Just a two-hour drive south of Sydney lies one of Australia’s most picturesque and serene destinations—Kangaroo Valley. Nestled in the Shoalhaven region of NSW, Kangaroo Valley offers visitors stunning scenery and a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, golf, and wine tasting.

Eager to escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney, my husband and I chose the winter school holidays to explore this beautiful area. Here are some must-see sights and attractions in Kangaroo Valley to help you plan your next trip.

Fitzroy Falls

Our adventure began with a visit to Fitzroy Falls, a breathtaking waterfall located en route to Kangaroo Valley. Just a short three-minute walk from the parking area, Fitzroy Falls offers magnificent mountain views and easy accessibility for all visitors. For an even more impressive perspective, walk a little further to see the falls from the side and take in the grandeur of the rock face.

Tip: Parking at Fitzroy Falls costs $4 for a full day or $2 for a shorter visit.

Manning Lookout

A quick 10-minute drive from Fitzroy Falls brought us to Manning Lookout. I discovered this gem through a Google Maps search and was determined to fit it into our itinerary. The lookout did not disappoint, offering stunning views that we had all to ourselves. The drive to the lookout is on an unsealed road, so we proceeded with caution at a slow speed. There’s no designated parking, but you can easily pull over to the side.

Hampden Bridge

From Manning Lookout, we drove another 15 minutes to reach Kangaroo Valley itself. One of the town’s iconic landmarks is Hampden Bridge, known for its castle-like appearance. As the daughter of an engineer, I couldn’t resist capturing a photo of this historic structure. I waited for a break in the traffic and ventured onto the road to get the perfect shot—totally worth it!

Bendeela Camping and Picnic Area

One of the highlights of our day trip was visiting Bendeela Camping Ground, just 10 minutes from Hampden Bridge. After seeing numerous Instagram posts about spotting wild wombats and kangaroos there, we were eager to check it out. Although we didn’t see any kangaroos, we were delighted by the abundance of wild wombats. From the moment we arrived, we saw these adorable creatures, including a mother with her baby grazing on the grass.

Seeing Australian wildlife in their natural habitat is always a thrill, even for locals. This was only the second time I had seen wombats in the wild, and I was utterly captivated by their charm. If you visit Kangaroo Valley, make sure to stop at Bendeela Camping Ground to enjoy these free, delightful wildlife encounters.

Plan Your Visit

Our visit to Kangaroo Valley was brief, and we couldn’t fit in all the attractions. For future trips, I’ll definitely consider staying overnight to fully experience the area’s beauty.

More Attractions in Kangaroo Valley

For additional information and attractions, check out these resources:

• Visit NSW: Kangaroo Valley Attractions
• Destination NSW: Kangaroo Valley
• Visit Kangaroo Valley

When’s Your Next Trip?

I hope this post inspires you to explore the amazing Kangaroo Valley, just a short drive from Sydney. It’s the perfect day trip destination and a place you’ll want to return to time and time again. Have you been to Kangaroo Valley? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!