Balmoral Travel Guide

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Balmoral

Berrima Bakehouse Motel

Berrima Bakehouse Motel

3.5 out of 5
19 Old Hume Highway Berrima NSW
The price is Rp1.695.788 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
Rp1.695.788
Rp1.865.367 total
18 Jan - 19 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Bowral. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Best thing was the really efficient bed lamps - great for reading in bed!

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Berrima Bakehouse Motel
Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral

4 out of 5
Boronia Street (off Centennial Road) Bowral NSW
The price is Rp2.488.183 per night from 5 Feb to 6 Feb
Rp2.488.183
Rp2.737.001 total
5 Feb - 6 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Bowral. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Every area of service was excellent. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral
Berida Hotel

Berida Hotel

4 out of 5
6 David Street Bowral NSW
The price is Rp2.363.815 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
Rp2.363.815
Rp2.600.208 total
16 Jan - 17 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf guesthouse in Bowral. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
All good😃

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Berida Hotel
Links House

Links House

4 out of 5
17 Links Road Burradoo NSW
The price is Rp2.507.710 per night from 20 Jan to 21 Jan
Rp2.507.710
Rp2.758.481 total
20 Jan - 21 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf guesthouse in Bowral. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (756 reviews)
Yes, we would recommend links house to friends,and family

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Links House
The Robertson Hotel

The Robertson Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1 Fountaindale Rd Robertson NSW
The price is Rp1.706.065 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
Rp1.706.065
Rp1.876.672 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Robertson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (352 reviews)
Amazing building and grounds, friendly staff and lovely room.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

The Robertson Hotel
Camden Holiday Park

Camden Holiday Park

2 out of 5
21 MacArthur Road Elderslie NSW
Stay at this golf holiday park in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Spring Reserve and William Howe Regional ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025

Camden Holiday Park
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Balmoral

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Hill Top

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Colo Vale

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Colo Vale
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Alpine

Though Alpine may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Destination Southern Highlands and Bargo River State Conservation Area.

Alpine
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Aylmerton

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Aylmerton and surrounding area, you can visit Destination Southern Highlands and Sturt Gallery.

Aylmerton
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Braemar

The restaurants and gardens are just a few features travellers like about Braemar. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Destination Southern Highlands and Artemis Wines are a few top places to visit.

Braemar


Balmoral Travel Guide