Northern Villages (Southern Highlands, New South Wales) facts for kids

The Northern Villages are a group of small communities and hamlets located in the northern part of the Southern Highlands and the Wingecarribee Shire. All of these villages are found north of Mittagong. In the past, they were often called the Northern Towns. Many of them are located along the historic Old Hume Highway or the old Picton Loop Line. These villages used to be part of the Mittagong (Nattai) Shire. Most of the Northern Villages share the same postcode as Mittagong, which is 2575. However, Balmoral has its own postcode, 2571.

Villages in the North

Here are the main villages that make up the Northern Villages area:

• Alpine (Population: 135 people)
• Aylmerton (Population: 194 people)
• Balmoral (Population: 785 people)
• Braemar (Population: 1189 people)
  • Braemar also includes two smaller villages:
    • Balaclava
    • Willow Vale
• Colo Vale (Population: 1618 people)
• Hill Top (Population: 2674 people)
• Yerrinbool (Population: 1164 people)

A Look at History

Many of the Northern Villages have interesting railway history. Hill Top, Colo Vale, Willow Vale, Balmoral, and Braemar are all located along the historic Picton Loop Line. This line was once part of the main railway that went south, called the Main Southern railway line.

In 1919, a new, straighter railway line was built. This new line became the main route, and the old section became the Picton Loop Line. Today, the northern part of the Loop Line is used by the Railway Museum in Thirlmere. They run their amazing antique steam trains on it! The rest of the line is not used anymore.

The new main railway line, built in 1919, runs a few kilometers east of the old one. It passes through villages like Yerrinbool, Alpine, Aylmerton, and Balaclava. This line is still used today. However, among the Northern Villages, only Yerrinbool still has an open railway station where trains stop.

Before the current Hume Highway was built in the 1980s, the Old Hume Highway was the main road. Braemar and its nearby villages, along with Yerrinbool, Alpine, and Aylmerton, were all located along this important historic road.

Nature and National Parks

Several Northern Villages are surrounded by beautiful natural areas. Hill Top, Balmoral, Yerrinbool, Colo Vale, and parts of Braemar are next to the Nattai National Park. This national park is made up of different sections, including the Bargo State Conservation Area and Jellore State Forest. These areas offer great opportunities to explore nature.

How the Villages are Growing

For a long time, the Northern Villages were mainly places where people lived. They had small local shops, like general stores, to serve the community.

However, recently, Braemar has started to grow a lot. It is now even considered part of Mittagong because of its size. Braemar has seen more businesses and industries set up shop, especially in the northern parts of the village. This growth is happening because Braemar is close to the railway line and has good access to the Hume Highway, making it easy for businesses to transport goods and for people to get around.