The township of Kangaroo Valley has always been a crucial link between the villages of the Southern Highlands and the Shoalhaven right down to the South Coast. Since the floods in February the residents and businesses of Kangaroo Valley have been unable to access the northern end of Moss Vale Road towards Fitzroy Falls, making travel in and out of the region challenging and 2 hours longer each way for those coming through the Southern Highlands. So it is with jubilation that we announce that once again the connection via Moss Vale Road between the Southern Highlands and the South Coast is open.
The business community is very much looking forward to recovering from the past four months, and with the winter school holidays upon us, there has never been a better time to invite visitors back to the region.
NSW Roads announced this week that two sections of Moss Vale Road will be open with single lane access only, while work continues. Traffic control and reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place at these locations. They advise road users to allow five minutes additional travel time, drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Work towards restoring two lane access is ongoing and is expected to take up to two months in some sections to complete.
It’s been a challenging few years as the Kangaroo Valley community felt the immense impact of the Currowan Bushfires, then endured the two year rollercoaster ride that was COVID lock downs with endless travel restrictions followed by the floods of late Summer (during what should have been the recovery phase) which caused landslides that cut of this picturesque valley. Finally, after businesses have reported an 80% downturn in trade since the Southern Highlands detour was put in place back in March, the community is now looking forward to brighter days ahead.
Local resident and local business owner Lindy Pitt says
“There’s no more beautiful place for a weekend drive or romantic stay, our dear little village has the most gorgeous shops for retail therapy, great cafes and restaurants for brunch or lunch and lots of sweet treats to keep the kids happy!”
Coralie Bell, Tourism and Economic Development Manager, Shoalhaven City Council
“It is fantastic to see Kangaroo Valley opening back up again, just in time for school holidays. This means we can welcome back our friends from the Southern Highland’s and Canberra. Locals and visitors alike can support Kangaroo Valley by treating themselves to an overnight stay or even just a day trip! Visitors may not realise the huge impact they can have on business and local morale in the valley by heading there for an ice cream, treat or to buy presents for friends.”
Plan your visit to Kangaroo Valley in the very near future. It’s the perfect family day out at the monthly Farmer’s Markets, explore the quaint Pioneer Museum, immerse yourself in secluded bush walks and wander through the unique antique, homewares, gifts and fashion stores in the village.
Grab a coffee or enjoy an easy lunch at the many cafes Kangaroo Valley has to offer with delicious meals created with local produce. Explore the village and surrounds by bike in the afternoon, there is even bike hire available. Kangaroo Valley has its very own pump track that will keep the kids busy. Along with our local watering hole The Friendly Inn.
Explore beyond the village on a guided tour, bushwalk or rock climbing with Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company and Valley Outdoors. Head out to Three Views walk with some sandwich supplies from the General Store, pre-order a picnic box from Hampden Deli or a delicious loaf of sour dough from The General Café’s Mrs Bread.
For more details and to plan your visit go to visitkangaroovalley.com.au
Photo Credit:
@oneill.photography
