From the charming streets of Milthorpe to the old-world charm of Morpeth, NSW is jam-packed with delightful hidden gems that the locals absolutely love to adore. One such spot is Mittagong. While its popular neighbours, Bowral and Berrima, soak up the attention, Mittagong stays relatively under the radar, and all the more appealing for it. With well-preserved colonial buildings, scenic bushwalks, and a laidback atmosphere, the quaint small town is perfect for a winter getaway. It’s also a quiet powerhouse of natural beauty, enveloped between ancient volcanic peaks, wild bushland, and rolling vineyards. Ready to explore? Now is the perfect time to go. Here are some of the best things to see, eat, and do in Mittagong this winter.
Things to do in Mittagong this winter
Mittagong’s name is said to mean “little mountain,” a nod to the land’s Aboriginal history. Once a farming and ironworks hub in the 1800s, traces of the town’s history can be found in its old stone buildings, quaint laneways, and heritage sites.
If you’re craving a cold-weather escape, you’ll find cosy vibes aplenty in this picturesque corner of the Southern Highlands. Wrap your hands around a hot coffee and head off on a crisp winter walk through Mittagong. Spend the day wandering past rows of old sandstone cottages, many dating back to the 1800s, and soaking in the town’s old-world charm. Pioneer Street is a great place to start. Mittagong was once a major rail hub for iron ore, and traces of Australia’s first ironworks, the Fitz Roy Iron Works, can still be seen today.
Keen to stretch your legs? Mittagong’s surrounding hills are full of walking and cycling tracks. For sweeping views over Nattai Gorge, take the Box Vale Mine walking track, an easy 4.4km loop that follows an old railway line and passes through a tunnel before opening up to the lookout. Also worth the hike is Mount Gibraltar, an extinct volcanic peak with panoramic views over the Highlands.
For a small town, Mittagong punches above its weight with stellar food and drink offerings. Start with a visit to the famous Gumnut Patisserie, a local favourite known for its hot pies, desserts, and flaky, indulgent pastries. Mittagong Hotel dishes out wholesome meals and country hospitality, while the Highlands Hotel is the place to go for pub-style dining and cosy accommodation if you’re planning to stay the night. Other local recommended spots include Eden Brewery for freshly brewed craft beers, Toshi’s Japanese Restaurant for an extensive menu of seafood, vegetarian, and meat dishes, Chapter One Eatery for great coffee and casual bites, and the acclaimed Paste Australia for refined Thai food.
What else can you do?
One spot in town worth exploring is Lake Alexandra Reserve, a serene spot that’s perfect for a picnic, a lakeside stroll, or just some time out in nature. There’s a walking and cycling track around the water, plus BBQ facilities, picnic tables, a children’s playground, and a viewing platform if you want to stay a while. Another local gem to add to your list is Sturt Gallery & Studios, the oldest craft centre in Australia, and a must-visit for anyone interested in art and design. Here, you’ll find a design shop, a gallery to admire the local work, a gift shop to collect a souvenir, and a cosy cafe to settle in with a coffee. Although temporarily closed, the centre is expected to reopen in a more independent capacity. Read more about Mittagong and find accomodation options here.
How to get there
Mittagong is less than a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney, and just a stone’s throw from both Bowral and Berrima, if you’re keen to see all three in a day. You can also catch a direct train from Central to Mittagong, with the journey taking around two hours, making it a quick and easy weekend escape. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.