Discover Moss Vale

In Moss Vale, local history, distinctive church art and trails for active days offer different ways to explore. Christ Church and the Moss Vale Historic Walk provide insights into the town’s history; the Bong Bong Track and a longer route for walking or cycling appeal to travellers who enjoy getting outdoors. Leighton Gardens adds a place for a family picnic and a tulip display in September.

Church art and local history

Christ Church was built in 1845 and is the oldest church between Cobbitty and Canberra. Its interior includes a unique collection: a Parsons organ, pews, pulpit and lectern, as well as painted ceilings, painted enamel and stained-glass windows. The range extends from furnishings used in worship to colourful features in the interior. Anyone interested in churches, organs or stained glass will find several specific features here that offer insight into the building’s history.

Christ Church is also associated with evidence of the first township in the Southern Highlands, designated by Governor Macquarie in 1821. This gives the place a historical dimension that extends beyond the church building itself. The Moss Vale Historic Walk, in turn, focuses on Moss Vale’s historic central commercial, residential and civic areas, as well as the town’s history. Those who prefer to explore connections between local history and different areas can include this focus in their trip; those particularly interested in church art have a different starting point in Christ Church.

The Moss Vale Railway Station and yard group is another of the town’s historical topics. It includes rare examples of early buildings and vice-regal buildings. Alongside the church and town walk, it offers another historical perspective. You can give the different topics varying weight according to your interests, without letting any one focus determine the entire trip.

Trails for walking or cycling

The Bong Bong Track offers a further 5.5 kilometres of flat, off-road recreational trail. It follows the Wingecarribee River to Moss Vale. The stated distance and flat terrain make it a clearly defined option for planning your day. If you prefer an off-road trail, you can take this into account when choosing an outing.

Another option is Best of Bowral and the Bong Bong Track: a route of approximately 26 kilometres for cycling or walking. It includes both road sections and off-road shared paths. Compared with the flat, off-road Bong Bong Track, this route therefore covers a longer distance and includes different types of paths. The approximate distance is important: don’t plan on an exact kilometre figure, but bear in mind that the route is about 26 kilometres long. Your choice between the two options may depend on whether you prefer the flat recreational trail described above or the longer route with road and shared-path sections.

Leighton Gardens through the seasons

Leighton Gardens is in the centre of Moss Vale on Argyle Street and is suitable for family picnics. This gives families a specific way to plan a more relaxed outdoor break, rather than making every outing a longer trip. The garden hosts a tulip display in September. The garden, picnic and tulip display each offer a different focus from the historic sites and trails.

More town pages

More places: Kareela, Strathfield, Argoon, Gerringong, Myocum, Mourquong, Upper Colo and Murrumburrah.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.