Kangaroo Valley: The idyllic village offering a picturesque escape from the city

In September, Jeff Dudgeon opened the doors of his new bottle shop, Kangaroo Valley Fine Wines & Craft Ales.

Unlike his Bomaderry store, he knew his new outlet would need a more premium approach, reflective of the growing gentrification of the tiny NSW town and its many visitors.

“Real estate is a bit more expensive over here and customers are looking for better quality wine,” he says.

“I’ve got a full door of local craft beer and a section for local wine and spirits and I’m looking to add some premium international wines to the selection.”

The boutique store has received a warm welcome from the community and Dudgeon is looking forward to serving visitors to the area as regional travel reopens.

Village vibe

It’s the last shopfront on Moss Vale Road, sitting opposite an enduring favourite – The General cafe and convenience store.

You’ll also find a bakehouse, Sweet As – where you can buy artisan gelato – and a selection of eateries including Jing Jo Cafe, Hampden Deli, Buona Pizza and The Friendly Inn Hotel.

Nestled between the Southern Highlands and South Coast of NSW and about two hours’ drive from both Sydney and Canberra, Kangaroo Valley is home to fewer than 1000 permanent residents but its population swells as holiday-home owners head over for the weekend and tourists visit to enjoy the rural idyll, partaking in walking, cycling, kayaking, horseriding and golf.

The Valley also plays host to monthly farmers’ markets and music and arts events throughout the year, including the biennial Sculpture in the Valley.

Natural wonders

Bound to the west by Morton National Park, home to the dramatic Fitzroy Falls, the valley has easy access to scenic bush trails but you don’t need to leave town to lap up magical views.

The escarpment acts as the valley’s stunning backdrop, with pockets of rainforest and farmland creating a rich and rewarding landscape.

“Buyers are looking for privacy, a place where they can bring their family,” says Bond Lifestyle Properties principal Carrie Bond.

“A lot of people live on the waterfront in Sydney, so rather than looking for a coastal retreat they’re looking for a country escape with wide, open spaces.

“Kangaroo Valley offers clean air and clean water and every property is unique, so it’s a refreshing place to be.”

Bond says demand for real estate has reached record highs since COVID hit, with Sydney and Canberra buyers leading the charge.

There have been eight sales topping $3 million in the last 12 months, including Cedar Grove, a 47-hectare estate with two dwellings, a pool and tennis court which sold for $5.9 million in December, and Braeside, a two-hectare property with a four-bedroom home which sold for $3 million in July.

One to watch

Freshly renovated in the style of a Mediterranean farmhouse, The Casa is set on almost three hectares of park-like grounds three minutes’ drive from the village.

Featuring mud-brick walls, cedar beams and soaring ceilings, the property can be sold fully furnished, providing instant weekender appeal.

Carrie Bond of Bond Lifestyle Properties is taking expressions of interest with a guide of $4.5 million.

SOLD - $4,880,000

Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577

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