The Rylstone Kandos region is one of those rare, uncrowded places that combines old-fashioned friendliness and genuine charm with good food, great places to stay, and breathtaking scenery. Located just 3 hours drive from Sydney on the western edge of the Blue Mountains, Rylstone Kandos is fast becoming the must visit destination of regional NSW, it truly is a hidden gem!

On the western edge of the Great Dividing Range, the tranquil town of Kandos is a gateway to the spectacular Capertee Valley and the perfect base for outdoor adventure. Explore the fascinating heritage and the nearby Mudgee wine region of NSW, all with World Heritage wilderness right on your doorstep.

Population

904 as at 2021 in Rylstone

1263 as at 2021 in Kandos

(Source: Mid Western Regional Council)

Area

Rylstone 131.7 square kilometeres

Kandos 40.1 square kilometeres

Major Industries

• Mining
• Agriculture (including Viticulture)
• Construction
• Retail
• Tourism

Competitive Advantages

• Diverse and growing economic base
• Centrally located to Sydney and Newcastle and major regional centres in NSW
• Skilled workforce
• Great lifestyle benefits
• Thriving tourism, arts and cultural sectors
• Adequate water supply

Kandos and Rylstone Region

The area sits astride the Great Dividing Range and is the gateway to the World Heritage Wollemi National Park, the stunning Capertee Valley, and the deeply carved upper valleys of the Goulburn/Hunter river systems.

Kandos and Rylstone are two small towns with plenty on offer, being central to the larger towns of Mudgee, Lithgow and Bathurst which are only 40 to 60 minutes away, not to mention the Bylong Valley Way which is an amazing scenic link to the Hunter Valley.

Kandos has a surprising claim to fame as the ‘town that built Sydney’. After limestone was discovered in Kandos in 1913, a settlement and cement works were soon established, playing a major role in the development of Sydney infrastructure. This included the city underground railway and the base and pylons for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The cement works closed in 2011, but you can still explore this fascinating industrial history and learn about 20th-century machinery at the Kandos Museum. Housed inside a heritage-listed church, the museum has an impressive collection of stories, objects and photographs.

Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Kandos is gateway to the stunning Capertee Valley in the Capertee National Park, the second-largest canyon in the world and a fantastic spot for bushwalking. Head to Pearsons Lookout for incredible panoramic views out across the valley, including the majestic Patoneys Crown monolith.

Explore more striking sandstone cliffs, canyons and rock pagodas in the Gardens of Stone National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. East of Kandos, you’ll find Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp on the Cudgerong River, a popular spot for camping, bushwalking and kayaking, in the Wollemi National Park.

The Mudgee region’s wineries and cellar doors are all within easy reach from Kandos. Visit acclaimed cellar doors such as De Beaurepaire Wines and Naked Lady Wines in Rylstone. There’s also a big range of watersports at nearby Windamere Dam on the Cudgegong River, where fishing is very popular.

Schools

• 1 Public High School in Kandos
• 2 Primary School in Kandos and Rylstone

Daycare Centres

• Rylstone Kandos Preschool

From Sydney:

Kandos is a 3hr 15min drive from Sydney and just under an hour from Mudgee. You can also fly into Mudgee Airport or take the train and coach.