How to Hike the Three Views Walking Track, Kangaroo Valley (Don’t make this mistake)
The Three Views Walking Track in Kangaroo Valley is easily one of the best easy hikes Kangaroo Valley has to offer. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years while living near Sydney — it’s a peaceful, small town with a population of just 800. It’s got that classic small-town charm that keeps drawing you back.
Last summer I was visiting for the day and wanted an easy walk in Kangaroo Valley that offered great views, and that’s when I found the Three Views Walking Track. In this blog, I’m covering the practical details of the hike, mistakes to avoid and a few local gems you should know about if you’re visiting.
Three views Walking track information
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- The Three Views Walking Track – 9.5km / 3-4 hours / Grade 3
- Best place to stay in Kangaroo Valley 👉🏼 Wildes Hotel Kangaroo Valley
The Three views Walking track technical information
The Three Views Walking Track is, in my opinion, one of the best easy hikes Kangaroo Valley has to offer — it’s generally flat with minimal uphill, and you can comfortably do it in a few hours. That said, NSW National Parks rates it moderate, grade 3, and it’s a 9.5km return trail in total, so don’t let the “easy” tag fool you into underestimating it, especially on a hot day.
If you’re looking for a walk with incredible views over Morton National Park and Tallowa Dam, this one deserves a spot on your Kangaroo Valley itinerary. One thing to keep in mind: while the track is easy underfoot, the terrain can be rough and uneven in places. If it’s rained recently, expect the ground to be wet and muddy, so check the weather before you head out.
Just to break the distance down a bit: the first section of the trail is 1.5km return from the car park to the crossroads, where the track then splits into the three individual viewpoint trails. From there, each viewpoint has its own return distance (listed below), so your total depends on how many you decide to walk.
How to get to the Three Views Track
You can reach the Three Views Walking Track easily enough with Google Maps — just search “Three Views Walking Track” and it’ll take you straight to the trailhead car park. If you’re driving from Sydney, expect around 2 hours 25 minutes direct to the trailhead, or just a 15-minute drive from Kangaroo Valley village via Tallowa Dam Road.
The Three Views: Track explained
When I first walked this trail, I made the classic mistake of going in the middle of summer on a scorching hot day. My friend and I arrived at the start of the trail and parked on the opposite side of the road, about 15 minutes outside Kangaroo Valley. I didn’t expect the trail to take as long as it did — we took our time and even stopped at the first viewpoint for lunch.
About 30 minutes into the walk, you’ll reach a crossroads with a sign pointing you toward the three separate tracks that make up the Three Views.
Shoalhaven River View — 4km
We started by heading left toward the Shoalhaven River View, tackling the longest segment first. This ended up being my favourite of the three — you can sit right on the rocks and take in sweeping views over Morton National Park, the river, and the dam in the distance.
Tallowa Dam View – 2.5km return
This viewpoint gives you a closer, more open outlook over Tallowa Dam below. It’s a beautiful photo spot to stop and take in the landscape.
Lake Yarrunga View — 1.5km
This was my least favourite of the three, though still worth doing. You’ll need to scramble up a few rocks to get the best angle, and there’s more tree cover blocking the view. From the top, you get a glimpse of Lake Yarrunga in the distance.
What to Pack for the three Views Walk
Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and good footwear. I wore my Columbia hiking boots, but you could definitely get away with trainers since the trail is relatively flat.
Things to know before you visit kangaroo valley
I’m on a Boost plan (which runs on the Telstra network) and normally get reception almost everywhere in Australia — but I had little to no signal on this part of the trail, so don’t rely on your phone here. If you’re doing the hike solo, let a friend or family member know your plans in case anything goes wrong, and remember you can dial 000 for emergency services if needed.
One thing that caught me off guard: goannas. I spotted one along the trail that was huge — normally they don’t bother me, but this one was a little intimidating. Give them space and keep your distance if you cross paths.
Best time of year to hike Three Views walk
The Three Views Walking Track is a great hike to do all year round. I made the mistake of starting around 10am on a hot summer’s day. Since the trail took 3-4 hours, I was still out there until about 2pm in the thick of the Australian summer heat. I’d recommend avoiding the middle of the day in summer and starting early morning or later in the afternoon instead. There’s little to no shade along the trail, so it gets exposed fast.
Best places to stay in Kangaroo Valley
If you are visiting Kangaroo Valley for the weekend and looking for the best places to stay, here are my top recommendations for all budgets:
Where to eat nearby
Whether it’s your first time in Kangaroo Valley or you’re returning, you’re in for a treat — there are some great spots to eat nearby. For something lighter, Kangaroo Valley Bakehouse does delicious hot pies. If you’re after something more substantial, try The General Cafe, or The Friendly Inn — one of the oldest pubs in the region, open since 1891.
Tip: the Three Views Walking Track can take up to 4 hours, so bring at least a litre of water per person and a few snacks.
FAQ
How long is the Three Views Walking Track?
The full trail is 9.5km return if you take in all three viewpoints. If you’re short on time, I’d recommend just doing the Shoalhaven River View — that section alone is 4.5km return and, in my opinion, the most beautiful of the three. Doing all three viewpoints will take around 3-4 hours.
Are dogs allowed on the Three Views Walking Track?
No — dogs and other pets aren’t permitted. The trail runs through Morton National Park, and NSW National Parks doesn’t allow domestic animals in any of its parks or reserves to help protect native wildlife.
Should I stay in Kangaroo Valley or is this a day trip?
My answer is always stay. Kangaroo Valley is so peaceful and charming, it’s one of the best weekend getaways from Sydney. Need ideas on other things to do in Kangaroo Valley? Head to this post here 👉🏼 11 Things to do in Kangaroo Valley (weekend guide)
More Kangaroo Valley Travel tips
- Best Travel Insurance: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- Best Travel Card: Wise Travel Card
- Looking for the best flights? Skyscanner
