paddle power. Bring a lightweight casting rod and a handful of divers, soft plastics and surface lures in order to try your hand at enticing a strike from one of the big native bass that call this stretch home.
IMPORTANT INFO
LOCATION: 156km south of Sydney’s CBD, access is via the Hume Motorway, before turning off onto Old S Rd, Range Rd, Sheepwash Rd and Mossvale Rd.
CAMPING is available just out of town at the rustic Bendeela Campground on the Kangaroo River. The basic facilities offered include toilets and drinking water.
Open fires are not allowed while portable gas barbeques are permitted. Sites are available on a first in first served basis and cannot be reserved.
FUEL is available in Kangaroo Valley and Mittagong.
MORE INFO: The campground is managed by Water NSW and more info is available at www.waternsw.com.au
