Mittagong

Scenic gateway to the beautiful Southern Highlands, the village of Mittagong is nestled between ancient volcanic peaks, mountain reserves and rolling vineyards. Discover colonial sandstone cottages, buildings and historic ironworks, and take a tasting tour of renowned local cellar doors, wineries and heritage pubs.

Fitzroy Inn Historic Retreat, Mittagong

Heritage & antiques

Once an important rail centre for iron ore, you can see relics of the Fitz Roy Iron Works today, the first in Australia. Visit the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre on Main Street for maps and local knowledge, then head out on a self-guided walk to explore the old laneways, town streets and well-preserved colonial heritage.

Go hunting for antiques at Mittagong Antiques Centre, a treasure trove of collectables, while Sturt Gallery & Studios is a hub of contemporary craft and design with a shop and gallery. Afterwards, relax with a coffee at The Shaggy Cow, enjoy a pie from Gumnut Patisserie, or stop for lunch at a classic country pub such as the Mittagong Hotel or the Highlands Hotel.

Sturt Gallery, Mittagong

Food and wine

The Boston Ivy 1880 is a charming cafe serving great options for breakfast and lunch.  For fine dining, Paste is run by renowned chef Bee Satongun, the restaurant is Michelin-starred taking diners on a palate-tantalising adventure that showcases their bold and masterful approach to Thai cuisine.

The region’s rich soil and high altitude are ideal for cool-climate wine growing. Visit cellar doors in the hills and valleys around Mittagong, including Artemis Wines and Tertini Wines. Join a wine tour with Highlands Food and Wine Tours and discover award-winning varietals and local favourites.

 Walking & cycling trails

The lush green hills abound with walking and cycling trails. Head to the spectacular Nattai Gorge lookout via the Box Vale Mine walking track, an easy 4.4km circular walk that follows an old railway line through a tunnel to breathtaking views. Enjoy a picnic in the magnificent Lake Alexandra Reserve or hike up extinct volcanic peak Mount Gibraltar.

Tertini Wines, Mittagong

Getting there

Mittagong is an 80min drive from Sydney and less than two hours from Canberra. You can also catch a direct train from Sydney and the journey takes around two hours. There’s plenty of accommodation options, from caravan parks and motels to one of the oldest inns in Australia, the 1830s-built Fitzroy Inn.