Why Kangaroo Valley is Australia's inland answer to Byron Bay

Friendly. That’s the adjective that keeps popping up when Domain talks to the locals about living in Kangaroo Valley.

The first thing South Coast Prestige Properties agent Carrie Bond mentions is “the really friendly community” and fourth-generation dairy farmer Trevor Parrish reports everyone says hello when you’re walking down the street.

“It has the same sort of buzz as Byron Bay, but with an inland country town setting,” Bond says. “It’s got a real culture all of its own and everyone really does look out for each other.”

And the local pub? Well, it’s aptly named The Friendly Inn.

Laidback lifestyle

An enclosed valley with a history of cedar logging and dairy farming, Kangaroo Valley is a magnet for treechangers looking to escape the hectic pace of city life.

“It’s a laidback country lifestyle with a lovely view,” Parrish says.

“It’s not on the major thoroughfare from Sydney to the coast so you don’t get so much traffic and when you drive through the mountains and the view opens up you just feel relaxed.”

It’s easy to see why the region is a magnet for treechangers.
Photo: Supplied

Well known for its bushwalking, kayaking, horseriding and golf, the valley also plays host to monthly farmers’ markets and bric-a-brac markets and next month will hold the annual Folk Festival, a three-day celebration of music, poetry, dancing and craft.

Parrish says visitors to the town are surprised and delighted to find top quality dining options, from a juicy steak at The Friendly Inn to a modern Australian spread at Bistro One46 or a Thai feast at Jing Jo Cafe.

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“We have very good local restaurants. People can’t believe they can come to such a small town and all the places to eat are so good,” Parrish says.

Artistic allure

Famous faces that have called the valley home over the years include Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett and INXS guitarist Tim Farriss and the area has long been a favourite with artists. There are two galleries in the valley and a Sculpture in the Valley exhibition takes place at the annual arts festival held in May.

Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett, pictured during the Last 2JJ Concert in 1981, has long been a fan of Kangaroo Valley. Photo: Julia Featherstone

Bond says being within two hours’ drive of Sydney is one of the area’s key drawcards, allowing commuters to maintain a country residence even if they still work in the city.

Recent sales include an architect-designed home on 1.93 hectares in Willowglen Road for $1.75 million and 163 Walkers Lane, a three-bedroom home on one hectare of established gardens, which sold for $1.28 million.

Where to buy

Set against the rugged backdrop of Morton National Park, Rocklea comprises six separate titles across 122 hectares of rainforest, productive pasture, a creek and an old dairy. 

The unique accommodation lends itself to sharing and features leadlight doors from the old Bank of New South Wales, charming rosewood stairs and hardwood from the old Freemantle Wharf.

2819A Moss Vale Road, Barrengarry, New South Wales.
Photo: Supplied

Located at 2819a Moss Vale Road, the Barrengarry listing is for sale for $7 million through South Coast Prestige Properties.

See more of this property here or download the Domain app to search for listings in and around Kangaroo Valley