Trail Running in Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley sits between the Southern Highlands and the South Coast, tucked into a dramatic sandstone bowl fed by the Kangaroo River. Trail running here combines dense rainforest in sheltered gullies, open ridge tracks above the valley floor, and river crossing adventures that reward those willing to get their feet wet. Morton National Park forms the backbone of the trail network, with the Fitzroy Falls area offering well-maintained tracks and one of the most spectacular waterfall lookouts in NSW. The valley's relative obscurity compared to the Blue Mountains means trails are peaceful and uncrowded.
Region
South Coast, NSW
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Seasons
Autumn, Spring
Trails
4 featured
Terrain
Rainforest creek tracks, sandstone escarpment ridges, grassy valley floor trails, and river crossings.
Best Trails
Fitzroy Falls Reservoir Circuit
ModerateA loop through sub-tropical rainforest edge with views of Fitzroy Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in NSW at 81m.
Formed bush track and boardwalk near falls
Kangaroo Valley to Hampden Bridge Loop
Easy to ModerateA gentle river valley loop starting from Australia's oldest suspension bridge, passing through open farmland with mountain views.
Grassy farm track and riverside path
Morton National Park Gorge Track
ChallengingA serious bush run into the deep sandstone gorge country of Morton National Park with river crossings and old-growth forest.
Rocky escarpment track with creek crossings and steep descent
Cambewarra Mountain Lookout Trail
ModerateA short climb to Cambewarra Mountain with sweeping views over Kangaroo Valley and the Shoalhaven River floodplain.
Bush track and fire road
Gear Recommendations
Waterproof trail shoes recommended due to reliable river and creek crossings on Morton National Park tracks
Leech socks or long socks are useful in the wet season as leeches are active in rainforest areas
Carry navigation as some Morton National Park tracks are lightly signed
Pack a warm layer for escarpment tracks as valley fog and cool air can persist into late morning
Safety Tips
River crossings in Morton National Park can be dangerous after heavy rainfall, check conditions before attempting gorge trails
Leeches are common in wet conditions and are harmless but unpleasant, do not pull them off forcefully
The escarpment above the valley can be slippery when wet and requires careful footing on rock faces
Mobile coverage is limited throughout the valley, particularly in gorge and escarpment terrain
Getting There
Kangaroo Valley village is the main hub, 2.5 hours from Sydney via Mittagong. Fitzroy Falls visitor centre has ample parking and facilities. There is no public transport to the area. The Hume Highway and Nowra Road are the main approach routes.
Post-Run Refuel
The Kangaroo Valley Pub on Moss Vale Road serves hearty meals and cold drinks in a classic country pub setting with outdoor seating overlooking the valley.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
Are the trails in Kangaroo Valley suitable for beginners?
The Kangaroo Valley to Hampden Bridge Loop and Fitzroy Falls Reservoir Circuit are both suitable for beginner trail runners with manageable terrain and good signage. The Morton National Park Gorge Track is more demanding and better suited to experienced runners.
Are river crossings required in Kangaroo Valley trails?
Yes, several Morton National Park tracks involve creek and river crossings that cannot be avoided. These are generally passable in normal conditions but become hazardous after heavy rain. Always check water levels before attempting gorge routes.
What makes Kangaroo Valley different from other trail running destinations in NSW?
Kangaroo Valley combines a diversity of terrain in a compact area, from rainforest gullies and sandstone gorges to open valley floor and escarpment ridges. It is also significantly less crowded than the Blue Mountains or Royal National Park.
How far is Kangaroo Valley from Sydney?
Approximately 2.5 hours drive from Sydney via the Hume Highway and Moss Vale. There is no practical public transport connection to the valley.
What is Fitzroy Falls and is it worth visiting?
Fitzroy Falls is an 81m waterfall on the edge of the Budderoo Plateau, visible from multiple lookouts near the visitor centre. The Fitzroy Falls Reservoir Circuit passes near the falls and is one of the most scenic short trail runs in southern NSW.
