Southern Highlands, Kangaroo Valley and South Coast Beaches
South of Sydney is a very beautiful valley called Kangaroo Valley. Smaller than the Hunter Valley, and some would say more scenic, this was an area of dairy farms which more recently has become a popular spot for Sydneysiders in need of some country air. You can do this drive in a day, a week or longer if you really want to chill out.
The trip can be done via coast and return via inland, or the reverse of course. You could also start from the Blue Mountains.
About an hour out of Sydney you can take a detour out to Mt Annan Botanic Garden, the native plant garden of the Royal Botanic Gardens Trust. Mt Annan is about an hour from Sydney. 15 mins further along you come to Camden. This is the area where the Australian wool industry was first established. You can take a tour of Belgenny Farm, the original home of John and Elizabeth Macarthur, and see the flock of the original type of merino they imported.
Route: Head out of Sydney via the M5 Motorway to the
Southern Highlands. Stop for a break here, maybe wander around the shops of Bowral or Berrima. Perhaps visit the
Bradman Museum. Bowral was where the Don (cricket super hero and sporting deity for Australians and cricket lovers world wide) grew up and commenced playing. From Sydney CBD to Bowral should take about 1 1/2 hrs straight from Sydney; or about an hour from Camden; or 45 mins from Mt Annan in average traffic.
From Bowral, head off down to Fitzroy Falls. This is about 25 mins drive through lovely farmland. Stop to take in the falls then head off down to
Kangaroo Valley. The road is quite windy, but very beautiful and you'll soon see wonderful views of the valley. In the valley you can take a canoe safari, for the day or for several days, wander through the shops or go for walks. It's a lovely place to spend time. Fitzroy Falls to Kangaroo Valley should take about 15 minutes.
Heading on through the valley towards the coast in about 15 minutes you come to Cambewarra Lookout which provides wonderful views of the South Coast. Be careful heading up out of the valley, the views back into the valley will be drawing your eyes from the road!
From Cambewarra, you can head off to
Berry, (15- 20 mins). Berry is a quaint little town very popular with Sydney daytrippers, or to Nowra, where you can visit
Bundanon an historic property donated to the community by Arthur and Yvonne Boyd. Arthur Boyd was one of Australias most famous artists. See Boyd's studio have a picnic. Bundanon is just out from Nowra, about 25 mins drive from Cambewarra. See the Bundanon website for directions. Note that Bundanon is only open on Sundays for general access.
At this point, you have to make a choice, head on back to Sydney or down the South Coast, Jervis Bay and beyond.
In Jervis Bay Booderee National Park has unpowered camping sites with excellent facilities and is a wonderful place to connect with the environment. The birds are very friendly, but visistors are requested not to feed them.
Heading back towards Sydney there are lots of beautiful beaches to explore. You'll find safe (patrolled) swimming at Kiama, along with plenty of shops and places to eat, not to mention plenty of other local attractions. You could be occupied for as long as you like. Minamurra Rainforest Centre is very lovely, you might see a lyrebird or echidna wandering across the path.
Alternatively you could explore Seven Mile Beach National Park.
Head back to Sydney via the scenic route and the recently completed Seacliff Bridge. Follow the signs to Stanwell Park and Coalcliff. At Coalcliff you can camp right on the beach, but you'll need to book in advance in the warmer months. If you should choose to stay for a while, you might be interested in other l ocal beaches and attractions.
On the way back to the highway, you'll pass Symbio Wildlife Gardens, where you can "cuddle a Koala".
see Australia inside pages for destinations to Brisbane and Melbourne coastal route drives.
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