Wingecarribee
Wingecarribee scores well on sustainability (69/100) but only 14/100 on core operations — a gap worth watching.
"The Southern Highlands — Bowral, Mittagong, and NSW's country garden escape"
See where Wingecarribee ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 53,552
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Ranked #89 of 128 councils in New South Wales
Wingecarribee scores 46/100 overall and sits 52nd of 79 regional councils in NSW. Its strongest area is Sustainability (69/100); its weakest is Core Operations (14/100).
Wingecarribee vs the New South Wales average
| Metric | Wingecarribee | New South Wales average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 46/100 | 51/100 |
| Sustainability | 69/100 | 51/100 |
| Community Services | 35/100 | 51/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 65/100 | 51/100 |
Compared with nearby councils
- Hilltops — #=84 of 128 in NSW · 47/100
- Wollongong — #=92 of 128 in NSW · 45/100
- Goulburn Mulwaree — #=97 of 128 in NSW · 44/100
Frequently asked questions
How does Wingecarribee rank in New South Wales?
Wingecarribee ranks 89th of 128 councils in New South Wales, with an overall score of 46 out of 100. Within its peer group it sits 52nd of 79 regional councils.
What is Wingecarribee's strongest area?
Wingecarribee performs best on Sustainability, scoring 69 out of 100. Its weakest area is Core Operations at 14 out of 100.
How is this score calculated?
The overall score combines four dimensions — Sustainability, Community Services, Lifestyle & Amenity and Core Operations — from official state performance reporting, scored by averaging indicator percentiles measured against comparable councils; a higher score is better, but it is not the percentage of councils beaten. Full details are on the methodology page at https://councilscorer.com/methodology.
Last updated: September 2026 · Suggest a correction
Overall Score
46 out of 100
#52 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#89 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 69/100 |
| Community Services | 35/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 65/100 |
| Core Operations | 14/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Wingecarribee performs strongest in Sustainability (scoring 69 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Core Operations (currently 14 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
The Southern Highlands — Bowral, Mittagong, and NSW's country garden escape
Wingecarribee covers the Southern Highlands towns of Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, and Berrima. It's NSW's premier country garden and lifestyle destination — cool climate, antique shops, and weekend escape culture.
Known For
- Bowral — Bradman Museum, boutique retail, and garden culture
- Berrima — one of Australia's best-preserved colonial villages
- Tulip Time Festival — annual spring celebration
- Cool-climate gardens and autumn colour
Living Here
The Southern Highlands offers refined country living within 90 minutes of Sydney. Bowral has genuine village amenity. Property prices reflect the desirability — it's not a budget option. Winters are cold.
Hidden Gem
Berrima — a complete Georgian colonial village that feels like stepping back to the 1830s, with a heritage pub, courthouse, and gaol.