Eat<\/h2>\nThe Friendly Inn<\/a><\/h3>\nLocated smack bang in the middle of the main street, The Friendly Inn<\/a> is the real deal \u2013 a traditional UK style pub. It\u2019s one of the oldest watering holes in the area, providing an indoor\/outdoor setting for both locals and those just passing through. The menu consists of nightly blackboard specials and classic pub clinchers. Seafood, steak, schnitzels and burgers are in heavy rotation, alongside more adventurous options like the barramundi, laksa and linguini.<\/p>\n\nThe outdoor beer garden provides ample opportunity to soak up views of the famous Kangaroo Valley escarpments. There\u2019s a covered playground area for kids, as well as a p\u00e9tanque court. Come summer, the venue also plays host to live music and holiday firework displays.<\/p>\n\n
If you\u2019d rather BYO back at your own digs, The Friendly bottle shop is open seven days a week.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/1The-Friendly-Inn.jpg\")
The Friendly Inn is the real deal \u2013 a traditional UK style pub<\/p><\/div>\n
The General Store\/Caf\u00e9\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\nIt wouldn\u2019t be a regional Aussie town without a classic General Store.<\/a> Kangaroo Valley delivers theirs in bulk, offering both a locally-stocked shop and adjoining caf\u00e9. Two for the price of one.<\/p>\n\nAt the caf\u00e9 portion of The General, breakfast bounty is beautifully served. The Chef\u2019s Special (named after Head Chef Tony) changes regularly \u2013 it could be anything from a fresh cheese, basil and tomato omelette to a lightly spiced congee. The Japanese vegetable pancake is served with rising sun sauce, mayonnaise and seven Lebanese spices, or perhaps a classic Egg and Bacon roll is more to your liking \u2013 both are catered to here. Mrs Bread\u2019s pop-up bakery supplying organic sourdough bread to the caf\u00e9. There\u2019s also an adorable honesty system bread shelf out the front. Simply leave your money in the tin and grab your bread to-go.<\/p>\n\n
Stock up on locally made produce at The General Store next door, courtesy of Kangaroo Valley Kindred Spirits. There\u2019s garlic dukkha and chilli pesto, pickles and fresh cheese, plus all the grocery staples of a classic small supermarket.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/2The-General-Store.jpg\")
The classic General Store<\/p><\/div>\n
Jing Jo<\/a><\/h3>\nFor a great eat-in or take-out Thai option you can\u2019t beat Jing Jo Restaurant<\/a> in the heart of Kangaroo Valley.<\/p>\n\nThe restaurant focuses on the freshest local produce to create its Thai dishes. An unexpected brunch offering (Salmon Gravlax, Rice Paper Rolls) surprisingly delivers. However it\u2019s the lunch and dinner sittings that the locals line up for. A favourite is the Nok Tod Kra Tiem<\/em> \u2013 deep fried quail, Jing Jo style.<\/p>\n\nThe restaurant is housed in a former gallery, and retains an artistic air by presenting a series of exhibitions throughout the year. Local artists are invited to display their art on the walls, providing a blissful backdrop for a classic Thai meal.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/3Jing-Jo.jpg\")
Jing Jo provides a blissful backdrop for a classic Thai meal.<\/p><\/div>\n
Play<\/h2>\nYarrawa Estate<\/a><\/h3>\nTucked between the escarpments of Upper Kangaroo Valley is Yarrawa Estate Vineyard<\/a>. \u00a0The only winery in Kangaroo Valley proper, Yarrawa, or \u2018windy place\u2019, is named after a nearby state forest and is perched in a beautiful location on Scotts Road.<\/p>\n\nOwners Mark and Sue Foster will welcome you to the cellar door like old friends. Spend the next few hours making your way through white varietals such as chambourcin, verdelho and Semillon; followed by some robust reds that include a cabernet sauvignon and cabernet merlot, and an elegant rose named Jasmine Grace. Over the years, Mark and Sue\u2019s efforts have been awarded with silver and gold medals in the South Coast Wine Show, as well as a place in acclaimed chef Luke Mangan\u2019s cookbook.<\/p>\n\n
While Yarrawa is better-known for its wines, the property also enjoys the benefits of highly fertile volcanic and alluvial soils. This makes it the perfect environment for growing other produce, such as citrus, apples, macadamias, pecans, walnuts, Japanese raisins, avocados and vegetables. At the cellar door you\u2019ll find cheese plates with charming additions such as marinated baby figs and estate-grown walnuts to complement your wine tasting.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/4Yarrawa.jpg\")
Yarrawa is the only winery in Kangaroo Valley proper<\/p><\/div>\n
Take a journey through Kangaroo Valley\u2019s past<\/h3>\n
Driving along Hampden Bridge might not feel like much, but it\u2019s actually a remarkable lesson in Victorian engineering.<\/p>\n\n
It is the largest surviving wooden suspension bridge in the country and was specially designed with gothic Victorian sandstone towers. Visit the medieval castle and take a self-guided tour to learn the history behind the bridge. Once you\u2019re finished, the Pioneer Museum<\/a> next door showcases the lifestyle of early Australian colonisers by way of houses, tools and other artefacts.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5Hampden-Bridge.jpg\")
