Mittagong: Nature and Ironworks History

Mittagong brings nature and industrial history together in different ways: through the man-made Lake Alexandra, the bushland of Greater Mount Alexandra Reserve and the Fitz Roy Iron Works. Historic sandstone houses, mushroom biology and cool-climate wines are also among the town’s many facets. Travellers who enjoy exploring different themes will find plenty to interest them in nature, culture and food and drink.

Lake and bushland

Lake Alexandra is a man-made lake. It originally served as a reservoir to supply water to the locomotives that transported coal to the Fitz Roy Iron Works. Its history therefore connects water, iron production and the coal transport of the time. Lake Alexandra Reserve offers walking tracks through bushland and provides a focus on nature that differs from the lake’s industrial past.

Greater Mount Alexandra Reserve includes two endangered ecological communities and also extends into the town of Mittagong. The reserve has several bushwalking routes, including the Box Vale Track. Cycling is possible on designated trails and fire trails.

Ironworks and historic streets

The Fitz Roy Iron Works were Australia’s first ironworks and had a major influence on the town of Mittagong. The self-guided Historic Walk focuses on the ironworks. The surviving remains are permanently open to the public. This means visitors can learn about the area’s industrial history not only through the story of Lake Alexandra, but also by exploring the remains and following the walk.

The historic sandstone houses dating from the late 19th century offer another glimpse into the town’s history. Many can be seen on a leisurely stroll through Mittagong’s old streets and lanes. Visitors interested in architecture and local history can enjoy the houses as a distinct facet of the town alongside its ironworks.

Mushrooms and wine from Mittagong

Mushrooms in Mittagong are more than just a passing mention: farmers Leonie and Peter take visitors through the biology of mushrooms and their nutritional and medicinal functions. The Mittagong Mushroom Tunnel is a commercial farm for exotic mushrooms in a disused Victorian-era railway tunnel. Together, these offer different perspectives on the subject: learning about mushrooms and growing exotic varieties.

Since 1996, Artemis has produced award-winning premium cool-climate wines at its vineyard in Mittagong. Artemis Cellar Door offers a guided tasting of six wines or spirits. This gives visitors who want to include wine and food and drink in their trip a specific tasting experience; those more interested in nature or history can tailor their stay accordingly.

Tailor your stay to your interests

For families and other travellers, a simple question can help with trip planning: should the focus be on bushland and cycling, the Fitz Roy Iron Works and local history, or mushrooms and wine? Mittagong brings these themes together, though they each offer a different kind of experience.

Discover more places

You can also explore these places: Kincumber, Breadalbane, Diamond Beach, Cootamundra, Ocean Shores, Somersby, Neurea, Monkerai.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.