Jamberoo

Discover history & culture

The forest around Jamberoo may be protected today, but back in the 1800s it drew entrepreneurs keen to get their hands on the cedars that grow here. Many of the colony’s original 19th century buildings still stand now transformed into boutiques and cafes. For an authentic pub lunch head to the Jamberoo Pub. Established in 1857, this local favourite often hosts live music performances and has a room dedicated to showcasing memorabilia from the legendary soccer player Johnny Warren. Time your visit right to join the Jamberoo Village Markets on the last Sunday of every month.

Walk through rainforest

A wildlife fairytale of ferns and native forest, Budderoo National Park is home to some of Australia’s most elusive animals: the platypus and lyrebird among them. Keep your camera poised while exploring trails that depart the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, which features a scenic Rainforest Loop Walk (1.6km) along elevated boardwalks with the option to detour toward a waterfall. For a nice spot to unwind and relax for lunch try Nellies Glen Picnic Area.

Barren Grounds Nature Reserve also boasts some spectacular views and walking opportunities for all ages making it the perfect family day out. Encircled in rocky cliffs at the top of Jamberoo Pass, it has a wealth of birdlife and unique plant species.

You can also take the Jamberoo Mountain Road to Carrington Falls to see the Kangaroo River plunge into the Kangaroo Valley before making the most of the picnic area nearby. Or picnic at Jerrara Wetlands and walk to the Jamberoo Lookout.

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Jamberoo

Get adventurous

If you’ve worked up a sweat hiking (or even if you haven’t) you’ll want to add Jamberoo Action Park to your itinerary. Open September to April, this high-octane theme park is known for its adrenaline-inducing rides, the star attraction being The Perfect Storm and its breathtaking moment of zero gravity. Just as fun are the bobsleds, river rapids, putt-putt golf and rides for tiny tots.

Jamberoo Action Park, Kiama area

More thrills await at nearby Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, where you can gain a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. Challenge yourself to race along Australia’s highest zipline or enjoy the view from above on an elevated walkway through the tree canopy.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, Knights Hill

Tee off

The Kiama area is blessed with many golf courses, perhaps none quite as pretty as Jamberoo Golf Club where play traverses over a valley in the shadow of the Illawarra Range. The setting is so lush that almost 100 species of birds call the 18-hole course and surrounds home.

If you don't want to pick up a club, try a round of Footgolf instead – as its name suggests the sport is a fun mash-up of golf and soccer with the goal of sinking a ball into an oversized cup in a minimum number of kicks.

Where to stay

Places to stay amid this patchwork of green range from B&Bs to resorts and camping. If you want a truly memorable stay, check into the sprawling Jamberoo Valley Farm Stay, where cottages offer a front-row seat to life on the land; settle in to Greyleigh, which provides luxury farmhouse-style accommodation on 200 acres of green rolling hills and heritage orchards; or indulge at the The Lodge Jamberoo before playing a game of tennis on their court. 

Jamberoo Valley Farm Stay and Cottages, Jamberoo - Credit: John Benavente

Getting there

Follow the scenic Grand Pacific Drive south from Sydney, and in less than two hours you’ll be in Jamberoo. Once you pass through Wollongong, the onward drive is around 30 minutes, while from Kiama, your route northwest takes about 10 minutes. There are also flights available from Brisbane and Melbourne to Shellharbour, which is 16km north from Jamberoo.