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Guide to Mudgee

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  • Getting to Mudgee
  • When to visit

Mudgee provides a tasty mix of country charm and epicurean delights, thanks to its flourishing food and wine scene.

In the picturesque Cudgegong River Valley, 270km (168mi) west of Sydney, Mudgee’s gourmet experiences and beautiful countryside have made it a weekend favourite among Sydneysiders. So enjoy a picturesque road trip through the state, with lots to see along the way, as you make your way to one of the region’s most memorable food and wine destinations. 

If you're short on time, Mudgee is serviced by its own airport, but it also makes for an easy road trip from Sydney. Drive about 3.5 hours north west of the Harbour City and enjoy the beautiful scenery through the Blue Mountains and Capertree Valley.

  • Mudgee Airport (DGE) services domestic arrivals on FlyPelican

It’s best to have a car during your stay so you can easily reach the region's wineries, restaurants and markets. If you’d like to indulge in a day of wine tastings and don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tours that will bring you to a selection of the best cellar doors.

Mudgee is a true year-round destination. Summer days are hot and winters are chilly, with temperatures dropping significantly after sunset. Autumn and spring are great seasons to visit due to the mild temperatures and calendar of local events.

  • High season: Spring (September to November)
  • Low season: Winter (June to August)
  • Don’t miss: Mudgee Wine and Food Month  with unique culinary events on throughout the month of September

Top things to do in Mudgee

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Your gateway to authentic country experiences

Come experience the magic of the mudgee region, where every moment is an opportunity to connect, explore, and create lasting memories..

Experience a genuine country holiday in the Mudgee Region, and reset your senses while you unwind and relax amongst stunning natural scenery, as you visit the Mudgee Region.

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Experience the pulse of the region

Major annual events and festivals.

With a variety of annual events, festivals, and sporting games, there’s always something exciting happening in the Mudgee Region. Whether you’re someone who enjoys food and wine, the great outdoors, cultural experiences, sports, or simply looking for a good time, there’s an event here for you.

Dive into a world of flavour at Flavours of Mudgee

Indulge your senses at Flavours of Mudgee, where you can sample the region’s rich bounty of local produce. From artisanal cheeses to award-winning wines, this annual event showcases the best produce that Mudgee has to offer.

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Nature and adventure

Uncover the natural beauty of the region by hiking and camping in wilderness or enjoying one of the many bushwalks on offer. Discover national parks and nature reserves offering spectacular scenery and waterways for activities such as kayaking, boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming.

Step back in time in historical towns

Explore the historical towns of the Mudgee Region, including Mudgee, Gulgong, Rylstone and Kandos. These towns are located in close proximity, boasting streets with specialty shops and local museums.

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Family-friendly activities

For family-friendly fun, the Mudgee Region has it all. Enjoy recreation activities like fishing, bush walking, bike riding, canoeing, museums and farm visits, or experience the thrill of attending horse races and riding the miniature railway. There’s something here to delight visitors of all ages.

Retail therapy

Indulge in a spot of retail therapy at the Mudgee Region’s boutique, commercial and antique shops. Explore one of the many artisan markets here in the Mudgee Region where you can purchase homemade textiles, craft items, and farm fresh produce. Whatever your shopping preference is, you’re sure to discover something special to take home as a memento of your time here.

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Immerse yourself in the Mudgee Region’s thriving art scene

Explore the thriving arts community of Mudgee Region, where world-class galleries showcase the talents of local and international artists. The region is also host to a sculpture walking trail at the picturesque Lawson Park in Mudgee.

Culinary delights

Cellar doors, breweries, bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Explore over 35 cellar doors in the Mudgee Region, offering a selection of locally made wines and produce. Dive into the world of craft beer at local breweries that are sure to impress any beer enthusiast. Indulge in a variety of dining experiences, ranging from restaurants to cosy pubs and a thriving cafe culture.

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Rest and relaxation

Accommodation options.

The Mudgee Region offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget. Accommodation options include, camping, motels, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts, hotels, glamping and luxury retreats.

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“ The appeal of the town was immediately obvious; the parks, tree-lined streets and beautiful vineyards and properties, as well as the town’s established neighbourhoods and history. “ – John Carter

Read the stories of metropolitan relocators to the Mudgee Region  here . Find out why they made the move and why they love the Mudgee Region.

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Mudgee Visitor Information Centre

Friendly staff, local produce, wine, keepsakes and tips to make the most of your visit.

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90 Market Street, Mudgee NSW 2850

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exploring Mudgee

  • Getting there
  • When to visit
  • Tours and Packages

Australian heritage history, picturesque natural beauty, world-class wineries and one of the best food and wine scenes in the country, Mudgee practically has it all when it comes to building a memorable itinerary of things to do for a romantic weekend away or a week-long country escape.

Stay in town to feel entrenched in the region’s charming yesteryear vibe in one of the luxury accommodation options, or station yourself amongst the glorious rolling hillsides in one of the many romantic local B&Bs or glamping retreats.

There’s lots to cover in Mudgee so here’s a helpful guide to get you started…

Getting to Mudgee

If you’re travelling from Sydney to Mudgee, you’ll find the wine town located 268km northwest, approximately 3 and a half hours drive and arguably the perfect distance for a short weekend road trip along the scenic Great Western Highway. While on route be sure to stop in at the small towns of Gulgong and Rylstone, where many of the historic store edifices from Australia’s pioneer days remain.

