There is a lot to love about the Southern Highlands, from its country charm and picturesque streets to iconic cafes and galleries. Its slew of pretty villages and historic towns have been a magnet for city dwellers for over a century. In the region’s historic heart is the beautiful village of Mittagong which presents an interesting blend of old and new to travellers. Dotted with historic sandstone cottages, charming cafes and lovely walking trails, it’s an idyllic winter escape from the city. Plus, it offers great access to nearby towns like Berrima, Australia’s best-preserved village from the 1800s and Bowral, Australia’s first-ever booktown. Here is everything you can do in the historic town to make the most of a weekend trip.
Mittagong NSW
Mittagong is an Aboriginal word that translates to ‘High Mountains‘. The town is often referred to as the gateway to the Southern Highlands if travelling from Sydney so if you’re eager to explore the Highlands, this is a great place to start.
The town has impressively retained its historic heritage while welcoming change and innovation, with both old and new co-existing peacefully. Here are some things you can see and do in Mittagong.
Things to do
1. Explore the sandstone cottages in town
Mittagong is generously sprinkled with heritage buildings and sandstone cottages and one of the best ways to explore them is on the Mittagong Historic Walk. The self-guided walk runs past many heritage spots including an old timber cottage built in the 1880s, a still-operating wine shop and hotel from the 1890s, the Mittagong Post Office, the Mittagong Public Library and The Boston Ivy, a charming cafe from the 1880s. Download the map here.
2. Head to Lake Alexandra Reserve
Lake Alexandra is a man-made lake and a popular spot for families to picnic, enjoy a barbecue, or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There is also a 600-metre-long walk and cycleway at the reserve if you want to get some cardio in.
3. Discover the Sturt Gallery
Australia’s oldest design centre is set amidst lush landscapes in the heart of Mittagong. Find an excellent collection of contemporary Australian art from local makers at this multi-award-winning design shop, gallery, garden cafe and craft studio rolled into one. The gallery also showcases free exhibitions all year round so keep an eye on their website and don’t forget to grab a bite at their lovely garden cafe.
4. Discover the Box Wale Walking track
Nature lovers will have plenty to do in Mittagong. Spend a few hours at the Mount Gibraltar Reserve which is a volcanic remnant offering stunning lookouts and picnic areas or head to the Box Vale Walking track, an easy trail that runs through an unuse 19th-century colliery railway, if you’re lucky you could even spot glowing ghost mushrooms here.
5. Enjoy the food and drink offerings
The Southern Highlands are home to some of the best eateries in NSW and Mittagong is no exception. Head to Gumnut Patisserie for some of their famous desserts and baked goods or splurge at Paste, a fine dining restaurant offering excellent Thai cuisine. Other spots to visit include a kitschy cafe called Lil Piggy and The Boston Ivy 1880 located in a beautiful 1800s sandstone building.
The best time to visit
Mittagong is lovely to visit all year round. Late December to February offer opportunities for warm weather activities and outdoor events while the coldest month is July with temperatures dropping as low as 2 °C. If you’re planning a day trip, Mittagong Markets are held on the third and fifth Saturday of each month offering stalls filled with antiques, food and more.
Find more information about Mittagong here.
How to get there
Mittagong is an easy 1 hour, 30-minute drive from Sydney via M5 and Hume Motorway and a 2-hour drive from Canberra. You can also catch a direct train from Central to Mittagong and reach the town in around 2 hours.