Mittagong

Mittagong is a small town with a population of approximately 4000 in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, Australia. It is close to Bowral, Berrima, Moss Vale and Canyonleigh. It was formerly on the Hume Highway that linked Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. A bypass constructed north of the town was thought to be the death sentence for the community, but instead the location has become a rest stop for drivers and a daytripper destination from Sydney (only one hour away). An antique retail industry is also present. The town lies between two hills (Mount Alexander and Mount Gibraltar), and a small lake (Lake Alexander) feeds into the nearby Nattai River. Mittagong is the gateway to the Southern Highlands when coming from Sydney.

Mittagong was settled in the early 1800's, as the first settlement in the district. One of the first settlers was William Chalker.

Mittagong has been home to many industries, with iron being first smelted in the area. The Box Vale Coal Mine, Joadja Kerosene Shale, and the first supply of fresh milk and butter to Sydney by the Fresh Food & Ice Company all operated out of Mittagong in years gone by.

The name Mittagong is said to mean "little mountain". Alternatives are "a companion" and "plenty of native dogs", as the Mittagong range was home to many dingos at one time.

Mittagong is the birth place of famous Australian personality Ita Buttrose.

Today the town invites visitors to explore its history, scenery, small waterfalls, bushwalks and it's famed "Waratah" flowering in November. A chamber music festival is held each Easter. You can picnic at peaceful Lake Alexandra and feed the ducks, and take a peaceful stroll around the Lake - no more than 250 metres from Mittagong's main street. The main street boasts a wide array of retailers and many antique shops. For full details on the beautiful Southern Highlands, visit www.highlandliving.com.au the community's key website and information source.