10 of the best Airbnbs in Kangaroo Valley

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Explore our selection of Airbnb Kangaroo Valley stays. From hideaways in the bush to holiday rentals in a cottage, here are the ultimate Kangaroo Valley Airbnbs.

The best-rated Kangaroo Valley Airbnbs check all the right boxes when it comes to an escape to the country. Whether you’re after an all-out luxury farmhouse on a sprawling estate, a riverside bolthole that’s ideal for families, or a hidden, eco-friendly cabin tailor-made for two, these stunning Kangaroo Valley Airbnbs deliver. And they are in addition to the many boutique hotels and luxury lodges the region has to offer.

1. The Lair

‘Welcome to my Lair’ is usually something a Bond villain might say. But this immaculately styled three-bedder makes us think the main protagonist is more of a host like TV cook Maggie Beer. Less gold teeth, more edible bling. The Lair has wow factor. The luxurious A-frame is one of the best Airbnbs in Kangaroo Valley: blending seamlessly into the landscape and featuring floor-to-ceiling glass that optimises the sunlight and offers panoramic views over the bushland and beyond. Expect a Scandi-chic meets industrial aesthetic at The Lair , which has polished concrete floors, birch ply walls, a freestanding cast-iron fireplace and an open-plan lounge. Beyond the stunning interior, it’s the uninterrupted 180-degree views down into the valley below that really make this Airbnb sing.

The Lair Airbnb in Kangaroo Valley
The Lair features a minimalist, Scandi-chic aesthetic. (Image: Airbnb)

2. The Laurels

It seems only right that we’re to rest on our laurels at The Laurels . The Laurels was built in 1919 and features four guest bedrooms – all with en suites – as well as a cosy wood fire, spacious verandas and an established garden. It screams ‘country chic’ with an abundance of windows for taking in the mossy-green surrounds and a deck that delivers verdant views. There are nooks for reading books and a sitting room for indulging in your morning coffee ritual. Indulge in your treechange fantasies with a stroll around the established garden, which has both a vegetable patch and a chicken coop. A traditional breakfast is served each morning in the communal dining room. The Laurels is just a 15-minute drive from Cambewarra Lookout Café, one of the best places to eat in Kangaroo Valley.

The Laurels Airbnb in Kangaroo Valley
Relax in the freestanding bath after a day of exploring. (Image: Airbnb)

3. Carrialoo @ Terrewah Farm

Mt Carrialoo sits within the Morton National Park which is blanketed in bushland. Carrialoo is a nod to the mountain of the same name in Kangaroo Valley which is bracketed by the Southern Highlands escarpment and Cambewarra range. There is no such thing as an average view from any of the rooms in this stunning farm stay, which is a lesson in good design. While foodies will enjoy the many on-farm experiences here, there are also trail walks that crisscross around Terrewah Farm. Take over Carrialoo as if it were your own by curling up in the comfortable living and dining space around a crackling log fire. Carrialoo can accommodate five guests.

Carrialoo Airbnb in Kangaroo Valley
Enjoy the Kangaroo Valley views from the kitchen and dining area. (Image: Airbnb)

4. The Stables @ Kookaburra House

The bushland around The Stables is teeming with birdlife, a fact that is celebrated at Kookaburra House. This beautiful barn-style cottage is just one kilometre from the golf club, where playing a cheeky 18 holes is one of the best things to do in Kangaroo Valley. The accommodation will suit couples, groups of friends or a family as it features two bedrooms, one that can be divided into two singles; the other with a king bed.  The barn-style cottage with the soaring beamed ceilings also has a large open fireplace, outdoor fire pit and expansive deck. And the views from the well-appointed country kitchen make doing the dishes a pleasure rather than a chore. Tallowa Dam is just a short drive away.

The Stables Airbnb Kangaroo Valley
Modern design meets barn style in this (Image: Airbnb)

5. The Rectory Park Cottage

Expect to find Goldilocks tiptoeing around the forest at this storybook cottage which is festooned with fairy lights and surrounded by a magical grove of enchanting trees. Look no further if you’re looking to impress your new squeeze with a booking at The Rectory Park Cottage , which must surely be one of the most romantic Airbnbs in Kangaroo Valley. Hunker down here in this French provincial-style cottage which has a dinky kitchen, bath, shower, gas heater and pretty planted garden. There’s also a king-sized bed draped in luxurious linen that calls for a slow languorous start to the day. Fire up the barbecue and eat outside on balmy evenings. And take the complimentary bicycles for a spin.

