R&H Suburb Profile MOSS VALE

Moss Vale is a town in the NSW Southern Highlands, in the Wingecarribee Shire. It has a population of almost 8000.

It is the first major town when coming in the Southern Highlands from the south on the main Southern Railway Line, with direct access to the South Coast via the Illawarra Highway.

Like most other Highlands towns, Moss Vale has grown rapidly over the last two decades. With new residential areas, the town is the Highlands’ second largest retail centre.

A burgeoning tourist industry now replaces agriculture as one of the main occupations of residents (although the Moss Vale Agricultural Society's Show - held just before the Royal Easter Show - is still one of the biggest in the state - and the cattle sale yards one of the largest in the south-west.)

Today, engineering (mining equipment) and cement works at nearby New Berrima are one of the largest industries. Dairying, once a major industry, has given way beef cattle, stud and hobby farms, alpacas and cool climate vineyards. Moss Vale is also a minor centre for many light and medium industries.

Lush pastures surround the town. Rural holdings in the area specialise in dairy herds, mainly Holstein Frisian, an assortment of beef studs and sheep properties. Weekly cattle sales are held in the contemporary indoor Council Saleyard Complex.

Leighton Gardens, a grand park in the centre of Moss Vale's Main Street, is one of the districts highlights, particularly in spring. Moss Vale is home to many heritage buildings, cafes, restaurants and antique shops.

Moss Vale Golf Course is regarded as one of the best country courses in NSW, with an 18-hole championship layout and fairway watering.

There are several daily CityRail and CountryLink services on the Southern Highlands railway line serving Moss Vale station. Moss Vale is the junction of the Unanderra - Moss Vale railway line to Wollongong, opened in 1932, but now only used by freight trains.

Local schools include St Paul's Catholic Primary School, St Paul's International College, Moss Vale High School, Tudor House Primary School and Moss Vale Public School.

Private and public hospitals are in nearby Bowral and further afield in Goulburn and Wollongong.