Mittagong

Travel Guide

Hewn out of the living rock in the 1860s using hand tools and blasting powder, Big Hill Cutting was at one time the deepest railway cutting in the southern hemisphere. Taken as it was near the eastern end of the cutting, even this pic doesn't properly illustrate the depth. 

The cutting has a long and macabre history, with several workers killed during its construction due to a blasting accident and several drivers later perishing after crashing their automobiles through the old timber bridge's guardrails and down onto the rails below. Despite the history, it's a peaceful and beautiful place.

The old railway line was abandoned in the 1970s and runs for around 50km between the towns of Thirlmere and Mittagong. Although not a proper rail trail, there are service trails parallelling the railway for much of its length. I've walked it a few times, including the trip pictured which was undertaken 2-Boot-Drive Swagman style ;-)
Hewn out of the living rock in the 1860s using hand tools and blasting powder, Big Hill Cutting was at one time the deepest railway cutting in the southern hemisphere. Taken as it was near the eastern end of the cutting, even this pic doesn't properly illustrate the depth. 

The cutting has a long and macabre history, with several workers killed during its construction due to a blasting accident and several drivers later perishing after crashing their automobiles through the old timber bridge's guardrails and down onto the rails below. Despite the history, it's a peaceful and beautiful place.

The old railway line was abandoned in the 1970s and runs for around 50km between the towns of Thirlmere and Mittagong. Although not a proper rail trail, there are service trails parallelling the railway for much of its length. I've walked it a few times, including the trip pictured which was undertaken 2-Boot-Drive Swagman style ;-)

Where to stay in Mittagong

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Colo Vale

While visiting Colo Vale, you might make a stop by sights like Bargo State Conservation Area and Nattai National Park.

Colo Vale
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Alpine

When in Alpine, you can plan a visit to Destination Southern Highlands and Bargo River State Conservation Area, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Alpine
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Mittagong Town Centre

While Mittagong Town Centre isn't home to many top sights, Destination Southern Highlands and Artemis Wines are some notable places to visit nearby.

Mittagong Town Centre
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Braemar

The restaurants and gardens are just a few features travelers like about Braemar. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Destination Southern Highlands and Artemis Wines are a few top places to visit.

Braemar
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Welby

Though Welby might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Artemis Wines and Destination Southern Highlands.

Welby
Hewn out of the living rock in the 1860s using hand tools and blasting powder, Big Hill Cutting was at one time the deepest railway cutting in the southern hemisphere. Taken as it was near the eastern end of the cutting, even this pic doesn't properly illustrate the depth. 

The cutting has a long and macabre history, with several workers killed during its construction due to a blasting accident and several drivers later perishing after crashing their automobiles through the old timber bridge's guardrails and down onto the rails below. Despite the history, it's a peaceful and beautiful place.

The old railway line was abandoned in the 1970s and runs for around 50km between the towns of Thirlmere and Mittagong. Although not a proper rail trail, there are service trails parallelling the railway for much of its length. I've walked it a few times, including the trip pictured which was undertaken 2-Boot-Drive Swagman style ;-)

Balmoral

While visiting Balmoral, you might make a stop by sights like Bargo State Conservation Area and Bargo River State Conservation Area.

Balmoral
Poplars at Mittagong

Poplars at Mittagong

3.5 out of 5
97 to 99 Old Hume Highway Braemar NSW
The price is $96 total per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
$96 total
per night
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Stay at this motel in Mittagong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Sturt Gallery and Mount Gibraltar Reserve are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (576 reviews)
Clean comfortable bed and serene views

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2026

Poplars at Mittagong
Mittagong Motel

Mittagong Motel

2.5 out of 5
7-11 OLD HUME Highway Mittagong NSW
The price is $98 total per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
$98 total
per night
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Stay at this motel in Mittagong. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (688 reviews)
Great stay

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2026

Mittagong Motel
Mittagong Holiday Park

Mittagong Holiday Park

3.5 out of 5
1 Old Hume Highway Mittagong NSW
The price is $150 total per night from Jan 29 to Jan 30
$150 total
per night
Jan 29 - Jan 30
Book a stay at this golf holiday park in Mittagong. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mount Gibraltar Reserve and Mount ...
9/10 Wonderful! (166 reviews)
Perfect spot Very clean. Easy designated parking

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025

Mittagong Holiday Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Blackwood Manor Retreat - unforgettable moments for large families or groups.

Blackwood Manor Retreat - unforgettable moments for large families or groups.

Willow Vale NSW
Stay at this vacation home in Mittagong. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sturt Gallery and Forty Foot Falls Walking ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Extended family wedding stay
Perfect for our large family for wedding preparation. Enough seperate and communal spaces for the bridal party to get ready in the annexe and aunties in the manor.Beautiful property.

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2025

Blackwood Manor Retreat - unforgettable moments for large families or groups.
FALLING WATERS COLO VALE

FALLING WATERS COLO VALE

Colo Vale NSW
Stay at this cabin in Mittagong. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Boronia Park and Bargo River State Conservation ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (127 reviews)
Great spot with really nice amenities and accommodation. The cottage was lovely and check-in was super easy.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

FALLING WATERS COLO VALE
Luxury Heritage Cottage In The Heart Of Town

Luxury Heritage Cottage In The Heart Of Town

Mittagong NSW
Stay at this vacation home in Mittagong. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the bathrooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (185 reviews)
Lovely accommodation. The beds, linen, and towels were all comfortable, and the kitchen was well equipped.We will be back, in winter next time.

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

Luxury Heritage Cottage In The Heart Of Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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