Things to Do in Kangaroo Valley: Nature, Wineries & Hidden Gems

Last Updated: June 2026

At Barranca Kangaroo Valley, we’re fortunate to sit in the heart of Kangaroo Valley, one of the South Coast’s most quietly spectacular destinations. Framed by escarpments, farmland, river country and ancient bushland, the valley invites travellers to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with nature, flavour and community.

While many guests come to Barranca for stillness and space, there are also plenty of things to do in Kangaroo Valley. From waterfalls and wineries to local markets, paddling adventures and creative village finds, this is a place where a luxury retreat can be as relaxed or as experience-filled as you like.

Here’s our guide to the experiences that make Kangaroo Valley so memorable.

The Rhythm of the Seasons

Kangaroo Valley is a year-round destination, with each season offering something different:

Summer – Long, warm days are ideal for kayaking, canoeing and slow afternoons by the river.

Autumn & Spring – Mild days and cooler evenings make this a beautiful time for bushwalks, scenic drives, village browsing and winery visits.

Winter – Crisp air, misty mornings and fireside evenings make the valley feel especially peaceful.

Whether you’re exploring the region or simply settling into life at Barranca, the valley’s natural rhythm sets the tone.

Nature & Scenic Highlights

Fitzroy Falls A short drive from Kangaroo Valley, Fitzroy Falls is one of Morton National Park’s most impressive sights. The waterfall drops more than 80 metres into the valley below, with easy lookout access close to the visitor centre and longer walking tracks for those who want to explore further. The Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre is currently listed as open daily from 9am to 4pm, except Christmas Day, with park entry fees applying at the carpark.

Hampden Bridge The sandstone-towered Hampden Bridge is one of Kangaroo Valley’s most recognisable landmarks. Official NSW heritage records describe it as the only surviving timber-decked vehicular suspension bridge constructed in the nineteenth century in NSW, making it both a scenic photo stop and a rare piece of engineering history.

Back at Barranca, nature is part of the stay: escarpment views, open paddocks, visiting kangaroos and clear night skies create their own quiet highlights.

Flavours of the Valley

Kangaroo Valley’s food scene is small, seasonal and full of character. Start the day at The General Cafe, which offers an ever-changing menu of handcrafted food and drinks, or stop by Hampden Deli for housemade deli produce, Allpress coffee and seasonal ingredients.

On market weekends, the Kangaroo Valley Farmers Market is the place to meet growers and makers. Current local listings show the market running on the second Sunday of each month from 9am to 1pm at The Friendly Inn.

Guests who prefer to dine in can keep things effortless. Dine In by Brooke Silk offers private chef experiences across the Illawarra, South Coast, Highlands and Greater Sydney, while Caterina KV now offers produce-led hampers, catering and a Kangaroo Valley shop at 165 Moss Vale Road.

Sip Your Way Through the Shoalhaven

The Shoalhaven Coast wine region stretches from Kiama to Milton and west to Kangaroo Valley, giving guests easy access to cellar doors, vineyard lunches and scenic tasting routes. For more local wine inspiration, Our guide to Shoalhaven wineries is also worth bookmarking.

· Yarrawa Estate – A small Kangaroo Valley vineyard with tastings, cheese platters and escarpment views.

· Two Figs Winery – Located near Berry, with seated tastings and a hilltop position overlooking the Shoalhaven River.

· Artemis Wines – A family-run Southern Highlands winery in Mittagong, known for cool-climate wines, Pinot Noir and spirits.

· Lyrebird Ridge Organic Winery & Retreat – A Budgong cellar door and organic winery set between Kangaroo Valley and Nowra.

Whether you’re planning a dedicated wine day or simply want a scenic afternoon drive, the region’s wineries pair beautifully with a stay at Barranca.

Adventure & Family Fun

For active travellers, Kangaroo Valley offers plenty of gentle adventure:

· Kayaking & Canoeing – Paddle the waterways with local operators such as Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company or Kangaroo Valley Safaris, both of which currently list canoeing and kayaking experiences.

· Walking Trails – Explore village walks, riverside loops, lookouts and longer bush tracks depending on your pace. For more detail, see our guide to Kangaroo Valley walks and hikes.

· Family Favourites – Visit the Pioneer Village Museum, stop for sweets in the village, or spend an easy afternoon spotting wildlife. Current museum listings show opening hours of 10am to 4pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (open everyday in school holidays).

Even without leaving Barranca, families can enjoy paddocks to roam, wildlife to watch and space to simply be together. For more ideas, explore Barranca’s guide to Kangaroo Valley outdoor adventures.

Culture, Creativity & Community

Kangaroo Valley has a strong creative spirit, from village boutiques and handmade goods to seasonal workshops and community events. One current highlight is Visual Arts in the Valley 2026, scheduled for Friday 2 to Monday 5 October 2026 (October long weekend), with art prizes, local artists, installations, an arts trail and workshops.

Between markets, galleries, pop-ups and local makers, the valley rewards slow wandering. It’s the kind of place where a morning coffee can turn into a conversation, a village stroll or the discovery of something handmade to take home.

Stay with Barranca

Kangaroo Valley is a place that lingers long after you leave, and Barranca offers a deeply comfortable way to experience it. From luxurious villas and private dining to nature, wineries and village discoveries nearby, every stay is designed to immerse you in the best of the region.

Ready to explore Kangaroo Valley? Book your stay at Barranca and let nature, flavour and hidden gems welcome you home.