FlyPelican region airline caters well to the weekend escape crowds from Newcastle and Sydney, with departures to and from Mudgee Airport on Monday, Friday and Sunday.

Or if time is not of the essence and enjoying the scenery is, then catch a NSW TrainLink service to Lithgow and hop on one of the multiple bus services to Mudgee Station coach stop.

an aerial view of Mudgee streetscape

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Local Heritage & attractions

You need to only stroll through the streets of Mudgee to get a sense of its colonial history thanks to the original facades from early settlement. Once you’ve taken shots in front of The Old Bank and the railway station, dive deeper into the natural beauty of the region with a kayak tour of the pristine waters of the Cudgegong River with Southern Cross Kayaking.

Wineries & local foodie experiences

The markets here are more than just a place to stock up on gourmet goodies, instead, they feel like such a community event that even visitors couldn’t help but feel instantly like a local. There’s a market somewhere in town each week but the third Saturday each month at St Mary’s Catholic Church is the ‘flagship’, with clusters of proud farmers offering up the very best of their produce.

Mudgee’s heritage energy and friendly townsfolk are reason enough for a visit but travellers all agree that the wineries here are what makes this place such a mecca for gourmands. Start your taste journey at Lowe Wines who specialise in the fast-growing niche of organic and biodynamic drops.

Time your lunch with a visit to Robert Stein Vineyard, which was awarded Australia’s Best Cellar Door in 2018. It’s also home to Pipeclay Pumphouse , a renowned regional restaurant that lures foodies from across the country for a single meal.

Mudgee’s multi-hued sunsets are legendary and there’s no place to better enjoy them than with a glass of Shiraz and a cheeseboard at Logan Wines. The cellar door has one seriously architecturally inspiring glass box overlooking the vineyard, making it one of the best places to say goodbye to another perfect day.

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Best Time To Visit Mudgee

Being an inland town, the mercury in Mudgee can raise into the very high 30s in the peak of summer (December through to the end of February). For this reason, locals recommend visiting in October when the temperatures start to warm but the room rates are still fairly reasonable.

Mudgee takes full advantage of the springtime cool change in March, kicking off a year of almost back-to-back events, such as the Food and Drink Trail  and Readers’ Festival . The calendar peaks in September with the Mudgee Food and Wine Festival, a month-long epicurean feast that celebrates local growers and restaurants with private dinners, open-air markets, live music and more.

Choosing Where To Stay in Mudgee

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Hotels and Resorts

While the sprawling vistas certainly add to the allure, Mudgee is actually best enjoyed when you take time to wander past the stores, alleys and historic buildings that make up the town. For this reason, Perry Street Hotel is an ideal base for urban explorers looking for a mix of convenience and luxurious contemporary styled rooms. It is one of a handful of luxury accommodation options in Mudgee.

History mavens will get a kick out of Cobb & Co Boutique Hotel , a 160-year-old living relic from Mudgee’s early settlement. Evanslea Boutique Accommodation serves up the best of both worlds, located minutes from the centre of Mudgee but spread out on country cottages that feel a world away from it all.

B&B and Holiday Homes

Travellers wanting to really dive deep into Mudgee’s authentic country town charm will love the wide array of B&B and guest houses to choose from. If you like your rooms to feel straight from Jane Austen then look no further than Forgendenny Guest House. Peppertree Hill Cottages caters to families after the flexibility of self-contained accommodation without sacrificing the joys of a rustic homestead experience.

Camping and Glamping

Luxury lovers will be relieved to read that the glamping trend has well and truly made its way to Mudgee with a host of glamping options to choose from . Sierra Escape’s cosy eco-powered canvas abodes launched in 2017 to such acclaim that the venue has had to add two new tents to the collection. Complete with a relaxing bath, open campfire and 113 hectares of breathtaking rolling Mudgee hillsides to wake up to, it’s enough to turn even the most extravagant traveller into an off-the-grid enthusiast.

Glenayr Farm offers a similar upmarket experience set among 320 acres of sheep farming property. Not only do you get to bed down for the night surrounded by the quintessential Australian landscape, but you’ll also be nearby the famous wineries and restaurants.

The good news is even if you don’t opt for a tent with all the trimmings, those spectacular views are one thing that Sierra shares with all the rest of the campsites on offer. Camp At Old Bara offers true blue Aussie bush camping on a picturesque private farm so there’s just enough civilisation to cover off the essentials (yes, we’re talking toilets).

It’s also worth mentioning that Mudgee is a Recreational Vehicle friendly region so visitors can take comfort knowing that they’ll be able to always find a safe spot to park and set up home.

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Mudgee Tours and Packages

Let’s be honest, wine tasting is just that little bit more fun when you don’t have to use the spittoon (and definitely a little less awkward). The team at Mudgee Explorer Tours know this well and take small groups to 6 or 7 of the regions top wineries (from a selection of over 26 nearby growers).

But what is a visit to the country without having a go at saddling up and making out like an early-settler? Country Escape Tours cater for the wannabe-cowboys and girls in us all with their enthralling bush-bashing journeys across rushing rivers and through mysterious gumtree-filled woodlands.

