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 ;-)

Beach Hotels & Resorts in Mittagong

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Best Mittagong Beach Hotels

The Grange country retreat, with a birds eye view!

Mittagong

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Top Mittagong Hotel Reviews

Lakeview Hotel Motel

10/10 Excellent

"We left a necklace at our room and back reception after check out but staff kept for us. Very nice staffs."

Mantra Wollongong

10/10 Excellent

"The 2 bedroom we had for the night was comfortable and well maintained. Although we could see marks and scratches on the furniture, the unit was clean and the carpet seemed new. Best of all, it is a pet friendly hotel which is rare in Australia, sadly. Our baby Shiba loved her stay. Thank you for being so accommodating to families with pets. We will be back. "

Frequently asked questions

What is Mittagong like for travellers who love the beach?

Known for its cafes, Mittagong offers a lot for the traveller planning a getaway.

When's the best time for a beach holiday in Mittagong?

Plan your trip to the beach with a look at year-round temperatures in Mittagong: The hottest months are usually January and February, with an average temperature of 18°C, while the coldest months are July and August, with an average of 9°C. Average annual precipitation for Mittagong is 949 mm.

What is there to see and do around Mittagong?

After arriving and settling in at your hotel, you might want to venture out and explore everything Mittagong has to offer. Treat your taste buds to the area's cafes, and make time for local attractions such as Destination Southern Highlands and Mount Jellore Lookout. You can also pay a visit to Sturt Gallery or Nattai National Park for more to see and do.

What's the best way to get to my beach hotel in Mittagong?

Here's some information to help you get to and around your beach accommodation in Mittagong with ease. To get to Mittagong, you can fly into Shellharbour, NSW (WOL), the closest major airport, which is located 20.9 mi (33.6 km) from the city centre. If you want to venture outside the area, take a train from Mittagong Station.

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