Originally built in 1934 to allow access for workers to the nearby Sanitarium factory, the Swinging Bridge replaced rowing or swimming as the means to get to work. Crossing Dora Creek at Cooranbong the bridge can be tricky to find because it is located behind residential houses. We parked in Victory Street and walked down the public access track between Nos. 19 and 29. Once behind the houses the bridge is in front of you.
Crossing the bridge is fun as it bounces slightly as you walk. On the far side of Dora Creek, the old private access road to the Sanitarium Factory leads along the creek. Lined with palm and flowering trees, the old road looks great, especially as the trees were in bloom.
Looking Over The Swinging Bridge over Dora Creek
The Swinging Bridge over Dora Creek
Old Private Road to the factory
Following the creek, we saw palm trees lining the far bank which was unexpected. The creek passes the old factory which has been closed and changed hands. Visible through the surrounding fence, the old entrance would be nice to see up close. We made do with looking over the fence, because access is not allowed.
Palms on the bank of Dora Creek
The Old Sanitarium Factory
Sandy Creek Trail
Returning to the bridge, we decided to walk the Sandy Creek Trail, because it follows two creeks and goes through regrowth woodland. A sign showed other walks in the area, but this one held more interest for us. This walk is in yellow on the photo below. The well-maintained track follows Jigadee Creek until it meets Dora Creek. At this point the M1 Motorway from Sydney to Newcastle crosses the creeks several hundred meters down Dora Creek.
The track then follows Dora Creek back to the swinging bridge, where we crossed the creek and returned to our car.
Bush Track
Dora Creek Looking at the M1 Motorway
Map of the Tracks around Avondale
What Did We Think?
This was a great little walk, with some industrial heritage as well as the bridge and bush walking.
Two hours from Sydney, or 30 minutes from Nowra (to Hampton Bridge in the middle of Kangaroo Valley), this is a great place to escape the big city. We stayed in Nowra and explored from there, but there are many closer places to stay, especially if you go camping. During our time we went bush walking, explored local history and admired the amazing scenery.
Hampden Bridge Kangaroo Valley
Built in 1898 to replace an older wooden structure, Hampden Bridge features four large crenellated turrets made of locally quarried sandstone. Named after Lord Hampden, Governor of New South Wales from 1895 to 1899, it is a tourist attraction in Kangaroo Valley, because of its distinctive appearance.
Parking is easy due to the on street and off street car parks at either end of the bridge. From the Nowra side of the bridge, a stairway descends to the Kangaroo River, to view the underside of the bridge.
Hampden Bridge Kangaroo ValleyKangaroo Valley’s Hampden BridgeKangaroo River Under Hampden Bridge
Pioneer Village Museum Kangaroo Valley
Set in 8 hectares of bushland, the one hectares pioneer village contains building built like like those of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Displayed are a dairy, forge, school house, settler’s cottage, a Museum, war remembrance room and suspension bridge on one of the bush trails.
Pioneer Village FarmFarmhouse KitchenHorse BuggyPioneer Village Museum BuildingsPioneer Village Museum BuildingsSlab Hut at Pioneer VillageSuspension Bridge at Pioneer VillageSuspension Bridge at Pioneer Village
Cambewarra Mountain Lookout
Located at the top of Cambewarra Mountain, the lookout provides panoramic views out the the coast and at 678m above sea level gives you views from Coolangatta Mountain in the north all the way to Sussex Inlet in the south.
Around 20 minutes drive from Nowra, it is easy to get to, but the drive up the mountain is slow, with narrow, twisting roads in places.
Apart from the views, a cafe offers snacks and a lunch menu, with inside and outside seating, depending on the weather. On our visit, it was a great place to warm up after a cold morning start and relaxing by a warm fire was wonderful.
View From Cambewarra Mountain LookoutCambewarra Mountain Lookout CAfe
Tallowa Dam
Constructed across the Shoalhaven River, Tallowa Dam is popular with tourists and locals, because of water sports and picnic opportunities. For a relaxing day, the picnic area has a nice grassed area, while nearby, the water is easily accessible. Organised trips by local tour operators, provide the opportunity to kayak downstream.
The dam wall is not accessible, but a track leads to the downstream side, where you can view the wall and some infrastructure.
We were luck on our stop there to see some kangaroos that were relaxing in the picnic area.
Kangaroo at Tallowa Dam
Fitzroy Falls
One of the highlights to Kangaroo VAlley is a visit to Fitzroy Falls, not only for the waterfall’s 80m drop, but also the surrounding eucalypt forest and views over the gorges and valleys. Parking in the large car park and paying the park’s entry fee, we first stopped at the Visitor Centre. It contains loads of information about the local history, wildlife and birdwatching and walks. With wheelchair-accessible facilities and a short boardwalk to the scenic views of the waterfalls, you do not need to go bushwalking to enjoy yourself.
West Rim Walking Track
After a stop at the Visitor Centre, we started on the 3.5km return West Rim Track, which is graded at level three, being slightly undulating but very well maintained. Along the way we found more views of the falls, and amazing views over the valley.
After finishing the walk, we found that a mobile coffee van had setup shop in the car park. A great surprise after the walk.
Fitzroy FallsFitzroy FallsView of the ValleyView of the ValleySign Post at Fitzroy FallsWalking Track at Fitzroy Falls
Belmore Falls
Managed by NSW Parks and Wildlife, Belmore Falls Walking Track is well maintained and although graded 3, has a lot of steps. After parking the car and paying the entry fee we took around 45 minutes to walk the track. We stopped many time to look at the scenery, so if you don’t stop you may be quicker.
Arriving in the afternoon, the sun was in a bad position for photos. We would advise doing the walk in the morning for a better sun angle.
Belmore Falls
What Did We Think of Kangaroo Valley?
A great place to get away to for a few days or a week. During our visit, we only scratched the surface on what’s available here, as the number of walking tracks is huge. Highly recommended for anyone who like nature and the outdoors.
