Lake Alexandra Reserve, Mittagong: History, walks & fishing

The Lake Alexandra Reserve in Mittagong, NSW, offers fishing, a children’s playground, barbecue facilities and several walking trails.

The Lake Alexandra Reserve in Mittagong, New South Wales, is a fine example of how something that was once industrial can have a new lease of life.

History of Lake Alexandra Reserve

This man-made Southern Highlands lake was originally created to supply water to coal-hauling engines. These engines were powering the Fitz Roy Iron Works, the first ironworks in Australia.

If you really want to know about the birthplace of Australia’s iron industry, then head to the Highland Marketplace shopping centre. The remains of the Fitz Roy Iron Works are now, strangely, protected inside the underground car park.

Lake Alexandra in Mittagong no longer supplies the iron works, and it has been turned into the centrepiece of a parkland reserve.

5 great Southern Highlands experiences to boost your visit

Personalised private Southern Highlands wine and attractions tours – tailored to your tastes.
Tutored wine-tasting and canapes experience.
Beekeeping experience – learn how honey is made.
Guided wine-tasting at the Mill – with tasting notes procided.
Behind the scenes tour of a sustainable winery in Berrima.

Lake Alexandra Reserve walking track

The Lake Alexandra Reserve has a dual use cycling and walking track going round the outside. This Mittagong walking track is easy-going, and family friendly, with plenty of birdlife to check out.

Walking in the Lake Alexandra Reserve, Mittagong, NSW. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

There’s also a park section of the reserve, with toilets, five picnic shelters and two electric barbecues. There’s also a children’s playground and a duck pond. This Southern Highlands park a popular spot for kids to feed the ducks.

Fishing is allowed in Lake Alexandra, although anglers are asked to not scale or kill the carp in front of children.

Several longer Southern Highlands walking trails start at the reserve, or pass through it. These Mittagong walks include the Red Trail to Forty Foot Falls, one of several waterfalls in the Southern Highlands region. Bigger options include Fitzroy Falls or Belmore Falls in the Morton National Park, plus Carrington Falls in the Budderoo National Park.

Other highlights of the Southern Highlands include wine tasting. Tertini Wines, Artemis Wines and the Hermitage Winery are the best bets in Mittagong, but the Bendooley Estate in Berrima and Centennial Vineyards in Bowral are also really good. Bowral also offers the International Cricket Hall of Fame and atmospheric Berida Hotel.