Kandos

Explore local history 

Kandos has a surprising claim to fame as the ‘town that built Sydney’. After limestone was discovered here in 1913, a settlement and cement works were soon established, playing a major role in the development of Sydney infrastructure. This included the city underground railway and the base and pylons for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

The cement works closed in 2011, but you can still explore this fascinating industrial history and learn about 20th-century machinery at the Kandos Museum. Housed inside a heritage-listed church, the museum has an impressive collection of stories, objects and photographs. 

Kandos Museum, Kandos - Credit: Karon Grant

The edge of wilderness

Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Kandos is gateway to the stunning Capertee Valley in the Capertee National Park, the second-largest canyon in the world and a fantastic spot for bushwalking. Head to Pearsons Lookout for incredible panoramic views out across the valley, including the majestic Patoneys Crown monolith.

Couple enjoying scenic views across Capertee Valley, Capertee

Explore more striking sandstone cliffs, canyons and rock pagodas in the Gardens of Stone National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. East of Kandos, you’ll find Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp on the Cudgerong River, a popular spot for camping, bushwalking and kayaking, in the Wollemi National Park. 

Southern Cross Kayaking, Kandos 

Things to do

Don’t miss the Kandos Street Machine and Hot Rod Show in January, when the whole town joins in the party. Over four days in May, the vibrant Kandos arts community is celebrated at the biennial Cementa, a dynamic contemporary arts festival. 

The Mudgee region’s wineries and cellar doors are all within easy reach from Kandos. Visit acclaimed cellar doors such as De Beaurepaire Wines and Naked Lady Wines in Rylstone. There’s also a big range of watersports at nearby Windamere Dam on the Cudgegong River, where fishing is very popular. 

De Beaurepaire Wines, Rylstone

Take a scenic drive along the Bylong Valley Way, which winds between the towns of Sandy Hollow and Ilford for 140km through stunning wilderness. Make your way past the Wollemi and Goulburn River National Parks as well as vineyards, forests and rolling farmland.

Wollemi National Park, Blue Mountains

Getting there  

Kandos is a 3hr 15min drive from Sydney and just under an hour from Mudgee. You can also fly into Mudgee Airport or take the train and coach.  

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