MITTAGONG
A SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS TOWN KNOWN FOR ITS ANTIQUE SHOPS AND WINERIES.
AN EMERGING WINE REGION AND a hub for antiques and renovation supplies, the small town of Mittagong in the NSW Southern Highlands offers plenty for those visiting or relocating from larger cities. The official gateway to the region when coming from the north, Mittagong is located around two hours’ drive from Sydney and lays claim to being on the ‘sunny side’ of the Highlands. “In winter you can wake up here to a beautiful sunny day, then drive down the hill to Bowral and the temperature drops and it’s covered in fog!” says local florist Alison Kennon, who lives and works from her home studio on the ‘Gib’ (Mount Gibraltar) side of town. Known to locals as ‘Mitta’, the name is thought to have come from an Aboriginal word meaning “little mountain”, referencing its position between three mountain reserves. European settlement began in 1821, with farming and iron ore early industries. Today, retail is the leading employment sector, with health care, education, manufacturing, construction and hospitality close behind. “There are four or five vineyards in Mittagong now,” says Alison. “It’s becoming more and more popular as a wine region.” With well-regarded schools, easy access to nature-based activities such as bushwalking, and its relaxed pace, Mittagong is very appealing to families and retirees. “There are always new restaurants popping up and cellar doors to visit, but because Mittagong isn’t as developed as, say, Bowral, it still feels like a small country town,” says Alison. “It’s easy here. Everything is in such close proximity… and all the building suppliers seem to be based here, which means if you’re renovating, like we still are, it’s all at your fingertips!” For more information, head to visitnsw.com