Moss Vale: History, Walks and Gardens

Moss Vale combines historical connections with walks that offer different ways to explore the town. Christ Church tells the story of the area’s building and settlement history; the Moss Vale Historic Walk focuses on key historic areas. For those looking to get active, the Bong Bong Track offers a flat recreational trail, while the approximately 26-kilometre Best of Bowral and the Bong Bong Track route provides a longer option for cycling or walking. Leighton Gardens adds time in the garden and a place for family picnics to the mix.

Christ Church and Moss Vale’s history

Christ Church was built in 1845 and is the oldest church between Cobbitty and Canberra. Its interior features a unique collection: a Parsons organ, pews, pulpit and lectern stand alongside painted ceilings, painted enamel and stained-glass windows. In this way, different aspects of the church’s fittings come together—from furniture and instruments to painted surfaces and glass. To understand the church, it is therefore important to consider not only the year it was built, but also the variety of features described.

Christ Church also provides evidence of the first township in the Southern Highlands, designated by Governor Macquarie in 1821. The two dates refer to different historical events: 1821 to the designation of the township, and 1845 to the construction of the church. This distinction helps separate the history of the town from the specific age of the church building.

Another way to explore the area’s history is the 3.5-kilometre Moss Vale Historic Walk. It focuses on the historic central business, residential and civic areas, as well as the town’s history. The walk was developed for Moss Vale’s 150th anniversary in 2013. The historic Moss Vale Railway Station and yard group is also part of this subject: it includes rare examples of early buildings and vice-regal buildings.

Walks with different focuses

The Bong Bong Track offers a further 5.5 kilometres of flat, off-road recreational trail. It follows the Wingecarribee River to Moss Vale. The Best of Bowral and the Bong Bong Track route is different: this approximately 26-kilometre route is designed for cycling or walking and includes both road sections and shared off-road paths. The two options therefore differ not only in length but also in character: the Bong Bong Track is described as a flat off-road recreational trail, while the longer route combines different types of paths. Conditions on the routes can vary, so check them before setting out.

Leighton Gardens in the centre

Leighton Gardens is in the centre of Moss Vale, on Argyle Street, and is suitable for family picnics. In September, the garden hosts a tulip display—a seasonal feature that makes a visit there different from exploring local history or taking the longer walks. Families planning a picnic will find a specific place to do so; those especially interested in history can instead focus on the walk or the historic buildings described here.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lewisham, Aberdeen, Merewether, Wamboin, Coopers Shoot, Rand, Uralla, Jerrys Plains.

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