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How much time do you have? How big is your stomach? These are the questions you have to ask yourself before embarking on a full-blown Mudgee taste tour of its best restaurants and bars. There’s something in the water here that draws world-class restaurateurs and café owners and a weekend might not be enough time to experience it all. Begin the day at one of the many Mudgee cafes. Our pick is a smoked-ham jaffle at the hidden vine-covered oasis of Alby & Esther’s café (also a romantic wine bar in the evenings).

If you’re feeling adventurous, jump in the car and enjoy a scenic 40-minute drive to the sleepy town of Rylstone, home to 29 Nine 99 , home to the most delicious yum cha this side of Shanghai.

No indulgent Mudgee journey is complete without dinner at The Zin House. Delicious farm-to-table food,  intimate zen-like interiors and impeccable service are just some of the reasons this regional restaurant continues to garner accolades year after year.

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Activities in Mudgee

Explore a wide variety of activities on offer in Mudgee. Enjoy cosy bars, great cafes and shop at boutiques or head out on a wine tasting tour, visit historic buildings and museums or just enjoy the countryside in Mudgee.

Start planning your Mudgee trip

A guide to mudgee & surrounds.

It’s all about the wine in Mudgee, a viticultural heartland in NSW’s Central West. And where there’s great wine, you’ll also find passionate chefs, exquisite artisanal produce and unrivalled accommodation. Toss in picture-postcard scenery, rolling green countryside and friendly locals, and it’s easy to see why the region will have you coming back for more.

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Things to Do in Mudgee (Australia)

15 Best Things to Do in Mudgee (Australia)

The name “Mudgee” comes from the Wiradjuri term for “Nest in the Hills”, encapsulating the town perfectly.

Mudgee sits in undulating terrain between the tall ridges of the Cudgegong River Valley.

The high elevation, plentiful sunshine and fertile soils all put the town among Australia’s winemaking capitals.

Everything is just right for gutsy reds like Zinfandel, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, but white grapes like Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer also do well here.

Below we’ve got a hand-picked selection of wineries to check out, each with their own signature varieties.

Mudgee’s CBD is a joy for the elegant 19th-century architecture, and for a food scene to match the world-class wine.

1. The Drip Gorge

The Drip Gorge

Mudgee is conveniently close to a natural wonder in the Goulburn River State Conservation Area.

You can walk an easy track beside the Goulburn River to the Great Dripping Wall, where rainwater trickles though the porous rock.

This has a natural air-conditioning effect on the gorge, and temperatures can be 15°C cooler than the ambient level.

Try to be here after a period of sustained rainfall, when these sandstone walls are completely saturated.

The microclimate gives rise to a wealth of plant life, from orchids to tree violets and apple gums.

Also see if you can make a detour to Hands on the Rock, a key Aboriginal art site two kilometres from the Drip Gorge.

2. Lowe Family Wine Co.

Lowe Family Wine Co.

One of the stars of Mudgee’s wine scene is Lowe Wines, a certified organic vineyard known for its robust, quartz-loving reds, made with innovative techniques and years of experience.

The vineyards themselves are untrellised and unirrigated, and so produce wine that is a perfect expression of the soil and climate alone.

Lowe’s main varieties are Merlot, Shiraz and the flagship Zinfandel.

And you can pair your glass with selections from the Food Store, located at the cellar door and letting you build your own platter from local cheese, sourdough bread, baguettes, marinated olives, salami, crimson snow apples, double smoked ham and a choice of delicious dips.

3. Moothi Estate Winery

Vineyard in Mudgee

One of the great things about this cellar door and restaurant east of Mudgee is its high elevation, giving you dreamy views over the vines and sun-lit backdrop from the deck.

The family-owned Moothi Estate produces Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and gives you a leisurely 45 minutes if you’re here for a tasting.

Or you can book a table for lunch and while away the afternoon.

Most of the ingredients on the menu are sourced locally, and an antipasti plantter will have marinated olives, prosciutto, house-made pastrami, vintage cheddar and much more from around Mudgee.

4. High Valley Cheese Co.

High Valley Cheese Co.

This cheese-maker’s creations appear on menus all over the Mudgee region.

High Valley Cheese Co. uses milk from Dubbo’s Little Big Dairy for nine different artisan cheeses, all made in the traditional way.

Among them is a marinated feta, a rouge, a Caerphilly, a smoked cheddar, a triple cream Brie and two kinds of blue cheese.

Opposite the Mudgee Racecourse, High Valley’s factory is on a boutique scale and has a cellar door attached, offering tastings.

5. Robert Stein Winery & Vineyard

Robert Stein Winery & Vineyard

Founded in 1976 and now in its third generation is this single estate vineyard, growing and bottling on site.

The Stein family has a winemaking lineage that can be traced back to 1838, channelling all that knowhow into a flagship Riesling, as well as Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Shiraz.

Current winemaker Jacob Stein has taken a whole raft of prizes, including “Winemaker of the Year” several years running at the Mudgee Wine Show.

Swing by the award-winning cellar door for tastings and try salami made from the farm’s own free-range Berkshire pigs, or book a table at the beloved Pipeclay Pumphouse, blessed with panoramas of the Cudgegong Valley.

Another string in Robert Stein’s bow is the vintage motorbike collection, which you can check out for free while visiting the winery.

6. Short Sheep Micro-Winery

Wine Tasting

True to its name, Short Sheep Micro-Winery is all about first-rate wine in small batches, using sustainable practices throughout the process, from vine to glass.

When we put this list together in 2020, Short Sheep’s offer comprised reds like the signature Syrah and Cabernet-Merlot, and whites like limited release Chardonnay and Semillon.

