Mittagong – Gateway To The Highlands

Mittagong’s History

The first European permanent settler in the Mittagong district was William Chalker [1775–1823] – also known as Charker, a former convict transported from England, who arrived in the area on 10 May 1821. He became the Principal Overseer of Government Stock, Chief Constable and Poundkeeper in the Cowpastures.

As early as February 1841 an attempt was made to sell land in a subdivision called the “Town of Gainsborough”, followed by the “Livingstone Township” subdivision in June 1842, however the sales appeared to have failed and no further attempts to subdivide were attempted for some time until the iron works came into operation. In August 1861 Surveyor Campbell suggested a portion of land be reserved for village purposes. This reserve was made in 1862 and called the “Village of Fitzroy” [now Welby], and in May 1865 a subdivision consisting of 245 blocks was offered for sale in the township of “New Sheffield” an area which substantially coincided with the central portion of the present Mittagong, being subdivided by the Fitzroy Iron Mining Company. 

The name Mittagong came into being with the advent of the railway in 1867. Mittagong has been home to many industries, with iron being first smelted in the area. The Mittagong Coal Mining Company [Box Vale Colliery], Kerosene Shale, and the first supply of fresh milk and butter to Sydney by the Fresh Food & Ice Company all operated out of Mittagong in years gone by.

This hive of industry attracted settlers, miners and industrial interests – plus the fact that it was the first major town on the railway out of Sydney. 

Today, the town of Mittagong still holds its place as the Gateway to the Highlands – featuring hotels, motels, caravan park, clubs and resorts for the tourism industry. Also adding to the town’s economy and employment is a vibrant retail strip and the busy Mittagong Marketplace shopping centre, hospitality industry, light industry, vineyards, sporting facilities and open recreation areas. There are several medical centres and public and private educational options.  Pundits also forecast strong growth from opportunities created by the soon-to-open Badgery’s Creek Airport.

Mittagong is a few minutes away from Bowral and its immediate access to the Hume Motorway means its is less than 45 minutes to Campbelltown and some 90 minutes to the centre of Sydney!

Population: 6,090 [Mittagong town]

Elevation: 635 metres. Mt Gibraltar 863 metres