Hampden Bridge is a remarkable lesson in Victorian engineering<\/p><\/div>\n
Visit Fitzroy Falls<\/h3>\n
Any landscape photographer worth their salt has heard about Fitzroy Falls. Water plunges over 80 metres to the valley below, splashing in the untouched bushland of Morton National Park.<\/p>\n\n
The waterfall is named after Sir Charles Fitzroy, the Governor of NSW who visited here during his tenure in the 1850s. Since then it has served as a lush escarpment between Robertson and Nowra, home to local flora, fauna, wildlife, walks and wild swimming.<\/p>\n\n
The East Rim Wildflower Walking track runs 1.25km from the Visitor Centre to Warrawong lookout. In spring, the self-guided stroll is home to diverse florals, native plants and trees. The West Rim walking track (3.5km) is a great introduction to dramatic gorges and waterfalls, pristine eucalypt forests and lush greenery.<\/p>\n\n
Visit the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre on the way out. Inside you can learn about local history, wildlife and birdwatching, or undertake one of the Aboriginal Cultural Walks on offer.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/6Fitzroy-Falls.jpg\")
Water plunges over 80 metres to the valley below<\/p><\/div>\n
Peruse the Village Green Nursery<\/a><\/h3>\nThis blink-and-you\u2019ll-miss-it nursery can be found lurking behind Kangaroo Valley\u2019s main strip of shops. It\u2019s an independent boutique garden and stocks much by way of edible plants, natives, tube stock, ornamentals and more.<\/p>\n\n
Wander aimlessly and admire the dedication that has gone into each section, and make sure you stop to chat to one of the friendly green-thumbed staff to ask a question or two.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/7The-Village-Green-Nursery.jpg\")
Peruse the Village Green Nursery<\/p><\/div>\n
Take a class at Hampden Deli, Dining and School<\/a><\/h3>\nLooking to hone your kitchen prowess or expand your weekly culinary repertoire? Slide into Hampden Deli<\/a>: the cosy deli, caf\u00e9 and cooking school that calls Kangaroo Valley home.<\/p>\n\nBefore rolling up their sleeves as teachers, owners Nick Gardner and Stevie-Lee Bounader spent years cutting their teeth in fine dining restaurants. Head Chef Nick trained at Nelson Bay’s Zest, before working at some of Sydney’s best restaurants (think Quay and Tetsuya\u2019s).<\/p>\n\n
Now the space serves as a spot where you can learn the fundamentals of cooking. From pairing the right produce, to quick and easy preparation techniques and bread making, the rotating roster of cooking classes will keep you motivated in the kitchen.<\/p>\n
Located smack bang in the middle of the main street, The Friendly Inn<\/a> is the real deal \u2013 a traditional UK style pub. It\u2019s one of the oldest watering holes in the area, providing an indoor\/outdoor setting for both locals and those just passing through. The menu consists of nightly blackboard specials and classic pub clinchers. Seafood, steak, schnitzels and burgers are in heavy rotation, alongside more adventurous options like the barramundi, laksa and linguini.<\/p>\n\n The outdoor beer garden provides ample opportunity to soak up views of the famous Kangaroo Valley escarpments. There\u2019s a covered playground area for kids, as well as a p\u00e9tanque court. Come summer, the venue also plays host to live music and holiday firework displays.<\/p>\n\n If you\u2019d rather BYO back at your own digs, The Friendly bottle shop is open seven days a week.<\/p>\n The Friendly Inn is the real deal \u2013 a traditional UK style pub<\/p><\/div>\n It wouldn\u2019t be a regional Aussie town without a classic General Store.<\/a> Kangaroo Valley delivers theirs in bulk, offering both a locally-stocked shop and adjoining caf\u00e9. Two for the price of one.<\/p>\n\n At the caf\u00e9 portion of The General, breakfast bounty is beautifully served. The Chef\u2019s Special (named after Head Chef Tony) changes regularly \u2013 it could be anything from a fresh cheese, basil and tomato omelette to a lightly spiced congee. The Japanese vegetable pancake is served with rising sun sauce, mayonnaise and seven Lebanese spices, or perhaps a classic Egg and Bacon roll is more to your liking \u2013 both are catered to here. Mrs Bread\u2019s pop-up bakery supplying organic sourdough bread to the caf\u00e9. There\u2019s also an adorable honesty system bread shelf out the front. Simply leave your money in the tin and grab your bread to-go.<\/p>\n\n Stock up on locally made produce at The General Store next door, courtesy of Kangaroo Valley Kindred Spirits. There\u2019s garlic dukkha and chilli pesto, pickles and fresh cheese, plus all the grocery staples of a classic small supermarket.<\/p>\n The classic General Store<\/p><\/div>\n For a great eat-in or take-out Thai option you can\u2019t beat Jing Jo Restaurant<\/a> in the heart of Kangaroo Valley.