A Stay At Crystal Creek Meadows Luxury Cottages, Kangaroo Valley [Review]

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Kangaroo Valley was one of the highlights of our Australia road trip and was somewhere we hadn’t thought about visiting before.

The valley is as green as Ireland and with the Australian bush and escarpments framing it, it’s really a pretty place with amazing scenery.

the verdant Kangaroo Valley
Beautiful views on the drive in

Fortunately, we were able to stay a few days at Crystal Creek Meadows, a cute B&B offering luxury cottages in the heart of Kangaroo Valley.

It’s location is unbeatable, as they are surrounded by the lush green landscape that makes this region so famous.

But what is a stay at Crystal Creek Meadows like? Here is our honest review from our stay at this property.

Where is Kangaroo Valley

gum trees on a green field Kangaroo Valley,

Kangaroo Valley is located in Southern New South Wales, between Sydney and Canberra.

It’s a 2 hour 9 min (157 km) drive fro Sydney along the Hume Motorway/M31. From Canberra, it’s 2 hr 19 min (195 km) along the Federal Hwy and Hume Hwy/M31.

bridge going through Kangaroo Valley, NSW, Australia

The region is known for its Illawarra Escarpment and beautiful natural scenery. It has several bush walking tracks and hiking trails to waterfalls, viewpoints and the Kangaroo River.

It’s also known for its wineries, laid-back atmosphere, and boutique B&Bs and cafes.

About Crystal Creek Meadows

a large tree

One our trip to Kangaroo Valley, we stayed at the Crystal Creek Meadows, because of its unbeatable location.

The owners, Christopher and Sophie, were incredibly accommodating and friendly, and had lots of great tips on things to do and see in Kangaroo Valley.

What we love about Crystal Creek Meadows is that it is a family-run business, and has been since 2003.

Because of this, you get a much more personalized experience than you would at a chain hotel.

The Boutique cottage accommodation has been designed to be a rural escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and you immediately see that as you pull up in the driveway.

You’re surrounded by scented gardens and peaceful rolling hills of its 16 acres of grounds. You are immediately met with the sounds of birds tweeting, and the blissful silence of nature.

Despite feeling remote, it’s only 3-minutes away from the historical district of Kangaroo Valley Village, 5-minutes from Pioneer Museum Park, and 7-minutes from Red Rocks Nature Reserve and Budderoo National Park.

Check out this video of us arriving in the Valley on our Australia road trip. See how excited we were:

Facilities at Crystal Creek Meadows Luxury Cottages

Crystal Creek Meadows, Kangaroo Valley

Crystal Creek Meadows has four self-contained cottages. There’s the Billabong Cottage, Fleur Farm Cottage, Jolly Jumbuck Cottage and Rose Garden Cottage.

Each cottage has a small terrace or patio where you can enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of this rural setting.

Inside, you will find plush bed sheets, a large bathroom with separate shower, toiletries and towels, free WiFi in every property, a large and cosy living space with a fireplace.

Each cottage has a fully-equipped kitchen with all the cooking essentials such as utensils and gas appliances. There’s even a dishwasher and washing machine, as well as a coffee plunger.

There is also free self parking available onsite, as well as spa services and a tour desk.

It really is like a home away from home.

cottage amongst the trees Crystal Creek Meadows

The Billabong Cottage

Billabong Cottage is designed for two people and would suit a couple or a small family with a toddler, since you can ask for a cot on request.

It has a spacious open plan design. It has a large double bed opening up into a bright and airy lounge room, which has huge windows overlooking the lily pond.

The deep soak bath tub is the perfect place to spend an evening after a day of exploring, and in the winter months, you can light up your own log fire. In the summer, laze in a hammock on your private deck.

Fleur Farm Cottage

The Fleur Farm Cottage sleeps four people plus a baby in a cot. It’s perfect for families since there are two bedrooms, and it has it’s own private lawn for the kids to run around on.

You may also be visited by the B&Bs free range chickens!

This is the original cottage on the property so it has a more homely design and feel to it.

Jolly Jumbuck Cottage

The Jolly Jumbuck is the honeymoon suite. It has one large bedroom with a king-sized bed, and a secluded setting, where you can welcome in married life with privacy and comfort.

To get to the cottage you must walk along a private treelined path and through beautiful romantic gardens.

The cottage is surrounded by lush green lawns and a pond. There is a verandah where you can lie in a hammock and take it all in or from the outdoor furniture.

The deep soaking bathtub is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.

Rose Garden Cottage

dining and living room in rose garden cottage

The Rose Garden Cottage is kitted out for five people plus a baby in a cot. This is the cottage we stayed at during our stay, though it has received an upgrade in its design and decor since we visited.

It’s ideal for a family looking to stay for a longer period, since it has a large living and dining area and two spacious bedrooms.

