A day trip to Kangaroo Valley from Sydney: What to see, eat & do

With stunning waterfalls and hikes, heritage buildings, cosy pubs and river activities, the Kangaroo Valley is the perfect escape from Sydney for a country day trip.

Destination NSW

Destination NSW

Sep 2024 -
1
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Highlights

  • Marvel at Fitzroy Falls 
  • Enjoy the views from Mannings Lookout
  • See heritage buildings on the historic village walk 
  • Canoe down the Kangaroo River 
  • Dine at the region’s oldest pubs
Couple enjoying a scenic drive through Kangaroo Valley on the South Coast

Morning 

Depart Sydney and head south along the M31, stopping in Mittagong for a coffee from Station Coffee House before you reach your first stop, Fitzroy Falls. Located within Morton National Park the falls plunge 81m into the valley below, with an easy access viewing platform located only 150m from the Visitors Centre and car park.  

The scenic Fitzroy Falls at Morton National Park in Fitzroy Falls, Southern Highlands

Fitzroy Falls, Morton National Park - Credit: Kramer Photography/www.kramer.photography

If you fancy a walk (and have arrived early) then take the 3.5km return West Rim walking track which passes through eucalypt forests and lush rainforest offering views of dramatic gorges and waterfalls. Jump back into the car and continue south to Mannings Lookout, where you can enjoy incredible views across the Kangaroo Valley. 

Scenic view of West Rim walking track, Morton National Park

West Rim walking track, Morton National Park - Credit: John Yurasek/DPE

From the lookout it’s another 20 minutes in the car to Kangaroo Valley town. Once here take the Historic Village Walk, which includes 20 heritage buildings, and cultural and geological sites around the town and takes around an hour to complete. Highlights include the heritage listed Hampden Bridge and the Pioneer Park Museum. A guide can be downloaded here.  

Head to The Friendly Inn for lunch, one of the region’s oldest pubs, serving Aussie classics, curries and salads which you can enjoy in the lovely beer garden.  

Coast to the Highlands via Kangaroo Valley drive, Morton National Park

Kangaroo Valley drive in Morton National Park, Kangaroo Valley - Credit: Michael Van Ewij/DCCEEW

Afternoon  

Spend the afternoon kayaking down the Kangaroo River from Hampden Bridge to Bendeela with Kangaroo Valley Kayaks, Kangaroo Valley Safaris or Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company. Or take it up a level and join a Canoes, Cool Climate Wines and Canapés tour with Experience Nature and enjoy delicious food and wine in a custom-built canoe while admiring some of the local wildlife. You might be lucky enough to spot kingfishers, eagles, diamond pythons, rock wallabies, water dragons and more. 

xperience with Canoes, Cool Climate Wines & Canapes, Kangaroo Valley

Canoes, Cool Climate Wines & Canapes, Kangaroo Valley

Evening 

Start the drive back to Sydney but take a little detour to Briars in the Southern Highlands. This historic country inn is a beautiful spot to end the day. Choose from wood fired pizza in the beer garden or delicious steaks from the bistro, before continuing north to Sydney.  

View of the garden with chess board at Briars Inn, Burradoo

Briars Inn, Burradoo - Credit: The Trustee for The Briars Moss Vale Unit Trust

Getting there

There are two route options when driving from Sydney to Kangaroo Valley. You can either head inland and take the M31 or take the coastal road past the Royal National Park and through Kiama. For a bit of variety, take the coastal road south and the inland road back or vice versa. It’s around two hours’ drive from Sydney to the Kangaroo Valley and 30 minutes longer if you take the coastal road. This itinerary requires a car. 

Car drives over the historic Hampden Bridge in Kangaroo Valley

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