One thing that separates the Cellar Door from much of the flock is the generous “Flavours Palette”, on Saturdays when you can explore curated wine and food pairings.

Short Sheep also gets creative with its tasting experiences, letting you try its selection by candlelight, fire and twilight.

7. Mudgee Museum

Mudgee Museum

West of the CBD and backing onto the Cudgegong River is a museum documenting Mudgee’s history with the help of a giant collection.

This is runs to more than 60,000 items, from farming tools to natural history specimens.

The setting is also remarkable, at a fine colonial inn from the middle of the 19th century, and complemented by other historical buildings like an early-20th century church and a slab hut.

Among the major exhibits are a 19th-century wagon belonging to a local farming family, a rare cabin chest that arrived in Australia with German immigrants in 1855 and a 1935 Packard that served in the Mudgee Ambulance Service in WW2.

8. Pieter van Gent Winery & Vineyard

Wine Grapes

This 100-acre estate sits just off the Ulan Road, little more than ten minutes out of Mudgee proper.

Pieter van Gent has been in the winemaking business for decades, and produced Australia’s first bottles of Chardonnay in the early-1970s.

The cellar door has a special setting, in the barrel hall, furnished with antique choir stalls and flanked by 20 German oak casks made in the 1850s.

Pieter van Gent’s wines reflect the nuances of the grape, soil, season, climate and the winemaker.

Make sure to sample the famous Mudgee Pipeclay White Port, with its overtones of nectar in the bouquet and a smooth palate from start to finish.

The cellar door is also a sales space for the talented local chocolatier, Amelie.

9. The Cellar by Gilbert

The Cellar by Gilbert

Mudgee’s Gilbert family has six generations of winemaking expertise under its belt, and opened this cellar door on the edge of town in 2016. The venue is a cute sandstone building, which has more in a common with an upscale winebar than a typical cellar door.

There you can sample Gilbert Family Wines’ selection, featuring Riesling and blends like “Rouge” (Shiraz and Sangiovese), “Blanc” (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer), Lignée Rouge (Shiraz and Pinot Noir) and Lignée Blanc (Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc). And if you want to see how it’s done there’s a wine masterclass every Saturday afternoon.

10. Mudgee Observatory

Mudgee Observatory

Set up by one John Vetter, who has almost 50 years of experience in the field, Mudgee Observatory is a private facility set 15 minutes out of town in an area of dark skies.

This facility is occasionally used by members of the prestigious Sutherland Astronomical Society, but also opens to schools, group tours or individuals keen to do some stargazing.

You’ll need to book ahead for a session, which will include a conducted tour of the night sky using the observatory’s telescopes and binoculars.

There’s also a planetarium here for programs going into depth on celestial bodies as well as the history, present and future of space missions.

11. Putta Bucca Wetlands

Putta Bucca Wetlands

If you’ve been overdoing it at Mudgee’s wineries and fancy some exercise, a nature reserve has cropped up on the town’s doorstep.

An exhausted aggregate quarry and Mudgee’s former sewage works have both made way for a wetland site, found on what used to be a meander in the now straightened Cudegong River.

Bordering this oxbow lake are bird hides, and in a short space of time you may see a staggering number of species, from Australian king parrots, to plum-headed finches, mistletoe birds, musk lorikeets and rainbow bee-eaters.

You can navigate the reserve on four different trails, from 400 metres long to a 1.4-kilometre path that hugs the riverbank.

12. St Mary of Presentation Catholic Church

St Mary of Presentation Catholic Church

A building that brings real gravitas to Mudgee’s townscape is the Neogothic St Mary’s Church.

Composed of Botobolar sandstone, St Mary’s was built from 1873 to 1876, but incorporates some older architecture dating back to the 1850s.

The main facade, dominated by an image of Mary, is rich with multifoil tracery, in the blind arches flanking the entrance, a frieze below that statue, a pair of lancet windows and a masterful rose window at the top.

Step inside and there’s much to admire, like the stencilling and stained glass, produced by Glasgow’s Lyon, Cottier & Company.

The pews were carved from maple in the 1930s, while the organ was built by London’s J.W. Walker in 1866 and the Stations of the Cross are the work of London artist George de Pyro.

The church’s standout is the altar, made up of Carrara marble, Rockhampton marble and some green marble from Sweden.

13. Mudgee Heritage Walking Tours

Mudgee Town Hall

The CBD is constellated with fine old buildings that have been around since the second half of the 19th century.

This refined architecture gives a hint of the kind of money that was flowing through Mudgee, first on the back of the Australian gold rush and then via the wool industry and arrival of the railway.

The Mudgee Heritage Walking Tour is a weekly event, departing at 10:00 from the Clock Tower at the Corner of Market and Church Streets.

You’ll get to admire some handsome heritage architecture at the Railway Station (1884), Mudgee Post Office (1862) and Town Hall (1880) to name a handful, and will learn about fascinating characters and events in the town’s past.

14. Mudgee Fine Foods Farmers’ Market

Farmers Market

Opposite the visitor information centre, Robertson Park is the venue for a well-attended farmers’ market on the third Saturday of the month.

In a town like Mudgee, with its reputation for quality food and drink, the event is run according to strict farmers’ market guidelines.

This means that everything sold here has been grown, caught, reared, baked, smoked, pickled or brewed by the stallholders themselves.

