Discover World Heritage wilderness, 19th-century history and the laid-back lifestyle of Kandos – a creative hub where arts, culture and craftsmanship blend with rich industrial heritage.
Nestled at the foot of the Coomber Melon Mountain Range (known as 'Rocky' and 'Baldy' to the locals), Kandos is a town rich in industrial history and surrounded by some of New South Wales’s most spectacular wilderness areas. Once a bustling hub for cement production, this small town has a surprising claim to fame as the ‘town that built Sydney.’
After limestone was discovered in 1913, Kandos played a pivotal role in shaping Sydney’s infrastructure, supplying cement for major projects like the underground railway and the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can discover the town’s industrial legacy at the historic Kandos Museum, housed in a heritage-listed church. The museum is a community-run permanent home for a collection of stories, objects and photographs that bring this history to life.
Today Kandos has shifted from its industrial heritage to an urban contemporary artist landscape, championed by the now iconic biennial Cementa Festival.
Take a wander along Kandos' main street, Angus Avenue, and discover a quirky selection of cafes, op shops, craft and gallery spaces, as well as a classic country town haberdashery. The Wayout Artspace is open Friday to Sunday and delivers a diverse and experimental exhibition program and related events.
North East Wiradjuri Co Ltd Cultural Centre is a space for learning and healing through connection to art, people, language, culture, music, spirituality, land and water. Enjoy local art exhibitions, tool making, weaving, and art workshops and explore the Wirimbili Indigenous Plants Community Garden.
Located on Angus Avenue, the 19th-century Kandos Hotel stands as the town’s oldest commercial building. The Kandos Hotel Bistro is widely known for its delicious bistro food. You’ll often see a convoy of motorcyclists stopping by for a good old feast.
From pizza, pasta and traditional pub classics, Kandos has your dining covered.
Today, Kandos is a gateway to the peaceful landscapes of the Wollemi National Park and the jaw-dropping Capertee Valley. Join Southern Cross Kayaking for a relaxed tour at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp to discover the history, flora and fauna of the area. Explore the bushwalking trails that lead to lookouts overlooking the stunning waterway and pagoda rock formations. Pitch your tent to completely unwind in the stunning World Heritage surrounds at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp. The campground is perfect for a family camping trip, fishing, canoeing and swimming.
Explore the Capertee Valley, the world's widest canyon that offers breathtaking views at every turn. This world heritage listed wilderness is a dramatic and breathtaking valley, surrounded by towering sandstone escarpments. The valley floor sits at about 300 metres above sea level with cliff tops towering up to 700 metres. Recognised internationally as on of the top 50 bird watching places in the world, the Capertee Valley is an incredible spot for bush walking and camping.
There are abundant wineries sprinkled around the Mudgee Region to explore and you don't have to travel to far from Kandos to experience one of the best. De Beaurepaire Wines is the perfect spot for wine enthusiasts who wish to delve into an immersive wine experience, or those that want to enjoy a good drop, a nibble on some local gourmet delicacies and relax overlooking the vines across to the Coomber Melon Mountain range.
Whether you're looking to explore the surrounding naturescapes, delve into the town’s past, or embark on a culinary adventure around the region, Kandos makes a great base for your adventure.
