Mittagong

Mittagong has an industrial heritage and, as well as being home to Australia’s first ironworks, the Fitzroy c1865, was a hub for coal and shale oil mining, timber mills and blacksmiths. Mittagong foundries produced much of the iron lace used to decorate city terraces in areas such as Paddington and Woollahra in the late 1800s. The town retains its creative vibe today with many craftsmen, potters and artists in residence.

A quiet and relaxed village, Mittagong is home to Lake Alexandra, which was built in the mid 1800s to serve as a dam for the engines hauling coal to the Fitzroy iron mines. Today the lake and parkland reserve is a flourishing bird sanctuary and features scenic walking tracks, waterfalls and picnic areas at the foothill of Mount Alexandra.

Mittagong is also home to one of Australia’s notable girl schools. Established in 1913, Frensham School is a secondary boarding and day school with a reputation for educational innovation and a strong sense of community.

Properties range from affordable freestanding cottages and new builds to sprawling country manors giving Mittagong broad appeal and securing its place as one of the Southern Highlands’ most popular addresses.