Think seasonal fruit and vegetables, all kinds of herbs, chutney, oils, feta, macarons, freshly-baked bread and much more besides.

There will be music by local musicians as you shop, and you can grab a bacon and egg roll for breakfast.

15. Mudgee Wine + Food Festival

Mudgee Wine + Food Festival

This two-week festival has been going for more than 40 years and takes place every September/early-October.

For epicureans there’s no better time to be in Mudgee, for a program brimming with special tastings, exclusive tours, lunches, dinners and live music.

There’s a host of participating cellar doors in the Mudgee, each offering something different, be it special offers or innovative platters and pairings.

The festival all builds up to Flavours of Mudgee, where all of the area’s winegrowers and food producers gather to lay out tastings and delicious bites in the heart of the CBD.

15 Best Things to Do in Mudgee (Australia):

  • The Drip Gorge
  • Lowe Family Wine Co.
  • Moothi Estate Winery
  • High Valley Cheese Co.
  • Robert Stein Winery & Vineyard
  • Short Sheep Micro-Winery
  • Mudgee Museum
  • Pieter van Gent Winery & Vineyard
  • The Cellar by Gilbert
  • Mudgee Observatory
  • Putta Bucca Wetlands
  • St Mary of Presentation Catholic Church
  • Mudgee Heritage Walking Tours
  • Mudgee Fine Foods Farmers' Market
  • Mudgee Wine + Food Festival

Things to do in Mudgee

Food and wine is the obvious focus but there are lots more things to do in Mudgee. Here are my tips for this wonderful Central West NSW town.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and loves exploring different parts of Australia.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today and has been a journalist for 20 years.

Last updated: September 4, 2024

The best things to do in Mudgee

Use the table of contents to jump down the article - or continue reading for all my tips on the best things to do in Mudgee.

  • Historic sights
  • Art galleries
  • Short trips

I don’t think you can describe Mudgee as a ‘hidden gem’ anymore. This Central Western town has been well and truly discovered. But, it’s still a gem, at least.

What Mudgee has managed to do is maintain its heritage, while also cultivating one of the best food and wine scenes in New South Wales. You’ll find high quality but with a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

One of the most popular things to do in Mudgee is wine tasting and I’ll give you more details about that shortly. The wineries around Mudgee have become a huge drawcard for the region – and have had an even bigger impact than you first realise.

You’ll now also find an excellent local brewery and local distillery.

You’ll find top chefs from across the country wanting to come and work at restaurants attached to the wineries.

You’ll find boutique shops and trendy cafes in town, all offering even more for the visitors that flock here.

A few locals I chat with tell me that they stay home on the weekends because Mudgee has become too busy on the weekends with visitors, but they don’t say it with any malice. There’s a certain pride that comes from knowing that their town is so popular.

Although there are quite a few places to stay, they book up quickly (especially for weekends). Here are my tips for the best accommodation in Mudgee .

But, of course, Mudgee has always been popular with the locals. The centre of town has a wonderful collection of historic buildings and the main street has a pleasant cohesive feel about it. In spring, the cherry blossom trees make it even prettier.

There are also a lot of things to do around Mudgee and the town makes a good base to visit the region’s national parks and some lovely historic towns. I think that’s one of its charms – you can go exploring during the day and then know there is great food and wine for the evening.

Driving to Broken Hill?

Click here for my detailed itinerary for a Sydney to Broken Hill road trip – including the best things to do and best places to stay .

You can probably see why Mudgee is such a popular weekend trip from Sydney and other places. But, if you can, I would suggest coming during the week when it’s a little less busy.

Also, try to stay for a few nights so you can get to all the best things to do in Mudgee without feeling too rushed. This isn’t a place where you want to feel like you’re on a tight itinerary!

So, with all of that said, let me share some of my suggestions for the best things to do in Mudgee.

Some people like to focus on just one aspect of the town – perhaps the food and drink, for example. Some visitors prefer just to hang out in the centre and not venture out to the farms and the national parks. Others want to get a bit of everything.

Whatever your style, you’ll find plenty to do and probably still leave with a plan to return!

Historic sights in Mudgee

Mudgee is the second-oldest settlement over the Blue Mountains (after Bathurst), having been founded in 1821. Obviously a lot has changed since then but the centre of Mudgee has retained that 19th century colonial feel.

Strolling through the streets, you’ll get a sense of the town’s heritage and there are quite a few interesting historic buildings. Having said that, none of them are major sights in themselves.

But I recommend making an effort to see the Mudgee Post Office, designed by architect Alexander Dawson and built in 1862. Parts of the sandstone St Mary’s Catholic Church date back to 1857.

There’s also Mudgee Library, built in 1880 originally as the town hall; the railway station from 1884; and lots of beautiful buildings along Market Street.

If you have a particular interest in the heritage, there’s the Colonial Inn Museum , which has about 60,000 items on display!

Art galleries in Mudgee

I know you want me to talk about the food and drink in Mudgee – and we’re almost there. But first I want to also mention the arts scene in town because it’s been growing recently.

In the old railway station (a beautiful building in itself), there is an art gallery with a range of arts and crafts made by locals. Almost everything is for sale.

It’s more of a co-operative than a professional gallery and at least one of the artisans will probably be there for a chat. It’s quite a nice way to learn a bit about the town from a local.

