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 ;-)

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Vacation Homes in Mittagong

"I booked this holiday house for my parents, and they absolutely loved it. The place was spotlessly clean, the hospitality was outstanding, and the peaceful surroundings made for a truly relaxing stay. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a quiet and comfortable getaway! "

AED 609 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Jul - 15 Jul

AED 853 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Jul - 15 Jul

AED 364 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Jul - 21 Jul

"This property was lovely, enough space to spread out and have quiet time. It was clean and the kitchen had everything you needed. Loved the welcome basket. "

AED 4,448 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

AED 6,679 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Jul - 15 Jul

"Perfect for our large family for wedding preparation. Enough seperate and communal spaces for the bridal party to get ready in the annexe and aunties in the manor.Beautiful property."

AED 8,198 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Jul - 22 Jul

"Property was fantastic, very clean, spacious and backyard was really great."

AED 3,286 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Jul - 15 Jul

"Property well situated, you feel like you away from everyone but only 5 mins from Mittagong."

AED 3,489 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

"Great location a lovely clean and spacious house with everything we needed to make our stay memorable."

AED 3,371 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Aug - 13 Aug

"Thank you for a lovely base for us to stay in whilst celebrating a family wedding. The home was well presented, spacious and cosy"

AED 3,755 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Jul - 27 Jul

AED 2,909 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Jul - 22 Jul

"Great location. Perfect accommodation for a Centennial Vineyard concert short stay."

AED 1,082 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Jul - 29 Jul

"Very cosy well presented older cottage with lots of room for multiple couples. And dog friendly "

AED 3,064 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Aug - 14 Aug

"The home was extremely clean,very comfortable & well appointed. The outside entertainment area was great. The only thing we would have liked was a king bed in the main. We would definitely recommend the home."

AED 3,339 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

"what a brilliant relaxing home with character yet all the comforts needed. Highly recommended. "

"Beautiful setting, clean ,plenty of space"

AED 3,409 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Jul - 15 Jul

"Great relaxing week away with family"

AED 1,491 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Aug - 6 Aug

"The property is perfect for pets and children—it's child-safe and practical—not designer. The kitchen has a double stove/oven, and the family room is well-appointed with comfy sofas and a generous family-size dining area. On the downside, it is located on a main road, and some traffic noise can be heard in the bedrooms. The exterior and back garden are basic. "

AED 3,204 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Aug - 14 Aug

"The property was very cold on arrival which was a bit off putting . The dried /artificial flowers everywhere were totally unnecessary and actually left you feeling that it was all a bit soulless. Beds were clean and comfortable,but over all it was a bit disappointed"

AED 3,330 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul