View across Kangaroo Valley

Kangaroo Valley
A beautiful valley behind the coastal escarpment
It is difficult to do justice to the beauty of Kangaroo Valley, a delightful scenic area which is centred around a small village 159 km south of Sydney via the Princes Highway. The patchwork quilt of farms, the rainforest clinging to the steep slopes of the valley, the prettiness of the river, the facilities for the traveller, the small creeks which cross the valley, all make it a very special and particularly attractive place. These qualities have been recognised by the National Trust which classified the town in 1977.

Most people who travel to Kangaroo Valley are happy to picnic beside the Kangaroo River, walk across the Hampden Bridge, hire canoes and go for a row on the Kangaroo River, visit the craft shops, food shops and tea rooms in the village, and just generally relax. The more adventurous can go bushwalking, and those determined to push on can wind their way up from the valley and head towards the dramatic Fitzroy Falls which tumble over the escarpment. The valley is almost entirely surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs.

The Wodi Wodi Aborigines, whose chief meeting place was Lake Illawarra, occupied the land long before European settlement. An 1826 census indicated 79 Aborigines in the valley. Botanist James Backhouse's account of his meeting with a gathering in 1836 describes how : 'several of them speak tolerable English. They were attired either in skin garments, fastened over one shoulder and under the other, or in blankets, or articles of European clothing; one having on a pair of trousers, another a shirt, a third a jacket, and so on. Few of them had any covering for their heads, and none had shoes.

'All of them had undergone the ceremony of having one front-tooth knocked out, on being admitted to the privileges of manhood; and they had the cartilages of their noses perforated and bones, the thickness of a quill, and about four inches long, through them. They wore fillets of network about their heads, and beads, formed of short pieces of reed, about their necks.

'Among their possessions was a musket, exchanged for work undertaken. In 1846 a settler noted five encampments of Kooris in the valley - 'each camp in a separate gully'. White settlement of the valley occurred in the 1860s and the Wori Wori were driven from their traditional grounds and sacred sites. In the space of about thirty years 20,000 years of Aboriginal settlement came to an end. There appear to have been no permanent Aboriginal residents in the valley by the early 1890s.

The origins of the name Kangaroo Valley are apparent in a remark made by the Reverend W.B. Clarke who observed, as early as 1840, that the valley 'takes its name from the kangaroos which formerly abounded here but are now extinct'.

In 1812 surveyor George William Evans and his party, guided by an Aboriginal man named Bundle, journeyed from Jervis Bay to the Shoalhaven River. They climbed Cambewarra Mountain where Evans remarked upon the magnificence of the view.

In 1815 cattleman Captain Richard Brooks received a 1300-acre land grant at what is now Dapto. By 1817 Governor Macquarie promised Brooks a 700-acre grant and Brooks set up his hut and stockyards about one kilometre from where the Hampden Bridge now stands.

In 1823 Cornelius O'Brien took up land in the area, where his overseer was assaulted by Brooks. Others soon followed in the western half of the valley. Five years later Alexander Berry's men crossed Kangaroo Mountain to find a million feet of cedar south of Broger's Creek.

In 1831 Robert Hoddle made the first land survey of Kangaroo Valley and the surrounding escarpments. The years 1835-41 saw large land grants conferred upon several men.

A census of 1841 indicates that there were two free men and five convicts living in Kangaroo Valley but, in reality, including sawyers hidden away in the forests, there were between ten and twenty whites, not to mention the Aborigines.

Irishman Charles McCaffrey and his family became the first white family to settle in the valley in 1846, when they came to work for Henry Osborne. They also became the first to manufacture sufficient butter to begin exporting it outside of the valley, thus foreshadowing the dairy industry which would later become the area's chief source of employment .

A number of the pioneer farmers were from county Fermanagh in Ireland. The manufacture of moonshine whiskey followed in their wake, a tradition carried on at least until the end of the 1920s.

The population rapidly increased from about 200 whites in 1860 to around 1400 by 1880. A new, improved access road into the valley was cut in the early 1860s and the first public school, post office and church (Anglican) were completed in 1871. Roman Catholic and Wesleyan churches followed in 1873 and a Presbyterian kirk the following year.

The township grew with the improvement of roads in the late 1870s, the opening of a bridge over the river in 1879, the introduction of the cream separator in 1881, which facilitated the development of the dairy industry, the introduction of telephones in 1884, improvements in local banking in the 1880s and the opening of butter factories from 1888.

