The Paths Less Travelled: Bushwalking in Kangaroo Valley

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There’s a certain kind of connection that happens when you walk through the bush - no rush, no signal, just earth beneath your feet and birdsong above. In Kangaroo Valley, the walking trails invite us not to conquer, but to slow down and listen. These are the paths less travelled - and they’re waiting for you.

A Valley of Walking Wonders

Bushwalking in Kangaroo Valley isn’t about ticking walks off the list. It’s about finding moments. A rustle in the leaves. The flash of a lyrebird’s tail. A breath of eucalyptus on the breeze.

Nestled between escarpments and rich with rainforest, this valley offers walks that meander through story-filled landscapes - from riverside paths to ancient cliffs and shady gullies. You don’t need fancy gear or a trail app. Just a good pair of shoes, a refillable water bottle, and a willingness to wander.

Family-Friendly Trails to Try 

1. Pioneer Museum Loop Walk

Right in the heart of the village, this gentle bush track starts behind the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum. It’s short, shaded, and perfect for curious kids. Keep an eye out for mossy logs, ferny gullies, and small birds darting between branches. Entry to the museum is optional, but the walk is free and open to all.

2. Hampden Bridge to Village Walk

Stroll along the footpath that links the village to the bridge. It's pram - and scooter-friendly, with heritage buildings, shady trees, and views across the river. Great for stretching your legs after a local lunch or coffee stop.

3. Bendeela to the Riverbank

More of a ramble than a hike, this easy wander takes you from the Bendeela Recreation Area through grassy campgrounds to the Kangaroo River’s edge. Perfect for spotting wombats, especially around dusk.

Wilder Adventures Worth the Drive

4. Fitzroy Falls East and West Rim Walks

Just 20 minutes from the village, Fitzroy Falls offers well-marked tracks with dramatic views. The East Rim track is the more peaceful of the two, with less foot traffic and stunning vistas of the valley below. The West Rim features waterfall lookouts and is great for photographers. Both are manageable for most ages.

5. Three Views Walk, Morton National Park

This 9.5km return track takes you through open woodland to three incredible escarpment lookouts. While longer, the track is relatively flat and rewards you with panoramic views of the Shoalhaven wilderness.

6. Upper Kangaroo River Trail

Less travelled, this one requires a little local know-how, but offers rewarding solitude and a chance to connect more deeply. Ask us at Valley Outdoors if you’d like help finding this trail or joining a guided walk.

Walking with Purpose and Presence

These walks aren’t just about exercise. They’re about connection - to place, to family, to your breath. Some families do bush bingo with the kids. Others pause to sketch leaves or sit by the river with a thermos. There’s no right way - only your way.

At Valley Outdoors, we’re here to help. We can suggest tracks based on age, ability, and weather. We also offer guided walks for those who want to go deeper—to hear the stories behind the plants, the place names, and the land itself.

Tips for Walking Well in the Valley

  • Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes
  • Let someone know where you’re going if walking alone
  • Always take your rubbish with you
  • Respect wildlife and tread lightly

Let Your Next Adventure Begin on Foot

There’s something healing about walking in Kangaroo Valley. Maybe it’s the silence. Maybe it’s the birds. Maybe it’s the way time changes when you follow a path into the bush.

Whatever it is, it’s here. And it’s yours to explore.

Kind Words
“We weren’t experienced hikers, but the walk we did was so peaceful and accessible. The Valley Outdoors team gave us tips and a map, and we found a spot by the river we’ll never forget.”
– Jess & Paul, Sydney

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Visit Valley Outdoors for local trail advice and maps. Book a guided walk or nature experience: https://www.shoalhaven.com/walks/

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Tourism Tribe
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We had the pleasure of working with Valley Outdoors, an outstanding guided tour business based in Kangaroo Valley. The team offers bespoke experiences — from abseiling to canoe journeys — with a genuine focus on connecting people with nature. The recent acquisition of the iconic Kangaroo Valley Safaris is a real testament to their passion for growing adventure tourism in the region. A wonderful Australian tourism business doing it the right way. 100% recommend!
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Omar
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Met the owners and they are lovely!!
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Joe Nissim
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Had a brilliant trip with Valley Outdoors. Trev and Sarah were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The trip itself was spectacular and thoroughly enjoyable too- beautiful scenery and great to be exploring Kangaroo Valley for a few days.
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Alekya Polu
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We have recently visited Kangaroo valley and have done River Cannoying had a very good experience, we are glad that we have chosen Valley Outdoors for Hiring our Cannoying boat and equipment, the owner was so kind and gentle and professionally guided us and well prepared us with all the necessary information for Cannooying in the river, we told them we are not professionals,doing it for very first time.Their equipment including the quality of boats were really good.I also ended up in buying some swim warmers with decent prices,they were of so good quality with rare colours available which you barely can find outside I definitely recommend my friends to this shop.
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Lisa Shakhovskaya
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Had the best experience ever! Trav is an amazing guide, we had so much fun. We got to see a few azure kingfishers (dream come true!), a wallaby and a bunch of water dragons. Highly recommend for anyone visiting KV!
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Y B
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The absolute BEST time. Thank you Sarah for your pleasant and kind nature. Andy our kayak guide was brilliant. Highly recommend
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Alexander Iskrenov
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We had a great afternoon in a canoe cruising down the river. Sarah was extremely friendly and patiently walked us through what we should expect. Brie took us to the place and everyone received an excellent crash course on how to handle the equipment. The density of wildlife is truly astonishing - wombats, lyre birds, kingfishers, red belly blacks to name a few. We are looking forward to visiting again!
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Irene Bartlett
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From the first contact with Sarah I was blown away by her kindness and gentleness. My friend and I had an awesome adventure with valley outdoors and our guide Matt was just incredible. His knowledge of the river and wildlife was so educational. I would highly recommend this business to anyone who is looking for something different to do and to see parts of kangaroo valley that most people don't get to see . Thank you everyone for a fabulous experience.
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Michael Marr
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4 person expedition in single kayaks from Hampden Bridge to Bendeela Camp ground with Ken. Beautiful day, perfect temperature. Some fun, small rapids and 45 mins to a small beach for a coffee, chocolate and Lilly stop and then another 45 mins to the end. Stunning scenery, has the river to ourselves. Highly recommend doing this with Valley Outdoors,who are so well organised and friendly. Pleasure to deal with.
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Georgia S
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What a trip. The scenery!!! Incredible and I can't recommend Valley outdoors enough. An incredible professional team. We felt so supported with planning and in the execution of our trip - the hire gear was all in great condition. We enjoyed having the company of many wallabies, goannas, cheeky food stealing possums and Mountain Goats. So cool and especially our kiwi friends enjoyed seeing them in there natural environment Memories forever. Thank you

Acknowledgement of Country

We respectfully acknowledge the Wodi Wodi People, of the Dharawal language constellation, as the traditional custodians of the Gangagruwan/Kangaroo Valley in which we live and work. We recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities and we pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past, present and emerging.