Things to Do in Mittagong

Written By Nat Rogers

Located under two hours from Sydney, Mittagong balances rich colonial history, lush national parks, and a buzzing culinary landscape.

Whether you’re staying locally at the historic Fitzroy Inn or taking a day trip, this master guide covers the best things to do, see, eat, and drink in town.

Top Nature & Outdoor Activities in Mittagong

Lake Alexandra Reserve

A scenic sanctuary right near the heart of town, Lake Alexandra is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Surrounding a peaceful man-made lake, the reserve features paved walking loops, shady picnic shelters, BBQs, and children’s playgrounds. It’s also home to vibrant local birdlife—you'll spot ducks, geese, and turtles floating near the banks.

IMAGE: Visit NSW

Box Vale Mine Walking Track & Nattai Gorge Lookout

This popular 4.4 km bushwalk traces the route of a historical 1800s coal railway line. The trail winds through dense eucalyptus bushland, passes through a dramatic 84-metre hand-carved rock tunnel, and concludes at the Nattai Gorge Lookout for sweeping views over the valley.

IMAGE: Visit NSW

Mount Gibraltar Reserve

As an extinct volcanic complex, "The Gib" stands as the highest point between Sydney and Canberra. The reserve offers multiple walking tracks and lookout points—including Mt Jellore Lookout and Bowral Lookout—delivering panoramic vistas across the Southern Highlands.

IMAGE: Visit NSW

Forty Foot Falls Walk

  • Distance from Fitzroy Inn: 2.6 km (starts at Lake Alexandra)

  • Website: Destination NSW

Beginning right at Lake Alexandra, this 2.2 km return track follows Nattai Creek through thick native vegetation down to Forty Foot Falls, where water cascades down a towering sandstone rock wall into a quiet pool.

Best Mittagong Historic & Cultural Attractions

Sturt Gallery & Studios

  • Distance from Fitzroy Inn: 2.0 km (~3 mins drive)

  • Website: Sturt Gallery

Established in 1941, Sturt is Australia’s oldest design and contemporary craft centre. Wander through artisan design exhibitions, stroll through heritage gardens, or shop for high-end Australian-made ceramics, wood products, and textiles crafted on-site.

IMAGE : Sturt Gallery

Fitz Roy Iron Works Ruins

  • Distance from Fitzroy Inn: 2.2 km (~4 mins drive)

  • Website: Destination NSW - Fitz Roy Iron Works

Did you know Mittagong was home to Australia’s very first commercial ironworks built in 1848? The heritage-listed blast furnace ruins have been preserved beneath glass under the Highlands Marketplace car park, complete with an interactive historical display.

Fitzroy Inn Historic House and Grounds

  • Distance from Fitzroy Inn: 0 km (On-site)

  • Website: Fitzroy Inn Historic Retreat

Set across five acres of oak-shaded gardens, the Fitzroy Inn was built in 1836 as a colonial roadside inn. Guests can take self-guided historical strolls around the sandstone grounds to view original 19th-century architecture, hand-cut water wells, and convict-built structures.

Top Mittagong Specialty Tours & Unique Experiences

Mittagong Mushroom Tunnel Tours

Walk through a disused Victorian-era railway tunnel beneath Mount Gibraltar that has been converted into a commercial farm. These guided mycologist tours give visitors an inside look at how rare, exotic mushroom varieties are cultivated in cool, subterranean conditions.

Mussett Holdings Regenerative Farm

A model for sustainable farming in the Southern Highlands, Mussett Holdings offers guided farm tours focused on permaculture, fresh organic mushrooms, and regenerative micro-farming practices.

IMAGE : Mussett Holdings Family Farm

Where to Find the Best Coffee & Cafes in Mittagong

We made a little blog about the best coffee shops in Mittagong here.

Best Restaurants, Wineries & Breweries in Mittagong

Artemis Wines & Cellar Door

  • Distance from Fitzroy Inn: 4.1 km (~5 mins drive)

  • Website: Artemis Wines

Run by pioneer winemakers in the region, Artemis Wines offers cool-climate Pinot Noir, craftspirits from their on-site distillery, wood-fired pizzas, and gourmet cheese boards enjoyed right on the lawn.

Eden Brewery

  • Distance from Fitzroy Inn: 2.5 km (~4 mins drive)

  • Website: Eden Brewery

An eco-friendly craft brewery powered by 100% renewable energy. Drop in for artisanal tasting paddles, seasonal brews on tap, and delicious burgers cooked fresh from their resident food truck.

Paste Australia

Headed by Michelin-starred chef Bee Satongun, this Chef Hatted establishment serves refined, heirloom-style Thai cuisine right on Main Street. It is widely considered one of the finest dining destinations in the Southern Highlands.

Unique Shopping Experiences in Local Markets

Mittagong offers a variety of unique shopping experiences, particularly at its local markets. The Mittagong Markets, held on the third Saturday of each month at the Uniting Church Hall, are a must-visit for anyone looking to discover local products and crafts. Here, you can find a wide range of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and homemade jams to handcrafted jewelry and artisanal soaps. The friendly vendors are always happy to chat and share the stories behind their products, making it a delightful and personal shopping experience.

Come visit us in Mittagong

Mittagong is a charming and vibrant town that offers a wealth of exciting activities and experiences for visitors of all ages. From exploring beautiful gardens and discovering rich history to enjoying outdoor adventures and indulging in delicious food and wine, there is something for everyone in Mittagong. The town's friendly and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its stunning natural surroundings and diverse range of attractions, makes it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.

Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, a foodie, or a family looking for fun activities, Mittagong has something to offer. The town's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities provides a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. With its vibrant calendar of events and festivals, there is always something happening in Mittagong, ensuring that every visit is filled with new and memorable experiences.

So why wait? Start planning your visit to Mittagong today and discover all the exciting things this picturesque town has to offer. Whether you're exploring its beautiful gardens, tasting its exquisite wines, or simply relaxing in its serene natural surroundings, Mittagong promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting to return again and again.

Nat Rogers
Next

Keep the Party Going: Discover the Southern Highlands’ Only Historic Late-Night Wedding Dungeon