By the 1890s the town was in decline due to a variety of circumstances including the 1890s depression, a rabbit plague, the attraction of the developing coal mines around Wollongong and the improvements in the production of butter and dairy products. Today Kangaroo Valley township is a small village of about 280 residents. It is a tourist destination surrounded by a small number of farmers and a large number of weekend residents and people who have a few hectares and have escaped the bustle of city life.

Things to see:  

Hampden Suspension Bridge

Hampden Suspension Bridge
1898 saw the opening of the district's central man-made feature, the Hampden Suspension Bridge. Reputedly the oldest surviving suspension bridge in the country and the third-largest in the state it spans the Kangaroo River on the main road from Kangaroo Valley to Moss Vale. Noted for the castellated towers at either end, which support the cables and which resemble the turrets of a medieval castle, it was named after the then-governor of NSW, Lord Hampden. His real name, less impressively, was Henry Bland. For understandable reasons he adopted the title as he was descended from British parliamentary leader John Hampden. The bridge's centenary was celebrated in 1998. There are picnic and barbecue facilities on both sides of the river.

The river below the bridge is a popular swimming and canoeing spot. Canoes can be hired adjacent the bridge at Kangaroo Valley Tourist Park which is open every day, tel: (02) 4465 1310. Kangaroo Valley Safaris is also open daily for canoes, kayaks and camping equipment, tel: (02) 4465 1502. They will take you to various locations to explore the valley for yourself and pick you up again. They also provide information about local bushwalking. Canoe and guided bass fishing tours are provided by Kangaroo Valley Canoe Adventures, tel: 1800 805 742.

George Wiley Bridge and Pioneer Settlement Reserve
In 1931 another impressive suspension bridge was erected over Broger's Creek by local men (dairy farmers and a blacksmith) with no technical expertise or assistance and at their own expense. 63 metres in length, the George Wiley Bridge supported vehicles of up to 2 tonnes for 45 years until superseded by a concrete span. It is now located at the northern end of the Hampden Bridge adjacent the Pioneer Settlement Reserve. Call (02) 4465 1306 for opening times. There are picnic and toilet facilities at the Reserve.

Pioneer Farm Museum
The Pioneer Farm Museum is based around an 1865 farmhouse. Originally located at Bendeela this building was to be submerged when Tallowa Dam went ahead but local residents fought successfully for its preservation. There is a dairy, a forge and horse-drawn vehicles. Adjacent is Hampden Cottage, a shop specialising in pottery and ferns which is housed in the 1880 residence of an early settler. Both structures are fully furnished by the historical society after the fashion of the day.

The main street of Kangaroo Valley township

Historic Buildings
The Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd was the first independent commission of notable architect John Horbury Hunt who designed several other buildings in the valley including the Barrengarry Public School (1880). The church is open by appointment only (02 4465 1585).

The rectory (1889) was also designed by Hunt and was erected by John Tanner in 1878. It was built of sandstone taken from the banks of the Kangaroo River, as were the public school at Kangaroo Valley (1884), and the former courthouse (c.1910) - an asymmetrical structure which, although altered and extended, is also of some interest. Unfortunately the rectory and school are now somewhat obscured by weatherboard additions.

Attractions along Mt Scanzi Road
There are a number of attractions along Mt Scanzi Rd. 4.5 km from town Orchid Images is an orchid nursery and sales centre which also offers group tours. It is best seen in winter and spring and is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10-5; tel: (02) 4465 1655.

Mt Scanzi Rd becomes Tallowa Dam Road and leads to Tallowa Dam at the junction 23.5 km west of the Kangaroo Valley township. The dam is the major component of the Shoalhaven Water Scheme. This is a very pretty spot and there are picnic, barbeque and toilet facilities nearby.

Lookouts in the Area
1. Cambewarra Mountain
Leave Kangaroo Valley heading towards Nowra, at the top of the hill there is a hairpin bend which heads towards Cambewarra Mountain where the lookout offers one of the finest views on the south coast. The lookout is open daily from 10 until dusk. There is a coffee shop, picnic and barbecue facilities and toilets. A hang-gliding launch site is available on weekends only. It is necessary to ring the duty officer at HMAS Albatross to check on air traffic. tel: (02) 4424 1211.

2. Barrengarry
The journey from Kangaroo Valley township to Fitzroy Falls is only 15 kilometres but the windy road and the views over the valley from Barrengarry make it an extraordinary experience. But still, such perspectives pale when compared to the views of Morton National Park that are available from Fitzroy Falls.

