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 ;-)

Find all hotels by Hilton Hotels in Mittagong

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

Treat yourself

Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels

Sign in

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Compare rooms and suites by Hilton Hotels in Mittagong with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Sign in

Sign up, it's free

Top Mittagong Hotel Reviews

Camden Valley Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Gorgeous location beautiful room and friendly staff! Would definitely come back! Only negative is that it's extremely busy and popular and car spaces are not reserved for guests so it was difficult to park to get to our room we had to wait for a car to leave."