Rectory Park Airbnb
This sweet cottage is one of the most romantic Airbnbs in Kangaroo Valley.(Image: Airbnb)

6. The Tailor’s Cottage

When it comes to dreamy Kangaroo Valley Airbnbs, The Tailor’s Cottage has the market sewn up. The modern design and thoughtful touches help guests feel right at home in the space where a heightened level of comfort is achieved through materials, colour and texture. The light-drenched one-bedroom Airbnb in the Kangaroo Valley promises privacy despite being just a short walk to the best cafes and restaurants in the Kangaroo Valley. Dedicate your day to reading a good book on the back deck. Head down to the river for a kayak adventure or a cooling dip. Trample along trails through the misty woods. Or simply potter about in the garden planted with lavender. Consider this a slow stay with style.

Tailors Cottage Kangaroo Valley
Enjoy your morning coffee in this beautiful country-style space. (Image: Airbnb)

7. Quaint and Rustic in the Village

This Kangaroo Valley Airbnb says what it does on the tin. Couples booking the Quaint and Rustic One-Bedroom Cottage , therefore, know what to expect. The cottage is fully self-contained and in the perfect position for accessing all that the village of Kangaroo Valley has to offer. Walk down the pretty cobbled path and down the road for a pint at The Friendly Inn, a perk that is popular for guests who don’t want to venture too far. The accommodation is also perfect for guests attending a wedding in Kangaroo Valley as it’s only suitable for a one- or two-night stay. Expect a palette of off-whites and dusky pinks offset with moody lighting and the authentic charm of wooden floors.

The Stables Airbnb
Getty cosy in the evenings in this luxurious king-sized bed. (Image: Airbnb)

8. The Captain’s Cabin

Keen cyclists visiting Kangaroo Valley will appreciate being 50 metres from the bike path at The Captain’s Cabin . We salute the captain for fitting out the hideaway with natural linens and providing a safe oasis for a wide range of activities. Music enthusiasts will appreciate being able to play DJ with access to a collection of vinyl and an old-school record player. The quirky cabin has been refurbished using recycled wood and other materials added piece by piece. Therein lies the charm of the purpose-built cabin, which also features a coffee machine and open-air bath. The Captain’s Cabin is one of the most conveniently located Airbnbs in Kangaroo Valley.

Captain's Cabin Airbnb Kangaroo Valley
The outdoor bath is perfect for relaxation. (Image: Airbnb)

9. Jumulu Lodge

The interplay of light, textures and subtle colours resonates with guests seeking out an architecturally designed Airbnb in the Kangaroo Valley. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom oasis sits in the middle of an open field fringed by forest with views of Mt Scanzi and the surrounding escarpment. Expect a great deal of attention to detail here, where the amenity extends to everything from a pool and outdoor firepit. It’s fitting that Jumulu has been designed to emulate a five-star African lodge as the property is a magnet for Australian wildlife. Wilbur, Warwick and Walter are the resident wombats and there are kangaroos, wallabies and native ducks, too. A stay here will suit savvy travellers who appreciate the flexibility of the indoor-outdoor living areas.

Jumulu Lodge Airbnb Kangaroo Valley
The modern build features a sleek pool and sun loungers.(Image: Airbnb)

10. Willow at Barranca

Travelling en masse, but seeking something a little luxurious? Willow at Barranca might just fit the bill. There’s plenty of attention to detail at this four-bedroom, two-bathroom villa, with a Nespresso coffee machine, kitchen provisions (think bread, eggs, milk and more), an indoor fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, an outdoor shower, and even an on-site caretaker on-hand should you need anything during your stay.

But arguably, the piece de resistance here is the setting. The living/dining area and two of the bedrooms face what could be described as a watercolour painting of towering sandstone escarpments, framed by lush greenery. Willow at Barranca is in fact set on a whopping 400 hectares, with access to bushwalking trails right on your doorstep; and just a 15-minute walk from the villa will land you at a creek, where you can wallow in the natural rock pools. Or pootle along to the estate stockyards in the morning, where you can feed the resident horses, donkeys, cows and pigs.

Willow Airbnb Exterior
Marvel at views of towering sandstone escarpments, framed by lush greenery.
Chloe Cann
Chloe Cann is an award-winning freelance travel and food writer, born in England, based in Melbourne and Roman by adoption. Since honing her skills at City St George's, University of London with a master's degree in journalism, she's been writing almost exclusively about travel for more than a decade, and has worked in-house at newspapers and travel magazines in London, Phnom Penh, Sydney and Melbourne. Through a mixture of work and pleasure, she's been fortunate enough to visit 80 countries to date, though there are many more that she is itching to reach. While the strength of a region's food scene tends to dictate the location of her next trip, she can be equally swayed by the promise of interesting landscapes and offbeat experiences. And with a small person now in tow, travel looks a little different these days, but it remains at the front of her mind.
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Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Shellharbour Marina
Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven
Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog
Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum .  Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.  Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood.
Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Cicada Luxury Camping
Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.