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Whether you're looking for an easy short walk suitable for kids and older people, a more strenuous all day challenge or something in between, you can be sure to find a good selection of walks in Kangaroo Valley. Surrounded by Morton National Park the Valley is blessed with an abundance of pristine wilderness on its doorstep.

Kangaroo Valley is a very varied place due to the high escarpments that enclose it and the rivers and creeks that run through it. This geography results in a wide range of differing soils and vegetation types which ensure many wonderful experiences whilst walking in the Valley. Depending on the walk you choose you will be rewarded with dramatic gorge views, rainforest and tall eucalypt forest through to flowering heath and woodland, waterfalls, lakes, rivers and creeks.

Sometimes you will find yourself perched on the edge of an escarpment with an awesome view of seemingly never-ending forest, other times tempted to take a dip in a creek pool or staring up at the dramatic cascade of a waterfall.

Walking allows time to focus on the plants, birds and animals that live in the Valley and you can expect to see wombats, wallabies, echidnas, grey kangaroos and much more: platypus also inhabit the creeks but are elusive creatures. The bird life is prolific and you may spot wedge-tailed eagles soaring high over head, lyre birds scratching the forest floor, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and many types of parrot. In fact 198 different bird species are listed in the back of the walk guide to Kangaroo Valley making it an ideal place for bird watchers.

Essentials

Tread lightly - means come, see, experience, enjoy but leave no impact. All flora, fauna, Aboriginal sites and rocks formations within the National Park are protected.

Litter - When out walking don't drop litter or tissues on the trails- carry out whatever you carry in.

Toilet Etiquette - If away from public toilets bury all waste at least 100m away from water courses so as not to contaminate.

Bush Fire Risk - Please be careful with fire especially in the bush fire season, usually September to April. Only light fires in fireplaces provided and observe total fire bans. The National Park may be closed to visitors at times of high fire danger, please respect this.

What to take - Most walks are best enjoyed with a snack or lunch enroute and make sure you carry plenty of water especially in the warmer months. Sunhat, walking shoes or boots and wet weather gear are basic equipment. Warm clothes should be included in your pack as weather can change very suddenly.

When to walk - Kangaroo Valley has distinct seasons and spring, autumn and winter are the best months for most of the walks although creek, lake and waterfall walks are wonderful in the summer months when cooling off in the clear pools is delightful. If walking in spring or summer keep an eye out for snakes basking in the heat. All snakes should be treated with caution and left alone.

Guides and Maps - The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service publication titled 'Walks Guide, Kangaroo Valley & Adjacent National Parks' is a must have for anyone venturing to the Valley to walk. It describes 25 graded walks in detail from 1 (easy) to 7 (very difficult) and is available from the NPWS Fitzroy Falls VC (02 4887 7270) and from retailers in Kangaroo Valley (Hampden Cottage Craft, Homelea Cottage, Kangaroo Valley Woodcrafts).

Follow the link to the NPWS site on Morton NP

Topographic 1:25000 maps are also needed for some of the walks and the Kangaroo Valley, Bundanoon and Burrier maps cover most of the walks in the guide book.

Safety - It's always a good idea to let someone else know about your walking plans and your expected return time.
Mobile phones will work in some locations but can't be relied upon. Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it. Be very careful when approaching cliff edges. As a rule stay a body length away from the edge or wriggle forward on your belly to peer over! See 'What to take' for other info.