Also in town, there’s Brett Niven Ceramics , which is a full-working pottery studio where you can even take a class with an artist. There’s also Mudgee Art House , a cafe and art hub where work is often exhibited.

And, if you’re exploring the region, there’s Wayout Artspace at Kandos, where artists do residencies and stage exhibitions. Run by regional artists, the emphasis is on cultivating experimental and contemporary art.

Wineries in Mudgee

Now, onto the main attraction – the Mudgee wineries!

There’s a long history of viticulture here in Mudgee, with the first grapes planted around 1858. But the industry dwindled for quite a while and didn’t really pick up again until the 1960s.

Although there are some nice white wines, the Mudgee region is better known for red varieties and that’s what you’ll find at most wineries – although you’ll also discover interesting and unusual offerings at some of them.

There are about 40 cellar doors in the region, so it can be difficult to know which wineries to visit in Mudgee.

I’m going to suggest a few of the most popular that you can’t go wrong with – but, of course, I think it’s also fun to pop into some you haven’t heard of or ask other people for their suggestions as you travel around.

Lowe Wines: My favourite is Lowe Wines , which has a reputation for traditional methods, some organic wines, and other interesting farming techniques. The setting is a delight, with relaxed tables and barrels overlooking the vineyards, and knowledgeable staff who will be able to tell you all about the wines.

Bunnamagoo Estate Wines: Near Lowe Wines is Bunnamagoo Estate Wines , one of the largest wineries in the region. There are inside and outside tables and an excellent selection of wines to taste. The sparkling is both trying and unusual for the region.

Logan Wines: One of the most popular wineries with visitors is Logan Wines , which has a modern and elegant tasting room with spectacular views. The wine selection is interesting, with a mix of typical Australian flavours and European styles.

Craigmoor Wines: Established in 1858, you won’t find a winery much older than this one in Mudgee (although it’s changed owners and names since then). Craigmoor Wines has a traditional feel but that doesn’t mean there aren’t interesting things happening with the wines.

Other wineries: And, if those four suggestions aren’t enough, you may also want to consider Moothi Estate , Burnbrae Wines , Robert Stein Winery , and Pieter Van Gent Winery .

Mudgee wine tours

Of course, you don’t have to organise it all yourself. A nice way to explore the cellar doors of Mudgee is with a wine tour – which also means nobody needs to be the designated driver!

There are a few options for wine tours in Mudgee. You can travel around in a Jeep for a small personalised tour with Debbie Shorter , or you can join a group with Mudgee VIP Wine Tours .

More drinks

When it comes to drinking in Mudgee it’s not just about the wine. In recent years both a distillery and brewery have opened up, giving people a lot more options in the town.

The Mudgee Brewing Co is right in the centre of town and has an excellent selection of craft beers. One of the most popular styles is a strong stout called Mudgee Mud, although I think the pale ale and porter are also worth trying.

You can get a tasting paddle to try a variety of beers or just enjoy a schooner of your favourite.

The Baker Williams Distillery is a little out of town and is normally a good spot to combine with a wine tour. Set up in 2012, it has a focus on premium spirits and liqueurs. The owners, Nathan and Helen, use local ingredients and local suppliers where possible, meaning it is an authentic Mudgee experience.

You can do tastings at the distillery, which has a small rustic atmosphere. It’s well worth visiting to break up all the wineries or just to try something a little different.

Shopping in Mudgee

As well as the centre of Mudgee seeing an increase in the number of trendy cafes and restaurants, there have also been a lot of new shops that have popped up on the main shopping strip of Church Street in recent years.

In fact, boutique shopping is now one of the most popular things to do in Mudgee for some people, and it’s easy to spend a morning strolling through the stores.

As you walk along, you’ll spot a few small clothing stores by local designers. But it’s the homewares that the town has a reputation for these days.

You may prefer just to browse for shops yourself – most of them are all within a couple of blocks around Church Street and Market Street. But a few suggestions I would offer are Whatever Mudgee , Cedar Cicada , and Mac & Co .

Eating in Mudgee

Wine and food go so well together that’s it’s no great surprise to see that the dining scene has boomed in Mudgee over the past decade as the wineries have attracted more attention and visitors.

Top chefs, perhaps looking for a tree change, have moved to the Central West to establish cafes and restaurants, meaning you’ll find world-class food in town and the surrounding region.

I would recommend planning to have at least a couple of meals at some of the better-known cafes and restaurants, rather than just finding popping in somewhere convenient when you’re hungry. The good news is that there’s a wide range of options, depending on your budget and tastes.

For casual cafe-style food in the centre of Mudgee, I would suggest Alby & Esthers , Eltons , or the Market Street Cafe .

In the evenings, you’ll get fantastic food (and lots of tasting options) at either Roth’s Wine Bar or the Mudgee Brewing Co .

And, a bit out of the centre, a lot of the wineries have excellent dining options that can be experienced in their own right. For a special meal, I would recommend Zin House or Pipeclay Pumphouse . For a more casual winery meal, there are the burgers at 53 Food Co .

Nature near Mudgee

The scenery around Mudgee is stunning and I’m sure you’l love spending time at the wineries and driving around the countryside.

For nature lovers, there are some other places worth highlighting because you can actually use Mudgee as a base to explore some wonderful national parks and other parts of the bush in the region.

The top spot to mention is Wollemi National Park , which is part of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Site. There are heaps of things to explore, with scenic canyons, towering cliffs, wild rivers and serene forests.