Homelea Cottage at 149 Moss Vale Road which is the town's visitor information centre. They have advice about walks and activities. Contact 4465 1830 for more information. You can also get information from the Shoalhaven Tourist Centre on 1300 662 808

	Tourist Information
	Kangaroo Valley Tourist Association Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577
	Motels
	Pioneer Motel Kagaroo Valley 152 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1877 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1413 Rating: ****
	Hotels
	Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Resort 390 Mount Scanzi Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1131, 1800 645 363 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1359
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Alcheringa Nugents Creek Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1922 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1921
	Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat 2099 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1362 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1362 Rating: ***1/2
	Crystal Creek Meadows Luxury Cottages 1655 Kangaroo Valley Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1406 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1606 Email: info@country-accommodation.com.au Rating: ****1/2
	Fernbank House Radiata Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1404 Facsimile: (02) 9360 1208
	Little Pig Creek 1673 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4464 3053 Facsimile: (02) 4464 3053
	Ballymontna B & B at Valley Park 1655 Kangaroo Valley Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1406
	Karralika Springs 50 Keoghs Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1523 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1431 Rating: ***1/2
	Laurel Bank Bed & Breakfast 2501 Moss Vale Rd Barrengarry Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1616 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1394 Rating: ****1/2
	Tall Trees Bed & Breakfast 8 Nugents Creek Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1208 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1208 Rating: ****1/2
	Wombatalla Guest House 209 Tallowa Dam Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1788
	Holiday Homes & Units
	Hamilton Country Retreat 360 Bendeela Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 9544 7068, 0425 315 002
	Skyfarm Tallowa Dam Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1945 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1945
	Cottages & Cabins
	Applegrove 2053 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1330
	Arundel of Kangaroo Valley 602 Mount Scanzi Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1292
	Ascot 49 Upper River Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1404
	Banksia Park Cottages 114 Radiata Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1664 Facsimile: (02) 9360 1987 Rating: ***1/2
	Bimbadgen 77 Kelvin Rd Barrengarry Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1404
	Crystal Creek Meadows Luxury Cottages 1655 Kangaroo Valley Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1406 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1606 Email: info@country-accommodation.com.au Rating: ****1/2
	Feriendorf Holiday Village 55 Radiata Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1472 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1801 Rating: **1/2
	Fernbank House Radiata Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1404 Facsimile: (02) 9360 1208
	Hampden Country Cottage 2031a Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1502
	Jenoma Cottage 27 Cullen Cres Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 9543 7030 Facsimile: (02) 9543 9265 Rating: ***1/2
	Kangaroo Valley Estate 201-202 Grahams Rd Barrengarry Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 9544 2866
	Keavis Cottage Jarretts Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: 0412 967 057 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1558
	Lindenbrook Cottage 1386 Kangaroo Valley Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1142
	Little Pig Creek 1673 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4464 3053 Facsimile: (02) 4464 3053
	Magnolia Cottage 2151 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1404
	Martindale 4 Rendga Close Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1502
	Minimbah Farm Cottages Nugent's Creek Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1056 Facsimile: (02) 9360 1208 Rating: ****
	Morton Valley Views 442 Bugong Fire Trail Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 9983 0861
	Oakleigh Farmhouse 89 Upper River Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1234
	Restdown Moss Vale Rd Barrengarry Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1404
	Skyfarm Tallowa Dam Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1945
	Terralong Farm Jarretts Lane Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1404
	The Big Bell Farm 1666 Kangaroo Valley Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1628 Rating: ***1/2
	The Cedars Cottage Bunkers Hill Rd Barrengarry Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1147
	The Heavens Mountain Escape 94 Paddington Lane Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1400 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1368 Rating: ****
	The Heavens Mountain Escape 94 Paddington Lane Barrengarry Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1400 Facsimile: (02) 4465 1368
	Valley Haven 19 Jenanter Dve Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1404
	Valley Park 1655 Kangaroo Valley Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1406
	Lodges & Chalets
	Fernbank House Radiata Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1404 Facsimile: (02) 9360 1208
	Caravan Parks
	Kangaroo Valley Tourist Park Main Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1310 Rating: ***
	Glenmack Caravan Park Main Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1372 Rating: ***1/2
	Restaurants
	Bounce at Kangaroo Valley 165 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1676
	Friendly Inn Hotel 159 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1133
	Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Resort 390 Mount Scanzi Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1131
	Kangaroo Valley Pizzeria & Takeaway 160 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1551
	Wah Doo Chinese Restaurant 10 Marshall St Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1231
	Cafés
	Cafe Alfresco and Picnics 160 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1909
	Johnnyray's Takeaway Cafe 162 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1869
	Kangaroo Valley Bakehouse 150 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577 Telephone: (02) 4465 1500