It’s officially the last month of winter and there are still so many ‘cool’ weather experiences to do before Spring. Here are 10 experiences we recommend you do when you visit us in Kangaroo Valley to take in the last of winter…
1. Hang out with the Shires
All our Shire horses love a little attention. The Cedars [now barranca} is Australia’s oldest Shire horse stud, established 40 years ago in Kangaroo Valley, and has been dedicated to breeding Shires ever since. The docile and calming nature of the Shire breed is very well-suited for human interaction which is why they love pats from our guests.
2. Go Wine Tasting
Yarrawa Estate is run by a lovely couple, Sue and Mark Foster, who bestow delicious wine and cheese upon you while cracking fresh macadamia nuts and breaking up fights between their boisterous dogs.
Enjoy a selection of their wines in the spectacular beauty of Yarrawa Estate $10pp for a wine tasting & $15 (small)/$20 (large) for a cheese platter featuring a selection of Sue’s homemade delicacies.
Or if you want to just ‘chill’ at barranca, we have a selection of Artemis Wines, and we can highly recommend the Pinot and Shiraz.
3. Feed our farm family
Every morning at 8 am you’re more than welcome to come and help feed barranca’s animals breakfast. Horses, donkeys, buffalos and pigs – if you’re an animal lover, it’s your chance to get up close with our farm family.
4. Enjoy the taste of the country
Local markets are a fabulous way to get delicious wholesome food direct from the farmer. The Kangaroo Valley Farmer’s Markets is on the 2nd Sunday of each month in the heart of the village and they offer varied produce, all locally grown and made, from olive oil to bread, to organic meats.
Not staying with us on a Sunday, don’t worry, the Kangaroo Valley General Store sells lots of local produce daily, and you can get jams, relishes, pickles and cordials from Caterina. There are also the Berry Country Fair Markets on the 1st Sunday, and the Berry Produce Markets on the 2nd Saturday and 4th.
5. Soak up the sunsets
With views of the escarpment from every villa, you can sit and gaze at stunning sunsets for hours. Light the fire pit, pour some wine, add a cheeseboard and you’re set for pre-dinner drinks and the perfect relaxing evening.
6. Savour breakfast in bed
We provide all our guests with fresh sourdough, butter, eggs, milk and spreads. You can also add on the deluxe breakfast hamper that includes things like the most amazing crumpets, streaky bacon, relish, mushrooms, tomato, yoghurt and fruit. It’s only $80 per serve and is suitable for two guests.
7. Melt away stress with a massage
To help you disconnect and destress, book our spa therapists who specialise in massage, facials and beauty treatments. Each treatment is tailored to you and delivered through a tranquil sensory journey. You can also choose to have your treatment on your villa’s deck, to experience the tranquillity of barranca.
TO BOOK: Call Justine’s Mobile Massages on 0477 861 998 for treatment details.
{Massages are at additional cost and payable directly to the therapists.}
7. Walk up an appetite
Winter is a great time of year to enjoy bush walks. You can walk around the property and down to the creek with as much, or as little, effort as you want to expend.
Another great walk is the Drawing Room Rocks walk. It’s a 45 minute hike to the top of the escarpment and you will be rewarded with two stunning views of the South Coast and Kangaroo Valley. Take drinks and snacks, as the view is so magnificent that you’ll want to spend some time at the top.
8. Build a real wood fire
All our villas have inside fireplaces and outside fire pits. Watching the flickering flames are perfect to help you unwind and relax. And rest easy knowing that all the firewood is sustainable from the property’s fallen trees.
9. Wake up whenever
There’s nothing better than not having to set your alarm clock. Savour the mornings when you stay with us, and embrace not having to rush. To complement our body-supporting beds, crisp sheets and cloud-like pillows in all our villas, we now also have In Essence 360 Diffusers and Sleep Essential Oil Blends in our bedrooms to create a ‘sleep santuary’ to help your drift off into a restoring sleep. When you wake up, is up to you!
10. Uncover historical treasures
Dating back to 1870, Kangaroo Valley’s main street evokes a sense of country charm, with its tea rooms and heritage-listed pub, The Friendly Inn. Discover fascinating colonial history at the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Village Museum or follow the Kangaroo Valley Historic Village Walk where you can take in the historic Hampden Bridge with its large sandstone turrets.
