Balmoral

Mittagong

Hewn out of the living rock in the 1860s using hand tools and blasting powder, Big Hill Cutting was at one time the deepest railway cutting in the southern hemisphere. Taken as it was near the eastern end of the cutting, even this pic doesn't properly illustrate the depth. 

The cutting has a long and macabre history, with several workers killed during its construction due to a blasting accident and several drivers later perishing after crashing their automobiles through the old timber bridge's guardrails and down onto the rails below. Despite the history, it's a peaceful and beautiful place.

The old railway line was abandoned in the 1970s and runs for around 50km between the towns of Thirlmere and Mittagong. Although not a proper rail trail, there are service trails parallelling the railway for much of its length. I've walked it a few times, including the trip pictured which was undertaken 2-Boot-Drive Swagman style ;-)
Hewn out of the living rock in the 1860s using hand tools and blasting powder, Big Hill Cutting was at one time the deepest railway cutting in the southern hemisphere. Taken as it was near the eastern end of the cutting, even this pic doesn't properly illustrate the depth. 

The cutting has a long and macabre history, with several workers killed during its construction due to a blasting accident and several drivers later perishing after crashing their automobiles through the old timber bridge's guardrails and down onto the rails below. Despite the history, it's a peaceful and beautiful place.

The old railway line was abandoned in the 1970s and runs for around 50km between the towns of Thirlmere and Mittagong. Although not a proper rail trail, there are service trails parallelling the railway for much of its length. I've walked it a few times, including the trip pictured which was undertaken 2-Boot-Drive Swagman style ;-)

Popular places to visit


Balmoral Hotel Deals

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral

4 out of 5
Boronia Street (off Centennial Road) Bowral NSW
The price is NT$4,568 per night from Mar 19 to Mar 20
NT$4,568
NT$5,025 total
Mar 19 - Mar 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Bowral. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Everything was amazing!

Reviewed on 2026/2/1

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral
Berrima Bakehouse Motel

Berrima Bakehouse Motel

3.5 out of 5
19 Old Hume Highway Berrima NSW
The price is NT$3,521 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
NT$3,521
NT$3,934 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Bowral. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
spotlessly clean room , very quiet

Reviewed on 2026/2/16

Berrima Bakehouse Motel
The Robertson Hotel

The Robertson Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1 Fountaindale Rd Robertson NSW
The price is NT$3,340 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
NT$3,340
NT$3,674 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Robertson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (358 reviews)
Very pleasant staff, clean room and spotless fresh bedlinen

Reviewed on 2026/2/18

The Robertson Hotel
Berida Hotel

Berida Hotel

4 out of 5
6 David Street Bowral NSW
The price is NT$4,447 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
NT$4,447
NT$4,892 total
Mar 2 - Mar 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf guesthouse in Bowral. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Yes the roommwas clean. Staff was courteous. Very pleasant stay. One suggestion is to have a Power point for the kettle near the unit, the kettle was stored to and tea coffee was stored

Reviewed on 2026/2/15

Berida Hotel
Links House

Links House

4 out of 5
17 Links Road Burradoo NSW
The price is NT$4,930 per night from Feb 24 to Feb 25
NT$4,930
NT$5,423 total
Feb 24 - Feb 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf guesthouse in Bowral. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (764 reviews)
Lovely friendly service and spotlessly clean.

Reviewed on 2026/2/13

Links House
Peppers Craigieburn

Peppers Craigieburn

4.5 out of 5
Centennial Road Bowral NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$4,608 per night from Mar 3 to Mar 4
NT$4,608
NT$5,069 total
Mar 3 - Mar 4
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Bowral. Enjoy free parking, a golf course, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (997 reviews)
Beautiful old hotel, heritage listed. Friendly service at reception and in the dining areas.

Reviewed on 2026/1/25

Peppers Craigieburn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Balmoral