Six walks, one ancient valley carved from sandstone hundreds of millions of years old, still roamed by kangaroos and wombats, and still bursting into wildflower colour every spring. Here are the best ways to explore Kangaroo Valley on foot this year.
Hiking Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley is literally carved into the escarpment country of the NSW South Coast. It’s a deep basin bordered by the Cambewarra and Barrengarry Mountains, with the beautiful Kangaroo River winding right through its floor. Built on Hawkesbury sandstone, the ground beneath Kangaroo Valley is hundreds of millions of years old, once submerged under ancient seas. So there’s something pretty special about walking over it!
Thanks to the region’s past, today you’ll find signature cliff-edge lookouts, rocky plateaus, and gorges carved over millennia.
But long before any walking track existed, Kangaroo Valley belonged to the Wodi Wodi people, who used it as a game reserve and meeting place, drawn by the same river flats and abundant wildlife that still define the area today.
Wander any of these trails and you’ll likely spot kangaroos grazing in the open, wombats shuffling through the undergrowth at dusk, and echidnas along the fire trails, with birdsong overhead and the odd snake for those paying close attention. Come late winter into spring and the woodlands break out in wildflowers, adding colour to the eucalypt forest that walking tracks run through.
Credit: Destination NSW / Car drives over the historic Hampden Bridge, Kangaroo Valley.
6 Remarkable Hikes in Kangaroo Valley
Planning a weekend in Kangaroo Valley? Here are six walks worth building your trip around.
Hampden Bridge Bush Loop
Start strong but not with too much effort. Head down to Hampden Bridge for the Hampden Bridge Bush Loop, an easy 2.4km amble that only takes only about 40 minutes!
Kick things off under the iconic sandstone arches, then follow the lazy Kangaroo River through peaceful bushland, keeping an eye out for kangaroos and wombats along the way. Don’t miss the swimming spot to cool off if you fancy a dip, and since some sections aren’t well marked, it’s smart to bring a map or download one for offline use. If you have a dog with you, bring ’em with you (leashed, since fox baiting happens in the area) and make an afternoon of it with the whole family!
Kangaroo Valley Historic Walk
For something a little longer, but very accessible and manageable for most, set off on the Kangaroo Valley Historic Walk, a self-guided stroll of about 4.5km round trip through the old pioneering village, taking roughly an hour. Starting near the tourist park on Moss Vale Road, you’ll wander past more than 20 well-signposted heritage sites, from the historic Hampden Bridge to the old courthouse, church, and Friendly Inn, soaking up National Trust-listed architecture along the way.
Along the route, learn about the Wodi Wodi people, the valley’s traditional custodians who used the area as a game reserve and meeting place long before European settlement. Grab a coffee at one of the local spots when you’re done and take your time exploring this local slice of history.
Credit: Destination NSW / The scenic Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park, Fitzroy Falls.
Griffins Fire Trail
Next level! Gear up for Griffins Fire Trail; a proper out-and-back adventure through shaded forest in Morton National Park. This one’s 11km each way, so make sure you’re heading out prepared.
Starting from Jacks Corner Road, this beautiful trail rolls gently downhill for about 5.8km to Griffins Farm, where you’ll find the ruins of an old timber-cutter’s homestead and a grassy campground right beside Yarrunga Creek. Push further and Griffins Fire Trail climbs on toward Gale’s Flat, tucked beneath towering sandstone cliffs, before eventually reaching Meryla Pass near Fitzroy Falls, where Wombat Hill Lookout rewards you with sweeping views over the valley. Terrain is manageable here on the way in, though the trek back up is where you’ll really feel it in your legs, so pack plenty of water!
Kangaroo Valley Loop
If you’re a hiker, you may have already heard about the Kangaroo Valley Loop; the ultimate challenge for serious hikers! This epic 42.8km circuit winds through eucalypt forest and dramatic escarpment country, taking around 12 hours total, so most people break it into an overnight or two-day trek rather than smashing it in one go.
Along the way you’ll pass through open forest and past lookout points near Fitzroy Falls that show off the valley in all its glory, especially when the wildflowers are out. Riverside camps at Griffin’s Farm and Gale’s Flat make for perfect overnight stops, letting you rest up, refill water, and soak in the remote bush scenery before pushing on.
Credit: Destination NSW / Couple enjoys the views along the Red Rocks trig walking track leads to scenic views across Kangaroo Valley and Morton National Park and is a great place for a picnic and some birdwatching.
Red Rocks Trig Walking Track
Sure, this might be a quick stroll, but there’s a big payoff. Red Rocks Trig Walking Track in Cambewarra Range Nature Reserve is an easy 1 to 1.9km return walk that’ll only take you 30 to 45 minutes, but the view at the end punches well above its weight.
The track winds through natural heathland across a Hawkesbury sandstone plateau before delivering you to a trig station lookout with sweeping views over Kangaroo Valley, Morton National Park, and Budderoo National Park, with Mount Skanzi, Mount Moollattoo, and Mount Carrialoo all visible on a clear day. Birdwatchers will be in their element here! Drag along a picnic and enjoy it with a view.
Just watch your footing on the uneven rock platforms near the end and wear decent shoes, since the access road can turn boggy after rain.
Three Views Walking Track
A pretty good half-day option and iconic Kangaroo Valley choice is the Three Views Walking Track. This fairly flat 9.5km return trek (about 3-4 hours) follows the Brooks Plateau and Moolatoo Trig fire trails, so it’s doable no matter your fitness level.
Pick your favourite lookout, or hit all three, for jaw-dropping views over Lake Yarrunga, Tallowa Dam, and the Shoalhaven River gorges, with bonus wildflowers and birdlife if you go in late winter or spring.
Credit: Destination NSW / Friends enjoying a meal at Wildes Boutique in Kangaroo Valley
Where to stay in Kangaroo Valley
Base yourself right in the action at Wildes Boutique Hotel! Smack in the heart of Kangaroo Valley village and just two hours from Sydney or Canberra, you’ll love the convenience of this one after a day out on the trails.
Come back to laid-back luxury: 26 stylish rooms and suites, a heated pool (warmed up June through September), and an onsite restaurant serving up hearty breakfasts and relaxed bistro-style dinners with great local produce.
Grab one of the complimentary bikes to explore further afield, or just walk everywhere since the pub, cafes, and shops are all right outside the door.
