TRAVELS WITH KINGDEANO ADVENTURES
Not too long ago , we were heading to Nowra , NSW , winding our way through the mountain ranges of the Shoalhaven region . It was during this drive that we stumbled across an intriguing bridge , Hampden Bridge . Opened in 1898 , the bridge resembles a medieval castle gateway and we learned that it ' s Australia ’ s largest surviving wooden suspension bridge . This bridge welcomes visitors to the Southern Highlands region and the town of Kangaroo Valley .
HOLIDAY HAVEN
As we drove across the bridge , we noticed people were swimming and kayaking in the waters below , and sun-baking on the sandbanks along the river . This sight piqued our interest , and we decided to stay in town and explore . Moments after driving over the bridge , we found Holiday Haven Holiday Park , where we popped into reception and booked our stay .
The next morning we got up early and checked out the main street of the town , which was on the same street as the holiday park . The town had an array of shops , specialty stores and , interestingly , a woodcraft shop that sold local handmade dollhouses , rocking horses , and many items for the home handcrafted from wood . We picked up some goodies at the lolly and chocolate shop and tried some gin from a merchant outside the boutique bottle shop . There ’ s also a walk you can take to sightsee the heritage buildings .
We were spoilt for choice when it came to picking somewhere for lunch . There was the historic bakery , and an Indian restaurant ( just to mention a couple ), but we decided on the Friendly Inn . We loved its quirky objects on display outside the pub , where you could get a photo on a vintage scooter or within a telephone box . The inn provides indoor and outdoor dining , with live music on the grass , and a playground for the kids . The meals we enjoyed were hearty and generous .
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