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 ;-)

Hotels with Parking & Resorts in Balmoral from AU$131

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Best Balmoral Hotels with Parking

Berrima Bakehouse Motel

Berrima

Brett

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

Peppers Manor House

Sutton Forest

Taylah Mae

includes taxes & fees

1 Dec - 2 Dec

Links House

Burradoo

Bruce

includes taxes & fees

1 Dec - 2 Dec

The Dormie House - On The Golf Course

Moss Vale

Kate

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral

Bowral

Isobel

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

A unique Southern Highlands experience

Bowral

James L.

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

The Imperial Motel

Bowral

Bronwyn

includes taxes & fees

11 Nov - 12 Nov

Berida Hotel

Bowral

Liz

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

Argyle Hotel Southern Highlands

Moss Vale

Julie

includes taxes & fees

12 Nov - 13 Nov

French/Italian Style Boutique The Loft Apartment @Chapmans + Breakfast + Pets

Moss Vale

"Lots to like about this property - a very generous range of breakfast supplies, including fresh fruit, muffins, spreads etc. Plenty of toilet paper too, which is not always the case! Likewise, very generous with bathroom soaps etc. Beds were very comfortable, and the balcony off the middle bedroom was lovely and sunny. No air con in the property, but heaters provided in each room. Parking for one car, and plenty of street parking a little further down the road if there is more than one car in...

Patricia

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

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Top Balmoral Hotel Reviews

Berrima Bakehouse Motel

10/10 Excellent

"Comfortable room, great location "

Berida Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Everything was great, the bed was very comfortable, the bathroom nice and big (I acknowledge that not all rooms may be this way) and the rainhead shower was soo good. And the staff were lovely. Plus the buildings, decor and surrounds are stunning. It was the perfect overnight stay while I enjoyed my friend's wedding in Bowral. "