Known as the gateway to the Southern Highlands, Mittagong sits inside the Wingecarribee Shire Council with the traditional custodians of the Gundungurra and Tharawal people. Mittagong is the first town of the Southern Highlands when entering from Sydney and is home to a wonderful selection of wineries, eateries and attractions, some dating back over 100 years.
Upon entering the tree-lined road leading into town you’ll come across a central point and a prominent clock tower where the road forks. Find a park as your right in the hub of town. The railway station is a 150-meter walk if you made your way here by rail. (which we highly recommend as a great rail journey). Be sure to grab a coffee at a local institution – The Boston 107. Named after the building it resides in, The Boston 107 serves up Campos coffee and some great food giving its guests a place to sit and relax gazing upon the Boston ivy that covers the walls, hence its namesake.
Located on The Old Hume Highway, The Boston 107 positions you in the perfect location to begin exploring all that Mittagong has to offer. After grabbing a cup of coffee, head down the main streets of Mittagong exploring the old buildings, the many antique stores and the country style that fills the town. Be sure to make a mental note of PASTE Australia, next door to The Boston 107, a place we will be back to visit later in the day!
Once you have found yourself a piece of the past from one of the many antique stores, jump back in the car or grab an uber and start exploring all that Mittagong has to offer. Begin at Lake Alexandra, it’s a man-made lake that started its life as a dam to supply water for engines hauling coal into the Fitzroy Iron Mines almost 140 years ago. Recently, the surrounds of the lake have been renovated and restored, making for a perfect picnic spot for the family.
To experience a more cultural side to Mittagong, head over to the Sturt Gallery and Studios on the corner of Range Road and Waverly Parade. The studios and gallery space are surrounded by some beautiful gardens making you feel right at home in the Southern Highlands. With a focus on ceramic, woodwork, weaving, jewellery and metalwork, Sturt is celebrating 80 years in 2021. The school provides a selection of courses throughout the academic terms, as well as winter schools, with programmes aimed at adults with all skill levels.
After spending some time admiring the works, head back through Mittagong towards the local light industrial area to Eden Brewery, located on Cavendish Street, just off Old Bowral Road. The brewery is an independent craft brewery focused on ‘getting back to beer’s roots.' With a core range of 4 beers and numerous ever-changing special releases, you are sure to find a beer for every palette. Why not get yourself a tasting paddle to try out a selection of flavours, and even pick yourself up a growler for the way home! Just opposite the brewery is another local institution, Gumnut Patisserie. This is their factory outlet where they make some amazing, award-winning sweets and treats. It may not go with a beer but grab something for your journey home.
If wines more your thing, then head over to Artemis Wines located on Sir Charles Moses Lane. Artemis is a family-run, cool-climate winery. One of many in the local area Artemis was the first winery in the area to plant the Pinot Noir variety with the two local brothers Anton and Mark Balog referred to as the Pinot Noir Pioneers. With the cellar door open 11 am -
4 pm 7 days a week, the winery makes for a perfect pitstop for an afternoon tasting accompanied by a local cheeseboard.
Heading back into the main township of Mittagong you will be more than ready for some good food. Located next door to The Boston 107 is renowned Thai restaurant Paste Australia. An institution in Bangkok, Paste Australia is owned and operated by Michelin-starred chef Bee Satongun and her husband Jason Bailey. The Authentic Thai cuisine takes you on a palate tantalising adventure showcasing her brilliant skill. The restaurant itself is fitted out beautifully with a wine rack spanning the length of a wall, with wine fridges to match. A must-see and do when in Mittagong.
Finally, to end the day, walk up the street toward Hendriks Cognac & Wine. At this cosy little venue, you’ll find yourself surrounded by 100s of wines to choose from, as well as an extensive list of over 30 cocktails. Perfect for a night out drinking or perhaps try one of their signature gourmet jaffles (we did!)
With so much to do and see in Mittagong, it really is the perfect place to spend a whole day, a weekend and certainly a spot you’ll want to come back to. With plenty of hotels available, you will be spoilt for choice with accommodation. The Fitzroy Inn is one of our recommendations.