Wildly refined: Kangaroo Valley is the NSW country escape you've been waiting for

Escape the grind for tranquil vibes and country hospitality in Kangaroo Valley, two hours' drive from Sydney.

Here's your guide to the best places to eat, drink and stay in the wild and welcoming locale, one of the Shoalhaven area's best kept secrets.

Wildes Boutique Hotel: Ideally set in Kangaroo Valley's main village, among the cafes, boutiques and restaurants, is Wildes, a sandstone-fronted hotel with country charm. The 23 modern rooms and suites are set around an Italian-style courtyard with alfresco dining. Our light-filled Fitzroy Studio offers a kitchenette and courtyard, and we marvel at the amount of space inside. A small bottle of wine and snacks are included with every room. You'll likely have your car with you when you visit to explore the valley's escarpment lookouts, rivers and national parks, and there's undercover parking at the hotel. There's a swimming pool, too, but the mornings are crisp during our stay. Prices start from $259 per room, per night. wildes.com.au

Holiday Haven: Located on the edge of Kangaroo Valley village where the shops end and the wilderness begins, Holiday Haven is perfect for families or groups looking for a budget-friendly, relaxed stay in nature. Base yourself in a self-contained cabin, or a powered or unpowered camping site, and explore the Kangaroo River - only steps away - by kayak or canoe. The accommodation is right next door to the historic Hampden Bridge - the last-surviving wooden suspension bridge in Australia. From $105 per night for a cabin. holidayhaven.com.au/kangaroo-valley/

The Friendly Inn: Established in 1892, this historic hotel sits at the centre of Kangaroo Valley township and is teeming with locals and visitors on the Friday night we visit. With lots of rooms for dining, a sports bar and a beer garden, this hotel is perfect for couples, families and groups (but book ahead). We polish off a killer serve of pork ribs with a sweet and savoury sauce, and a miso-glazed barramundi dish with plenty of vegetables. The kids will love the ice-cream freezer heaving with Golden Gaytimes, and the sports nuts will love the NRL on the big screen. It must be the only hotel with a Marilyn Monroe statue, a piano and two vintage phone boxes out the front. Instagram awaits! thefriendlyinn.com.au

Wildes Dining: This spot is classy enough for a romantic dinner but relaxed enough for catching up with a group of friends over nice wine, cocktails and share plates. A special mention goes to the Sicilian garlic chilli prawns, and the chargrilled squid with Persian feta and chili jam, which we enjoy at a candlelit table next to a roaring fireplace. wildes.com.au/wildes-dining

The General Cafe: From the expertly-poured coffee to the Korean-style wok-fried eggs, and the creamy scrambled eggs with sourdough and Pepe Saya butter, the General Cafe hits the spot for a leisurely breakfast with its homey farm kitchen vibe. We'll be back to buy some of that amazing-looking Scottish malt loaf made by Mrs Bread Organic Sourdough and a pot of home-made jam. thegeneralcafe.com.au

Meet Highland cows: Abergail Farm is a hobby farm at Cambewarra at the foot of the Cambewarra Mountain, just 25 minutes drive from the heart of Kangaroo Valley. Book an experience - we choose Coos & Blooms (from $149 per person), which has us learning how to arrange flowers while looking out over rolling green hills - and meet the resident Highland cows. A lovely morning tea is included. The little ones are welcome to meet the cows from outside the fence during a Family Experience (from $79 per person). abergailfarm.com.au

Kayak on the river: The team behind the family-owned Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company make us feel right at home as we try something that is a first for me: kayaking over rapids. Yes, they are only small rapids, but I feel pretty proud of myself for giving it a go, and thanks go to the team for their gentle handling and guidance which give me confidence. Our tranquil morning on Kangaroo River never feels rushed and we happen upon a hungry goanna, brilliant blue kingfishers and families of ducks. kangaroovalleyadventurecompany.com.au

Taste organic wine: The 25-minute drive from Kangaroo Valley village to the Lyrebird Ridge Organic Winery at Budgong is all part of the joy of visiting the winery, set among tranquil countryside up a bush track. The Rosie dessert wine, named after the owners' beloved dog, is our favourite, and we enjoy chatting with one of the owner-operators, Anne, who makes up a generous cheese platter with homemade oat biscuits. They also have accommodation on-site. lyrebirdridgewinery.com.au

The writer was a guest of Shoalhaven City Council