You also have your own private garden.

girls picking lemons off tree
Savannah & Kalyra fruit picking at Crystal Creek Meadows

Things To Do Near Crystal Creek Meadows

Because of it’s ideal location, there are so many things to do near Crystal Creek Meadows that are right on the doorstep. Here are some of our favorite activities.

1. Look for Wombats

Wombat in Kangaroo Valley
wombats in the wild

The first thing you notice on the drive into Kangaroo Valley are the signs warning you to watch for wombats.

In Australia, this is a sign usually reserved for kangaroos and koalas, and in Far North Queensland, cassowaries.

Rarely do you see wombats.

Before coming to the valley, I had never seen a wild wombat. Thanks to Kangaroo Valley I saw three. They were grazing in the paddocks like lazy cows on a lovely spring afternoon.

It was a thrill for us to encounter them at the Bendeela Picnic Area, which is also a place for free camping.

Pretty cool hey! Camping with the wombats.

Wombat in Kangaroo Valley

Oh and we managed to see the only kangaroo in Kangaroo Valley in the distant paddock. We’re still pondering why it’s Kangaroo Valley and not Wombat Valley.

2. Visit the Historic Hampden Bridge

sandstone Hampden Bridge, Kangaroo Valley, NSW, Australia
Hampden Bridge

The focal point of the town is the sandstone Hampden Bridge spanning the Kangaroo River.

The historic Hampden Bridge was built in 1898 and is Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge.

It was considered an engineering feat of the Victorian era and second only in importance in Australia to Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It’s a pretty bridge to drive across and maintains it’s old wordly charm, with only one lane. I love how this forces you to slow down and wait, acknowledging those with a polite wave of thanks as you drive past.

Hampden Bridge, Kangaroo Valley, NSW, Australia
Hampden Bridge stretching over the water

If you want a calm afternoon, head down to the river below to skim rocks and take a dip.

man and children walking beside water

3. Try the World’s Best Pies

This is a bold statement to make in Australia. Judging by the amount of people coming in and out of this small Barrengarry store, it could well be true.

people outside Barrengarry store, Kangaroo Valley, Australia

Craig was disappointed to not really be able to judge it as they ran out of all pies but the vegetable curry.

neat pie in hand
man eating meat pie

Since he has returned to eating meat lately and hasn’t had a meat pie in years, he was shattered he could not try the world’s best. But, he said the curry one was pretty good.

I’m gluten free so no pie tasting for me 🙁

4. Visit Fitzroy Falls

Fitzroy Falls falling over edge of mountain
Fitzroy Falls

There’s a lovely 3 – 6 km walk here along the cliff face. Fitzroy Falls plunges over the escarpment into the thick Eucalpytus forest in the valley below.

Fitzroy Falls, NSW, Australia

I didn’t find Fitzroy Falls an overly dramatic waterfall, but it’s pretty enough and the views over the valley reminded me of the Blue Mountains.

(Having said that, after visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe I find most waterfalls aren’t that dramatic. Vic Falls will do that to you.)

The boardwalk along the creek, through restored native bushland, takes you to a lookout at the top of the Falls.

5. Have lunch at the Burrawang Village Hotel (Pub)

A sign in front of a brick building

Sophie told us the Burrawang Hotel won NSW Country Pub of the year. You cannot ignore a title like that. (Thank goodness for local tips).

A tree in front of a house
A group of people sitting at a park

The food was good, although not the best ever, but that did not matter as the views and the beer garden were world class.

Any parent who needs a little time out and to feel happy that their kids are happy running around huge grassed areas and climbing trees, needs to come here.

A plate of  roast pumpkin and feta salad
Roast pumpkin & feta salad
A plate of sweet potato fries
Sweet potato fries
Coopers Pale Ale in pint glass on bar
Coopers Pale Ale
people sitting at a table
A tree with pink flowers in a garden

There were lots of happy, squealing kids and lots of calm, contented parents gazing out yonder to soak up the serenity.

Australia, give me more of these pubs please.

Final Thoughts on Staying at Crystal Creek Meadows Luxury Cottages

rainbow coffee cup on table with forest view

We had a pleasant stay at the Crystal Creek Meadows Luxury Cottages and would definitely consider staying there again if we ever make it back to Kangaroo Valley.

The friendly front-desk staff and ample amenities made it perfect for families looking for a comfortable place to stay with plenty of space to spread out in.

Not to mention the location was perfect for exploring Kangaroo Valley.

We combined Christopher and Sophie’s tips and our own research and had a pretty great time in Kangaroo Valley (although I think should be renamed to Wombat Valley).

More Tips for South Coast NSW

Are you visiting other parts of the South Coast of NSW? Then you may enjoy these other guides.

What do you think? Should YOU visit Kangaroo Valley? Let us know in the comments.

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