Fast facts
- Gateway to the Southern Highlands
- Lies between the volcanic peaks of Mount Gibraltar and Mount Alexandra
- 110 km south-west of Sydney, population 7,500
Why go there
Mittagong has a fine collection of sandstone buildings dating from the early years of European settlement in the mid-19th century. Today, many are used as craft shops and coffee houses. The town's pretty gardens are open to the public throughout the year but it's in spring and autumn that the place really blooms. This is a great place to potter, for antiques and books, good food and wine.
History
Mittagong came into being with the construction of the Old South Road during the Macquarie governorship around 1820. The first hostelry, the Kangaroo Inn, opened its doors in 1827, with many others to follow. There was considerable bushranger activity in the district in ensuing years, with several meeting their demise at the end of a noose in Berrima Gaol. The railway arrived in 1867 from Picton and the new rail stop became known as Mittagong. Coal mining began in the 1870s and Tooths Breweries built a large malting plant here in 1899. Dairy farming, cattle and sheep plus some mining are now matched by an emerging wine industry.
Things to do
- Discover the best in contemporary Australian crafts at the Sturt Craft Centre. Try your hand at photography, ceramics, sculpture or basketry at one of the centre's short courses.
- Enjoy nature at Lake Alexandra, a reserve with good picnic and BBQ facilities, as well as bushwalking trails.
- Drive to the top of Mount Gibraltar, also known as The Gib - there are excellent lookouts and several short walking tracks at the top.
- Stroll along Main and Victoria Streets to see fine country homes, delightful gardens and specialty shops.
- Follow the wine trail. Bou-Saada Vineyard has racy sauvignon blancs and a great antipasto plate of local produce. Joadja Wines offer interesting blends with malbec, while Mundrakoona Estate has wine plus blacksmith demonstrations.
Events
- Mittagong Dahlia Festival in February.
Don’t miss
- Braemar Model Railways in Main Street.
- Boxvale Mine Walking Track, an easy 4.4 km walk following the historic tramline.
- See the world's four largest flightless birds at Amber Park Emu and Ostrich Farm.
- Historic Joadja village, 31 km from Mittagong
- Sunset on The Gib