<\/p>\n\n The restaurant focuses on the freshest local produce to create its Thai dishes. An unexpected brunch offering (Salmon Gravlax, Rice Paper Rolls) surprisingly delivers. However it\u2019s the lunch and dinner sittings that the locals line up for. A favourite is the Nok Tod Kra Tiem<\/em> \u2013 deep fried quail, Jing Jo style.<\/p>\n\n The restaurant is housed in a former gallery, and retains an artistic air by presenting a series of exhibitions throughout the year. Local artists are invited to display their art on the walls, providing a blissful backdrop for a classic Thai meal.<\/p>\n Jing Jo provides a blissful backdrop for a classic Thai meal.<\/p><\/div>\n Tucked between the escarpments of Upper Kangaroo Valley is Yarrawa Estate Vineyard<\/a>. \u00a0The only winery in Kangaroo Valley proper, Yarrawa, or \u2018windy place\u2019, is named after a nearby state forest and is perched in a beautiful location on Scotts Road.<\/p>\n\n Owners Mark and Sue Foster will welcome you to the cellar door like old friends. Spend the next few hours making your way through white varietals such as chambourcin, verdelho and Semillon; followed by some robust reds that include a cabernet sauvignon and cabernet merlot, and an elegant rose named Jasmine Grace. Over the years, Mark and Sue\u2019s efforts have been awarded with silver and gold medals in the South Coast Wine Show, as well as a place in acclaimed chef Luke Mangan\u2019s cookbook.<\/p>\n\n While Yarrawa is better-known for its wines, the property also enjoys the benefits of highly fertile volcanic and alluvial soils. This makes it the perfect environment for growing other produce, such as citrus, apples, macadamias, pecans, walnuts, Japanese raisins, avocados and vegetables. At the cellar door you\u2019ll find cheese plates with charming additions such as marinated baby figs and estate-grown walnuts to complement your wine tasting.<\/p>\n Yarrawa is the only winery in Kangaroo Valley proper<\/p><\/div>\n Driving along Hampden Bridge might not feel like much, but it\u2019s actually a remarkable lesson in Victorian engineering.<\/p>\n\n It is the largest surviving wooden suspension bridge in the country and was specially designed with gothic Victorian sandstone towers. Visit the medieval castle and take a self-guided tour to learn the history behind the bridge. Once you\u2019re finished, the Pioneer Museum<\/a> next door showcases the lifestyle of early Australian colonisers by way of houses, tools and other artefacts.<\/p>\n Hampden Bridge is a remarkable lesson in Victorian engineering<\/p><\/div>\n Any landscape photographer worth their salt has heard about Fitzroy Falls. Water plunges over 80 metres to the valley below, splashing in the untouched bushland of Morton National Park.<\/p>\n\n The waterfall is named after Sir Charles Fitzroy, the Governor of NSW who visited here during his tenure in the 1850s. Since then it has served as a lush escarpment between Robertson and Nowra, home to local flora, fauna, wildlife, walks and wild swimming.<\/p>\n\n The East Rim Wildflower Walking track runs 1.25km from the Visitor Centre to Warrawong lookout. In spring, the self-guided stroll is home to diverse florals, native plants and trees. The West Rim walking track (3.5km) is a great introduction to dramatic gorges and waterfalls, pristine eucalypt forests and lush greenery.<\/p>\n\n Visit the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre on the way out. Inside you can learn about local history, wildlife and birdwatching, or undertake one of the Aboriginal Cultural Walks on offer.<\/p>\n Water plunges over 80 metres to the valley below<\/p><\/div>\n This blink-and-you\u2019ll-miss-it nursery can be found lurking behind Kangaroo Valley\u2019s main strip of shops. It\u2019s an independent boutique garden and stocks much by way of edible plants, natives, tube stock, ornamentals and more.<\/p>\n\n Wander aimlessly and admire the dedication that has gone into each section, and make sure you stop to chat to one of the friendly green-thumbed staff to ask a question or two.<\/p>\n Peruse the Village Green Nursery<\/p><\/div>\n Looking to hone your kitchen prowess or expand your weekly culinary repertoire? Slide into Hampden Deli<\/a>: the cosy deli, caf\u00e9 and cooking school that calls Kangaroo Valley home.<\/p>\n\n Before rolling up their sleeves as teachers, owners Nick Gardner and Stevie-Lee Bounader spent years cutting their teeth in fine dining restaurants. Head Chef Nick trained at Nelson Bay’s Zest, before working at some of Sydney’s best restaurants (think Quay and Tetsuya\u2019s).<\/p>\n\n Now the space serves as a spot where you can learn the fundamentals of cooking. From pairing the right produce, to quick and easy preparation techniques and bread making, the rotating roster of cooking classes will keep you motivated in the kitchen.<\/p>\nThe General Store\/Caf\u00e9\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n
Jing Jo<\/a><\/h3>\n
Play<\/h2>\n
Yarrawa Estate<\/a><\/h3>\n
Take a journey through Kangaroo Valley\u2019s past<\/h3>\n
Visit Fitzroy Falls<\/h3>\n
Peruse the Village Green Nursery<\/a><\/h3>\n
Take a class at Hampden Deli, Dining and School<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/8Hampden-Deli.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/9Barranca.jpg\")