KOOKABURRA HILL
IN KANGAROO VALLEY
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
One of our favourite family activities is a hike up Jarrett's Lane. You turn right out of the driveway and Jarrett's lane is the next road on the right (about 150m down the road). We typically leave home about 1 hr before sunset and see wallabies, wombats, cows and sometimes an echidna as we make our way up the hill (and over the cattle grid) to see the beautiful panoramic views over the valley before returning home as it starts to get dark.
Kangaroo Valley Safaris has canoes, kayaks and bikes for hire. We have tried and loved the beautiful 2.5 hr paddle through the gentle rapids of the Kangaroo River. They also run overnight and multi-day tours. 02 4465 1502. Kangaroo Valley Rural Supplies (aka The Red Shed) on Jenanter Drive stocks fishing supplies and can direct you to fishing spots. 02 4465 1082
We have enjoyed finding local hikes in the area like Ben's walk in Nowra which starts from the Nowra showground and takes you past a suspension bridge over the river. Morton National Park and Kangaroo Valley Nature Reserve also feature a variety of bush walks from beginner to advanced. Our favourite hike is probably Drawing Room Rocks in Berry.
Kangaroo Valley Golf Course is open to the public and has 18 holes designed by Jack Newton. 02 4465 0200
There are beautiful stargazing opportunities on most nights in the Valley.
DINING & SHOPPING
There are many great places in the Village for coffee - try Hampden Deli or The Fudge House and Ice Creamery (where a taste of fudge comes with your coffee!)
For such a small village, there are plenty of dining options - Hampden Deli has great coffee and beautiful pastries, gourmet picnic lunches and specialty themed dinners, Jing Jo has delicious Thai cuisine in the evenings and The Friendly Inn has good pub fare. A short drive down the road (near the bridge) you'll find the Stop & Taste food truck which has delicious samosas.
There are two wonderful ice cream and fudge shops in the Village, complete with old fashion lollies and gifts.
The village shops are great for a browse, some favourites are Valley Vintage and Nostalgia Factory for cool homewares. Berry has large country markets which take place on the Berry Showground the first Sunday of each month (except February) and Kangaroo Valley has smaller local markets on the second Saturday of each month behind the Friendly Inn a short walk away in town.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Yarrawa Estate is one of many wineries in the Shoalhaven region. We love their Chambourcin. You are invited into Mark & Sue's home to try their wines while their dogs wait for a pat. They are open on weekends and 11km away on Upper Kangaroo River Road. 02 4465 1165. We also like tasting at Two Figs and a late afternoon lunch at Coolangatta Estate.
Pack a picnic lunch and head to Blenheim Beach. It is less than an hour drive from Kookaburra Hill and has beautiful white sand and less crowds than other Shoalhaven beaches. Blenheim is popular for swimming and snorkelling.
You can drive north to explore the Southern Highlands (The Bradman Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral is popular) or East to Berry with its charming shops and cafes.
Nowra is just a 25 minute drive away and has a zoo, fleet & air museum, movie theater, bowling alley, trampoline center, major supermarkets and shops.
There is a fabulous new playground less than 30 min away in Berry called Boongaree Nature Play. Kiama and its famous blowhole are a 45 minute drive away.