As autumn slipped into its final weekend, I packed my suitcase and travelled south with my closest mum friends, all in need of a proper reset. We planned to join the movement of Australians leaning into Airbnb’s “weekending” trend for shorter, more frequent escapes that feel achievable, restorative and close to home. Just over two hours from Sydney’s CBD, our destination was Kangaroo Valley… road trip!
Tucked between the Southern Highlands and the Shoalhaven region on the South Coast of NSW, Kangaroo Valley is one of the state’s most picturesque destinations, but nothing quite prepares you for the way the valley feels when you arrive. It completely envelopes you, with rolling green hills and a stillness that immediately softens the edges of daily life.
In this article
- About our stay in the Kangaroo Valley
- Where to eat and drink in the Kangaroo Valley
- Where to shop in the Kangaroo Valley
- Places to visit in the Kangaroo Valley
Our Kangaroo Valley escape
Our stay was booked through Airbnb at a charming property named Braeside, a private four-bedroom retreat set on five acres and just a short drive from the Kangaroo Valley village. Sleeping up to eight guests with four generously sized bedrooms (each with their own ensuite), expansive decks, a large swimming pool and a firepit area with white Adirondack chairs overlooking the tranquil escarpments. It’s the kind of rural accommodation that instantly makes you exhale. It felt tucked away, elevated and completely ours for the weekend.
Explore Braeside on Airbnb.
As we wound along the long gravel driveway, kangaroos hopped beside us as though guiding us toward the house. Through the trees, I caught glimpses of the sun dipping low over the mountains, painting everything in a palette of fiery oranges and soft dusty pinks. And just when we thought the welcome couldn’t get more Australian, a wombat wandered past our accommodation, leaving us laughing in awe of how quickly we’d slipped into a different rhythm of life.
The house became our world for the next two days. From the generously sized kitchen, complete with a butler’s pantry, to the cosy living space with leather lounges and a toasty gas fireplace, it was the perfect setting for slowing down. Charcuterie boards were assembled, wine poured freely, and games were played that made us laugh far more than we should. I lost spectacularly at Bananagrams, but it hardly mattered. The standout feature for me was the breathtaking triangular windows in the living space. Stretching towards the soaring ceiling, they drew the landscape inside, making the ever-changing view feel like a piece of art.
On our first morning, we made breakfast together in the kitchen and lingered over freshly toasted sourdough and brewed cups of tea, before heading into the Kangaroo Valley township. A small but character-filled village that feels like a postcard version of country NSW, we made our obligatory drive across the historical Hampden Bridge, one of Kangaroo Valley’s most recognisable landmarks. It felt like a rite of passage and a gateway into the valley itself.
We explored the main street in just a couple of hours, stopping for coffee and wandering through the local shops. From a mix of cosy cafes, charming general stores and tempting boutiques, we found it impossible to leave empty-handed. My favourite spot was The Nostalgia Factory, a beautifully curated shop filled to the brim with treasures that felt more like a hidden trail of discovery than a retail store. Kangaroo Valley is the kind of country town where you find yourself lingering a little longer than planned, drawn in by warm shopfronts, handmade details and the simple pleasure of browsing without a plan.
Back at Braeside, the afternoon was uneventful in the best possible way. We stayed put, watched the light shift across the valley and set up the fire pit as the temperature dropped. Marshmallows were toasted, glasses of wine were in hand, and the sounds of local wildlife rang through the valley as we all settled into the evening. Dinner that night was another spread of grazing plates; by then, it had become a running joke that it was our weekend food staple. Later, we moved indoors, curling up by the fire as the valley faded into darkness.
On our final morning, I took my time packing up, not quite ready to leave. Check-out time was generous, which meant there was no rush, just a slow goodbye to a place that had given us exactly what we came for – the girls’ weekend away we all needed. Unstructured, unhurried and full of the conversations that only happen when no one is rushing off to school pickups or schedules.
What stayed with me most wasn’t just the scenery, or even the house itself, but how easy it felt to switch off. The Kangaroo Valley has a way of holding space for that – weekends that don’t need to be jam-packed to feel full. And perhaps that’s exactly what makes it so appealing right now.
Where we ate and drank in the Kangaroo Valley
- Hampden Deli A local favourite for coffee, grazing supplies and relaxed village energy
- The General Cafe An easy-going country cafe perfect for brunch or a slow coffee stop
- Wildes An elevated dining experience showcasing seasonal local produce in a beautifully restored heritage setting.
- Maddison’s in the valley A cosy, unfussy spot for simple meals and a welcoming atmosphere
- Valley Fudge & Teahouse A nostalgic charm with handmade fudge and old-school tea room vibes
Where we shopped in the Kangaroo Valley
- The Nostalgia Factory A treasure-filled space of vintage finds, homewares and eclectic curiosities
- The Hive A curated homewares with a contemporary country aesthetic
- Valley Vintage A mix of antiques and pre-loved pieces full of character and charm
- Sweet As Kangaroo Valley Nostalgic gifts and confectionery alongside its sweet offerings
Places to visit in the Kangaroo Valley
- Fitzroy Falls One of the Southern Highlands’ most spectacular natural attractions, with viewing platforms overlooking an 81-metre waterfall and breathtaking escarpment views.
- Kangaroo Valley Historic Village Walk A self-guided walk through the village’s heritage streetscape to Hampden Bridge, uncovering stories from the region’s early settlers.
- Kangaroo Valley Kayaks Explore the tranquil Kangaroo River by kayak, surrounded by native bushland and abundant wildlife.
- Pioneer Village Museum A fascinating collection of historic buildings, machinery and artefacts that bring the valley’s past to life.
- Yarrawa Estate A picturesque working farm and cellar door where visitors can enjoy local wine, produce and sweeping countryside views.
This girls’ weekend is just the beginning of what you can experience in Kangaroo Valley. Head to Visit NSW for more information.
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