Get Active + Back To Nature With This List Of Outdoor Adventures In The Kangaroo Valley
How good is getting outside, taking a deep breath and exploring the world around you on foot, on a bike, on a horse, with a paddle in hand or even a fishing rod?
It’s the best! And Kangaroo Valley is an awesome spot to do just that.
There’s so many options for getting outdoors with rivers, lakes, creeks, country roads, farmland, trails and walks offering up some pretty spectacular scenery as well as memorable experiences.
Here’s our list of 9 outdoor adventures you can experience in Kangaroo Valley.
Get to it!
1 :: Bushwalking with a view
Kangaroo Valley is surrounded by national parks which means there are plenty of bushwalks to take advantage of, ranging from super easy to ones for more experienced hikers.
The Griffiths Fire Trail is west of Kangaroo Valley. The trail head is about a 25 minute drive – take Bendeela Road which will turn into Jack’s Corner Road. The trail head is at what’s known as Jack’s Corner. The walk is about 22 km return, quite steep in some parts and ideal for experienced bushwalkers – you might even have to take your shoes off for a creek crossing depending on how much rain there’s been.
Fitzroy Falls is a popular walk for those who like to chase waterfalls and love a good view – both the East Rim Walk and the West Rim Walk extend for kilometres so you can walk as far as you like and just turn around when you’re ready to return.
The Three Views Walk is another local favourite. While it’s longer than Fitzroy Falls [almost 10km return], there are some great views from the three different cliff top lookouts. Head out for about 20 km on Tallowa Dam Road and look for a gate in a cutting on the left hand side of the road.
Three Views Walk
2 :: Hit the trail
If you fancy letting someone or something else do the walking for you, a trail ride with Kangaroo Valley Horses is a fun and relaxing way to amble along and explore the Valley for a couple of hours.
Start with a warm up in the arena and get familiar with your horse [+ you have to demonstrate you understand the basic aids of riding including trotting to take part] then ride through beautiful scenery with a mix of bush trails, creek crossings and open farmland.
A true trail ride….
Kangaroo Valley Horses
3 :: On the water
There’s some fantastic kayaking and canoe adventure companies in the Valley.
Most of them offer canoe or kayak hire, guided tours and safaris on the Kangaroo River, Tallowa Dam and Lake Yarrunga.
Start with something cruisy like a two hour paddle underneath the Hampden Bridge or get more adventurous with an overnight safari in the Sunken Forest.
Camping trips in Morton National Park are only accessible via canoe. This is the best way to see the wildlide of the area. The flat water trips into the National Park are great for young and old. This is a chance to truly get off grid. Self guided adventures on Lake Yarrunga to Tallowa Dam and The Shoalhaven Gorge are recognised as some of Australia’s must do trips. The awesome Visit Kangaro Valley website is a good place to start to plan your adventure!
4 :: In the water
One of the best things about the Valley is that it’s right on the Kangaroo River which has plenty of awesome spots to cool off.
The most popular spot is right under the Hampden Bridge. If you’re coming down the hill from the Highlands, turn left straight after you cross the bridge into the car park there. Grab your esky and lilo’s and make your way down the path to the river’s edge. There you can lounge around on rocks sunning yourselves like lizards, cool off in the water [we’ve been swimming in the height of summer and the water is always crisp!] or relaxing on inflatables.
If you like going off the beaten track, head to Flat Rock. It’s at the end of Upper River Road which needs a car with a high clearance. And it’s a bit of a walk into the waterhole where you’ll find natural rock ledges, and a beautiful big swimming hole. It’s secluded [+ out of mobile range last time we went!] and if you bush bash a bit further north from the waterhole, you’ll come across some secluded falls.
5 :: Pump it up
There’s a pump track just before you hit the town from the Highlands on your left hand-side for kids [+ kids at heart] on wheels, whether those wheels are bikes, scooters, skates or skateboards – a fun way to get the heart pumping and something cool to do if you have a young family.
Fun at the pump track
6 :: Campers have s’more fun
Bendeela Recreation Area is the perfect spot to base yourself for a weekend of swimming, fishing, canoeing and star watching – settle in for an overnight or weekend camp.
Glenmack Park is another camping favourite. Right on the river and just a short walk from the village, there is a resort size swimming pool, farm animals, jumping pillow, mini golf, playground AND a half basketball court.
Holiday Haven is right next to the river and to your left as soon as you enter the Valley via the Hampden Bridge. A great spot to plant yourself if you’re keen for time on the water and it’s dog-friendly too.
They all get super popular in the summer months so book ahead or go on the shoulder of the busy season.
Bendeela Recreation Area
7 :: Throw a line in
With lovely fresh waterways, there’s plenty of spots to go fishing. Bass and carp are common to reel in, with both river systems [Kangaroo and Shoalhaven Rivers]. Lake Yarrunga and Tallowa Dam offering up plenty of places to make a catch.
Our pick? Head to the Kangaroo Valley Walking Track – you’ll find it about 15 km out of the main township off Tallowa Dam Road – and trek down the 3.5 km to the water’s edge of Lake Yarrunga. It’s quiet, secluded and bass and carp are plentiful in the lake.
Kangaroo Valley Rural Supplies can help you out with licences, bait and local fishing intel.
8 :: Jump on a trike
A unique way to see the sights of Kangaroo Valley, these trike tours for two cover the valley floor as well as heading to the Upper River and the historical suspension footbridge there [that’s where you’ll get out and stretch your legs].
You’ll feel at one with the road as it rushes past you and they do wine tours too!
An exhilarating and fun way to see the sights with Kangaroo Valley Trike Tours.
Kangaroo Valley Trike Tours
9 :: Pedal power
If you prefer to roll the legs over yourself, a good hit out is the Valley Floor Ride. Allow 2 – 4 hours for this one, depending on your fitness level.
Start at Kangaroo Valley Hall in Osborne Park and pass the historic cemetery. The Glenmurray Road will take you to the natural causeway across the Kangaroo River where you can jump in for a dip if it’s a warm one.
Turn left onto Kangaroo Valley Road for a short distance before peeling off on Walkers Lane.
Walkers Lane is where you’ll find yourself in the centre of dairy farming country. The road is sealed and quiet here. You can then work your way back to Kangaroo Valley via Moss Vale Road.
That road can be a little busy with traffic so if you’re not as confident on the road, just turn around at the end of Walkers Lane and head back the way you came.
For more info and inspo on what to do in the beautiful Kangaroo Valley head to the Visit Kangaroo Valley website here. And check out our Guide To Kangaroo Valley on The Fold.
So much to explore in this stunning part of the world – have fun and be safe!
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