Destinations

A weekend away in Kangaroo Valley

Make your road trip pit-stop a weekend affair and discover the secluded beauty of this quaint country town.

By BTYB Visit Shoalhaven
Image: Dee Kramer

STAY

Nestled within the lush green of Upper Kangaroo River, Braebrook offers a private and rejuvenating getaway. With a wrap-around deck and enough room to sleep nine, the charming weatherboard farmhouse is an entertainer's dream. Beautifully realised interiors balance the home's rustic past with a relaxed modern elegance; its neutral-toned furniture and hardwood floors in-tune with the home's serene surroundings. Outside, 100-year old willow trees cascade over the entertaining area, making it the perfect scene for a long lunch or curling up with a good read.
Battys Road, Upper Kangaroo River, (02) 4465 1300, braebrook.com.au
Photography: braebrook.com.au
Owned and curated by artist and stylist Lisa Madigan, The Cottage boasts interiors just as spectacular as its idyllic backdrop. Raw woods and exposed brickwork contrast white wash walls, while textured furniture pieces and indoor greenery help cultivate a mood of undone luxury. With just one bedroom, The Cottage — which housed The Kangaroo Valley Times in the 1880s — is suited to smaller parties or couples, providing a calming space to reboot only minutes from Kangaroo Valley village.
118 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley, 0415 138 909, lisamadigan.com.au

EAT AND DRINK

Head to the local for a late long lunch on a Sunday afternoon and choose between the soft shell crab burger with spicy slaw and seafood linguine. Heading down during November? The inaugural Kangaroo Valley Craft Beer & BBQ Festival is not to be missed.
159 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley, (02) 4465 1355, thefriendlyinn.com.au
Brunch-goers needn't despair — The General Café has an ever-changing menu of seasonal eats and the best brew in town. Sit out on the back veranda and enjoy a crispy kale omelette with toasted hazelnuts or toasted sourdough with locally-sourced jams. Grab a cacao milkshake to go: the café's house-made syrups are one-of-a-kind and not to be missed.
151 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley, (02) 4465 1660, facebook.com/thegeneralcafekv
Photography: @thegeneralcafekv
Another of the valley's gems, Bistro One46 does modern Australian fare with fresh flavour. Chef Gerald Poelzl delivers (locally-produced) hearty and well-thought-out dishes, such as double roasted pork belly with sweet potato puree, braised red cabbage and caraway jus, and desserts worth saving room for. Our picks: Dark chocolate marquise and apple and rhubarb crumble.
146 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley, (02) 4465 2820, bistro146.com.au
Pie culture is alive and well in Kangaroo Valley. The town's beloved pastry go-to opened in 2013 and can't be beaten when it comes to originality: The award-winning cheeseburger pie will both shock and delight.
Shop 1/146 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley, (02) 4465 2778, southernpies.com.au

DO

A cooking class at Hampden Deli
The region's newest venture, Hampden Deli, Dining and School, is open Tuesdays through Sundays and offers guests an authentic fine dining experience. Led by hatted head chef Nick Gardener — whose resume reads Arzak in Spain and Tom Aikens in England — the deli offers skill-based classes where guests can learn the art of handmade crepes, charcuterie and bread making. If you're in town on a whim and didn't have time to book, stop by to sample some of the finest local produce to take home. Their pink beetroot pasta will be a sure hit come your next dinner party.
4/160 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley, 0477 002 102, hampdendeli.com.au
Get walking
A 20-minute drive West of the Kangaroo Valley village will take you to Morton National Park where you can take in the grandness of the region from above. Three Views walking track will guide you to breathtaking lookouts, the 9.5km track laden with vibrant natives and Instagram-worthy vistas of Lake Yarrunga, Tallowa Dam and the Shoalhaven River and gorges.
Tallowa Dam Road, Kangaroo Valley, nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Sip on local wines at Yarrawa Estate
A short venture off the beaten track will lead to the remote Yarrawa Estate where you can spend the afternoon wine tasting at the lakeside vineyard. Established by Sue and Mark Foster in 1998, the cellar door is home to an award-winning Chambourcin, which you can taste alongside local cheese and estate grown and made preserves. Chef Luke Mangan is a fan, featuring the estate's wines in his latest cookbook.
43B Scotts Road, Kangaroo Valley, (02) 4465 1165, yarrawaestate.com
Photography: @vanessa_ford
The region's peaceful setting makes it an ideal place to enjoy some well-deserved R&R. Crystal Creek Meadows Spa offer a range of packages, including private yoga classes, crystal aromatherapy massages and relaxation facials. Do it alone or organise a weekend of wellness with friends: Cottages are available for weekend stays.
1655 Kangaroo Valley Road, Kangaroo Valley, (02) 4465 1406, crystalcreekmeadows.com.au
Brought to you by Visit Shoalhaven