Mittagong, NSW, is made for weekend getaways. With its tempting cellar doors, gorgeous scenery, and fantastic antiques centre all just a 2hr drive drive from Sydney, you’ve got to wonder why you’re not there already. We ask Jennifer White – a Mittagong local and Big Tulip campaigner – to tell us a little more about what makes her town special.

How long have you lived in Mittagong?
13 years.
What’s the best thing about living in Mittagong?
It’s a safe, small, and intimate community. It’s great for my family – my kids can play in the streets.
What annual events or festivals should people visit Mittagong for?
The Southern Highlands are home to one of Australia’s oldest floral festivals – Tulip Time, which has been operating continuously for 58 years. It’s the region’s flagship event, attracting more than 60,000 visitors every year for the two-week spring celebrations. Events include a street parade, a mile run, puppet workshops for the kids, and, of course, mass plantings of tulips, with over 75,000 planted in Corbett Gardens alone!
We also have Australia’s only pie festival – Pie Time, every June.

Where in Mittagong can you find the best…
• Coffee?
The Shaggy Cow at 112 Main Street, Mittagong. It’s award-winning, with excellent food and coffee, as well as a great local wine list.
• Pub meal?
The Lion Rampant Hotel at 75 Main Street. Great food in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Breakfast?
Four Seasons Bistro at 24 Bowral Road. They specialise in delicious vegetarian, vegan, and raw food – yum!
• Meat pie?
Gumnut Patisserie on the corner of Cavendish and Dalton Streets. You have to try the award-wining Eden Pie – it’s braised overnight in a special beer from the Eden Brewery across the road.
• Lamington?
Chelsea Bakery at 2/86-88 Main Street. A local favourite!

What’s the best free thing to do in Mittagong?
The Box Vale Mine Track. Go for a bush walk along a historic railway line that takes you past coal mine cuttings and through an 84m rock tunnel. Or for something more relaxing, have a picnic at Lake Alexandra.
What’s something surprising about Mittagong that only locals know?
Mittagong is home to Australia’s first tennis court. It’s located at the historic Fitzroy Inn. Also, Australia’s first Prime Minister – Sir Edward Barton – had a summer house in Mittagong. It was up for sale earlier this year but, unfortunately, it’s already been snapped up.
What’s Mittagong’s best-kept secret?
Mittagong is home to Australia’s first ironworks – the Fitz Roy Ironworks, which opened in 1848. The exposed remains are heritage-listed and located in the underground car park of the Highlands Marketplace, so you can take a look before you do your shopping.

Why should Mittagong win the Next Big Thing?
We don’t have a Big Thing of our own. The closest one is the Big Potato, but it’s a bit old and doesn’t attract a lot of visitors.
A Big Tulip would be an added attraction to our yearly and historic Tulip Time festival. Tourism and hospitality are our biggest employment sectors and a Big Thing would help support them.
Think we should build the Big Tulip in Mittagong? Cast your vote now for your chance to WIN $2000 towards your next Wotif holiday*.
VOTE FOR AUSTRALIA’S NEXT BIG THING*AU residents 18+ only. Ends 11.59am AEDT 9/10/18. Limit one entry/vote per person per valid email address. Full terms and how to enter via link. Permit NSW LTPS/18/27577.