Other areas worth visiting are Dunn’s Swamp , Munghorn Gap Reserve , and Goulburn River National Park .

Short trips from Mudgee

As well as the national parks, one of the other things you can do in the Mudgee region is a day trip (or half-day trip) to the historic towns nearby.

The old gold-mining town of Gulgong is a wonderful place to visit and it still has its 19th-century charm, with the main street lined by heritage buildings with original verandahs and iron-lace balconies.

Another option is Rylstone, which has a bit more of a rural feel to it but also has a lot of heritage, more with a colonial pastoralist style.

As well as doing a bit of a tour of the town, I would suggest having yum cha at 29nine99 , where you’ll find some of the best dumpling in New South Wales!

Not too far from Rylstone, you can go for a walk and see a bit more of the wilderness at Ferntree Gully .

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN MUDGEE

With so much heritage in Mudgee, it’s no surprise you get elements of that in much of the accommodation. But there’s a good range and you should find whatever you’re looking for, if you book early.

tourism mudgee nsw

With basic pub rooms right in the centre of town, you’ll get affordability and convenience from the Woolpack Hotel .

tourism mudgee nsw

There are quite a lot of motels in Mudgee, but the modern Horatio Motel is probably the best.

tourism mudgee nsw

The wonderful Parkview Hotel has made the most of its heritage features but still offers modern comfort.

Set within large gardens, the Parklands Resort has luxurious rooms and is just a couple of minutes from the city centre.

More NSW stories

  • A visit to Port Macquarie
  • The NSW South Coast
  • Things to do in Bowral
  • The best things to see in Mudgee
  • Visiting Mungo National Park

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10 Best Things To Do In Mudgee NSW

Looking for things to do in Mudgee NSW? Don’t think it’s all about Mudgee vineyards, Beck from Travel Made Me Do It is sharing her favourite Mudgee attractions and hidden gems you had no idea existed! She swapped Manchester for Sydney in 2020, and has discovered so many amazing places to visit in NSW. You can check out her awesome Instagram account to keep up to date with her adventures.

In recent years, Mudgee has quickly built up a name for itself as one of best wine regions in NSW. It’s certainly a cool alternative to the ever popular and more well known Hunter Valley , and it’s somewhere many people are happy to drive the 3.5hrs from Sydney for one of the best weekend getaways from Sydney .

The sprawling vineyards are set to the backdrop of rolling hills and picture perfect scenery, making this region a most relaxing and enjoyable place to visit. Plus, the wine’s pretty good too!

However, wine isn’t all this area has to offer, as we were to discover. Stellar hikes and fantastic gorges, Aboriginal artwork and wondrous caves, cute cafes and historic colonial buildings- they’re all there in Mudgee, ready to be discovered. Let us tell you about the secret hidden gems in Mudgee, you had no idea existed!

things-to-do-in-hunter-valley-nsw

13 Best Things To Do In Hunter Valley NSW

Table of Contents

How To Get To Mudgee

Sydney to Mudgee is about a 3.5hr drive away, located in the Central West of NSW, and makes a perfect weekend away from Sydney with a detour to the Blue Mountains.

Your best bet is to travel by car, by far the quickest and most efficient way to get there.

Alternatively, there is an option to train and then bus from Sydney to Mudgee, but this journey takes around 6 hours. Not so handy for a quick weekend getaway.

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Best Things To Do In Mudgee

We’re going to break down the best things to do in Mudgee NSW. But first…

1. Best Mudgee Wineries You Must Visit

Logan-Wines-things-to-do-in-mudgee

It would be sacrilege, surely, to visit Mudgee without sampling at a cellar door or two. Even if not wine tasting in Mudgee, the scenery alone is worth a visit.

Our first Mudgee winery visit was Logan Wines, and we were not disappointed! Their outdoor terrace, complete with drool-worthy outlook over the surrounding countryside is a most relaxing start to the day.

They offer a choice of wine tasting menus, so if you lean heavily to either a red or white, you can almost tailor the tasting to your own preferences.

If you head to Logan Wines in Mudgee on a weekday, you might just enjoy the tranquillity to yourselves.

Lowe-Family-Estate-swing-mudgee

Our second tasting was at Lowe Family Estate. Their cellar door sits out on a gravel courtyard, with high tables, bar stools and obligatory oak barrels to sit around. There’s a lovely pond to walk around with a purpose built love swing from which to really soak up your surroundings.

Make sure you pop into Lowe Food Store at Lowe Family Estate, which sells a variety of cheese, meats and baked goods. Situated within the huge corrugated barn where the magic happens, the inviting little shop couldn’t feel more rustic. 

2. Castle Rocks Walk In Mudgee

Castle-Rocks-mudgee

If you didn’t already know, you’ll find some of the best walks in Mudgee are definitely worth the visit. Usually you’ll find Dan and myself on a trail somewhere as it’s what we love doing on any NSW trip. We were then thrilled to find our hiking needs met with the fabulous Castle Rocks track in nearby Munghorn Nature Reserve.

This 8.5km return Mudgee hike, taking round 2 hours to complete, truly exceeded our expectations. The majority of the track winds through forest, at a fairly even gradient, until you eventually arrive at Castle Rocks.

The stunning sandstone outcrops are littered across the landscape. They rise majestically like ancient pagodas through the trees. It felt like stumbling across a long forgotten civilisation. Be sure to climb up to get those 360 views- they’ll take your breath away.

