Fast facts
- Pretty garden village peppered with historic buildings
- In the heart of the Southern Highlands
- 130 km south-west of Sydney, population 6,600
Why go there
One of the larger towns in the Southern Highlands, Moss Vale is surrounded by rolling green hills, with tree-lined streets and gardens thriving on the volcanic soils. It's a great place to come to relax and unwind, enjoy country hospitality, good food and delicious cool-climate wines.
History
Moss Vale was established as a town after the arrival of the railway in 1867. It grew slowly in its early days and survived mainly because it was a railway town. Today the town is still dominated by the railway station which is a good example of Victorian architecture.
At the turn of the century, Moss Vale was one of the first towns in NSW to install electric lighting. It has continued to grow as a popular tourist and residential destination for Sydneysiders and other visitors.
Things to do
- Walk around town to see the beautiful historic buildings - the Dominican convent, the Anglican church and Kalourgan, thought to be the residence of Mother Mary McKillop, Australia’s first official saint.
- Enjoy a delicious morning or afternoon tea at one of the cafes in and around town. Lunch at the historic Briars Inn, built in 1845, is a must-do.
- Try the cool-climate wines along the Food and Wine Trail. Nearby cellar doors are Eling Forest and Southern Highlands Wines, both of which have excelllent restaurants.
- Head north to Bong Bong, the site of the first European settlement in the Southern Highlands. Cross the Bong Bong Bridge to see Christ Church, consecrated in 1845. It is still used today by the people of the district.
- See the countryside by taking a ride on The Cockatoo Run, a leisurely train trip in old-style carriages to Robertson or down to the coast. It operates from Saturdays to Tuesdays and on public holidays.
Events
- The Moss Vale Agricultural Show is held in March.
- The largest markets of the Southern Highlands are held on the fourth Sunday of each month at Moss Vale showgrounds.
Don’t miss
- A picnic in Leighton Gardens in Argyle Street. In spring and autumn, the trees in the garden are spectacular.
- The impressive residence, Throsby Park, a colonial Georgian mansion built in 1823.
- Have a game of golf at the 18 hole championship Moss Vale Golf Course.
- The Southern Highlands Regional Gallery in Railway Street.
- Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve near Bong Bong - this wetlands site has several excellent walking tracks.
