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$4,948 per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
NT$4,948
NT$5,443 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
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! (1,002 reviews)
Everything was amazing!

Reviewed on 2026/2/1

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral
The Robertson Hotel

The Robertson Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1 Fountaindale Rd Robertson NSW
The price is NT$3,353 per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
NT$3,353
NT$3,688 total
Mar 9 - Mar 10
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! (355 reviews)
Staff were incredibly welcoming and made sure we were looked after.

Reviewed on 2026/1/22

The Robertson Hotel
Berrima Bakehouse Motel

Berrima Bakehouse Motel

3.5 out of 5
19 Old Hume Highway Berrima NSW
The price is NT$3,534 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
NT$3,534
NT$3,888 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
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)
Clean & spacious room, great shower and supplies. Bed wasn’t the most comfortable.

Reviewed on 2026/1/17

Berrima Bakehouse Motel
Berida Hotel

Berida Hotel

4 out of 5
6 David Street Bowral NSW
The price is NT$4,443 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
NT$4,443
NT$4,888 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
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)
Friendly staff. Lovely room and grounds. Close up town. Easy parking. Delicious food.

Reviewed on 2026/1/17

Berida Hotel
Links House

Links House

4 out of 5
17 Links Road Burradoo NSW
The price is NT$4,948 per night from Feb 10 to Feb 11
NT$4,948
NT$5,443 total
Feb 10 - Feb 11
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! (763 reviews)
The staff are very friendly. The room very clean. Very quiet. Recently renovated. Ensuite is small but has everything. The Links was the first to have ensuites and the House is nearly 100 years old. Good breakfast. Would stay again

Reviewed on 2026/2/3

Links House
Peppers Craigieburn

Peppers Craigieburn

4.5 out of 5
Centennial Road Bowral NSW
The price is NT$4,625 per night from Feb 10 to Feb 11
NT$4,625
NT$5,088 total
Feb 10 - Feb 11
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! (998 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