3. The Drip Walk In Mudgee

Drip-Gorge-

Head to Goulburn River National Park and complete the Drip Gorge Track in Mudgee. This serene and peaceful hike will take less than an hour to complete. The trail meanders along the The Goulburn River until you reach The Drip- a huge, porous sandstone wall dripping with spring water.

The best time to experience Drip Gorge is after a heavy period of rain, though if you visit on a clear and warm day, a dip in the rock pools is a must. There’s parking at the entrance to the walk, along with a picnic area and drop toilets making it one of the best things to do in Mudgee.

4. Explore Aboriginal Rock Art In Mudgee

Hands-on-Rock-

Just 2km north from The Drip you’ll find Hands On The Rock in Mudgee. This sacred and culturally significant site contains numerous Aboriginal rock art stencils belonging to the Wiradjuri people. There’s a viewing platform which gives fantastic access to really marvel at these ancient impressions. It’s a very special experience especially if you’re looking for Aboriginal Rock Art in NSW.

The road is supposedly 2WD accessible, although we chose to park a little further back from the car park and walk the remainder of the road as a precaution- the surface was looking a little too precarious for our liking. Just be warned if you do attempt the drive.

5. Find The Hidden Frog Rock

Frog-Rock-

Frog Rock is a fun formation of granite rocks shaped like, well, a frog! The rock is situated just at the side of Ulan Cassilis road, around 19km north of Mudgee.

There’s not much in the way of parking and the sign is easy to miss, so be sure to keep a lookout and pull in appropriately. There’s room for just a few cars at the side of the road, but the turnaround of visitors is quick so it’s doubtful you’ll ever be queuing.

We’d recommend familiarising yourself with the image of Frog Rock, just so you know what you’re looking for!

6. Check Out Wellington Caves

Wellington-Caves

If, after all that, you’re still hankering for a little more things to do in Mudgee, then look no further than Wellington Caves. Just over an hours drive west of Mudgee lies this wonderfully preserved and awe inspiring underground, prehistoric world.

Fossils and remains of mega fauna have been found here at Wellington, including giant Wombats and Kangaroos! Guided tours must be booked to gain access to the caves, with the tour guides being hugely knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions along the way.

The main cave is Cathedral Cave. This contains ‘The Altar”- a 15m high stalagmite that really has to be seen to be believed. The caves are thoughtfully lit, so as to show off the interiors in all their splendour and, importantly, enable you to see where you’re going. So don’t worry, no getting lost in the dark.

We found loads of things to do in Mudgee which combined the perfect mix of relaxation and low key adventure. It’s also home to some of the best wineries in Australia we’ve personally been to which are definitely worth a look in next time you’re planning a weekend away from Sydney.

The natural delights, hikes and cultural significance of the area are truly magnificent and will surely be hard to forget. 

Best Mudgee Restaurants & Cafes

Wondering where to eat in Mudgee? Whilst it’s home to some of the best restaurants in NSW, here’s our low down on the best Mudgee restaurants and cafes.

7. Best Coffee In Mudgee

Alby-Esthers-mudgee

Finding a good coffee when visiting a new town or city is always high up our to do list. When looking for the best coffee in Mudgee, you must check out Alby + Esthers . This charming little cafe is situated at the end of a brick alleyway off the main drag of Market Street. You’ll spy the festoons and draped vines hanging above a small and incredibly inviting cobbled courtyard.

The coffee is delicious and more than lives up to the expectations this eclectic and chilled cafe conjures up. Sit al fresco or enjoy the cosy surrounds of the few outbuildings that wrap around the courtyard.

8. Picnic In Mudgee’s Lawson Park

lawson-park-mudgee

We were lucky to enjoy excellent weather during our stay, and so took advantage and bought some goodies to take down to the Mudgee’s Lawson Park. The park itself is a lovely spot to visit in town.

There are bike and walking tracks to saunter along, as well as secluded spots by the river in which to enjoy lunch. We popped to Mudgee Bakery & Cafe for a couple of hot baked treats before finding our spot in the park. Pure bliss.

9. Eat At Lawson Park Hotel In Mudgee

lawson-park-hotel-mudgee

The standout pub in town is the beautifully styled Lawson Park Hotel in Mudgee. It’s also the oldest pub in town, dating back to 1860. Their Red Heifer Bistro is award winning and offers some delectable options for dinner.

Alongside an excellent grill menu, which will be a struggle to choose from, you’ll find all the usual pub classics. Add to that the heritage Main Bar, from where you can enjoy a glass of Mudgee’s finest, and you’ve found yourself the perfect evening spot to kick back and relax

10. Where To Stay In Mudgee

tourism mudgee nsw

If you’d prefer to make it a weekend getaway from Sydney rather than a Sydney day trip, then check out the Woolpack Hotel in Mudgee . It’s situated on Market Street and so, pleasantly, all amenities are on your doorstep.

We’re always after a good deal on accommodation and so opted for the budget friendly Woolpack Hotel with shared bathroom facilities. Of course, that may not suit all tastes, so fear not, there are room options for private en suite or even a one and two bedroom flat. 

Mudgee is not short of accommodation options and so if you desire something town or countryside based, you’ll find plenty to meet your individual needs. Find more Mudgee accommodation options here .

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COMMENTS

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