Mittagong Attractions

Mittagong (pop. 4970) is the gateway to the Southern Highlands and the birthplace of Australia's iron and steel industry. The town was founded in 1850 by steel workers from Sheffield (hence its other name of New Sheffield), but its ironworking industry proved unsuccessful and was closed down around 1880. Mittagong was discovered in 1798 by explorers who encountered koalas and lyrebirds here. As a busy stopover on the way to Goulburn in the 19th c. the town is well equipped with hotels and inns, including some historic old buildings.