Kandos

With a rich industrial history, this charming twentieth century town nestles at the foot of the Coomber melon mountain range. Kandos is the ideal hub to explore nature, art and sports attractions. Or, simply take time out to relax and soak in the fresh country air.

Kandos was born in the early 1900s to help build the foundations of a new nation. Local surveyor, James Dawson, prepared and laid out the plans for both the plant and the town for the NSW Cement, Lime and Coal Co Ltd with both the town and the company eventually adopting the name Kandos. Taken from the initials of the founding company directors: Campbell, Angus, Noyes, McDonald, Oakden and Stephen, it was later changed to use a K rather than a C at the insistence of the Post Master General.

Works Manager Floyd Richards oversaw the building of the cement works and also the Methodist Church in Spanish Mission, the style of his home state, Sacramento, California. The Church is now the Kandos Museum, telling the story of a thriving twentieth century town.

Stories abound in every corner of Kandos where history and heritage are to be found. The residential estate of James Dawson was transformed in 1932 to one of the finest country golf links in NSW. Town buildings and homes reflect the art deco period and working-class roots.

Plenty for families to enjoy – don’t forget to bring your bikes. There’s a bike trail between Kandos and Rylstone as well as plenty of trails in the State Forest. The public swimming pool is in an idyllic rural setting with shaded pools for children. For art lovers, there’s a contemporary art scene as well as inspirational locations to settle in with your easel and capture a picture book scene. Unique artisan shops include local craft, art shops, a gallery and handmade furniture.

For nature lovers, Kandos is the gateway to Ganguddy (Dunns Swamp) where the weir, originally built for Kandos Cement Works, has created a beautiful water park surrounded by the Wollemi National Park. Set on the banks of the Cudgegong River and nestled amongst stunning sandstone pagoda rock formations, Ganguddy enjoys an outstanding biodiversity of plant and animal communities with at least 107 bird species spotted in the area. With a variety of walking tracks, canoeing and swimming activities you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Tour nearby Capertee Valley, the world’s largest canyon. The valley offers truly spectacular views and is credited as being one of the best railway journeys to be had anywhere. Recognised interationally as one of the top 50 bird watching places in the world, the Capertee Valley is a great place for camping, rediscovering nature and looking up for a clear night full of stars.

Kandos offers a wide range of accommodation options for those wishing to explore the region. From country style motels and pubs to modern apartments, rural B+B’s and caravan and camping sites.

For a small town, Kandos plays host to some exciting events – from the tyre smokin’ Street Machine Festival in January to the biennial Garden Fair, and contemporary arts festival, Cementa.

Discover something new. Kandos – the town that made the cement that made your town.

Did you know?

Kandos is the town that made the cement that made your town. Kandos also supplied the cement for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Locals guide to Kandos

• Learn about the town’s industrial heritage. Visit the Kandos Museum for amazing insights and local Visitor Information Services
• Explore the local arts scene – Cementa Festival has nurtured a thriving arts culture in the town
• Take in a round of golf at Henbury Golf Course. Or just walk around the course and spot kangaroos
• Take a dip in Kandos Swimming Pool. A quiet and shady retreat on a warm day
• Set up your base in town, ready to explore local natural attractions like Ganguddy or Capertee Valley
• Pick up groceries ahead of your camping holiday at the local IGA – one of the best country supermarkets around

Why Visit the Mudgee Region?

Just a three-and-half-hour road trip or 50-minute flight from Sydney, you’ll find an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re looking for the romance of a country escape or a place to celebrate with friends, or have a desire to explore our region’s heritage, you will find a great range of lodging options making Mudgee Region the obvious choice for your next getaway. There’s such diversity in the region: a great mix of restaurants, pubs, clubs all with different offerings. Art has grown over the last few years with galleries, museums, sculptures in the parks; attracting artists from all over the world. Our world-class wines and wineries offer so many different varieties to suit every palate with the winemaker themselves, in most cases, on-hand to enhance the experience.