Stunning country landscapes, world class wines and a thriving local culture.
Is Mudgee worth visiting?
Mudgee NSW is fast becoming one of the most sought-after regional destinations for obvious reasons. So that’s an easy YES. We break it down so you know exactly how to make the most of Mudgee.
What is Mudgee Known For?
With so many things to do in Mudgee is now considered a key regional destination in NSW to visit thanks to the incredible winemakers, restaurants, specialty shops, heritage buildings, and boutique accommodation.
A manageable 3.5 hour scenic drive from Sydney, 2 hours from the Blue Mountains or a very short plane trip from anywhere in New South Wales to the Mudgee airport, whether you’re visiting to explore the area or are drawn by invitation, there is plenty to do and see in Mudgee.
Plan your trip to wine country and make sure you write an itinerary, you won’t to miss any of what the Mudgee region has to offer.
Mudgee Wineries
The Mudgee region has been producing wine since the 1850s and is now home to over 40 family-owned cellar doors. The area produces exceptional wines which win awards around the globe. So, first and foremost, decide which wineries you want to visit, particularly as bookings are often essential as part of covid-safe procedures in the area. The cellar doors and wine tasting options are endless, but we’ve narrowed it down to some of the best for you to choose from depending on the style of wine and winery experience you are drawn to.
Lowe Wines is famous for their small batch organic wines. They have an interesting selection to choose from but are particularly known for their Zinfandel, which is available as a light crisp Rosé as well as a dark, spiced red which is perfect for ageing. What makes this such a lovely stop is the option to enjoy a platter of local, Mudgee cheese and specialty items with your bottle in the sprawling garden setting.
The newly opened cellar door at Yeates Wines boasts grounds which beg to be enjoyed over the course of an afternoon as the light softens over the dam. Comfortable seating and market umbrellas make it all the more relaxing, particularly when accompanied by their 2019 Rosé. If you appreciate sophisticated design you will love this cellar door and their exquisite wines to match.
The Logan winery cellar door in Mudgee has been designed to impress with striking architecture and a large deck area that is set over the vineyards below. Their wine list is equally impressive with something to suit every palate, providing the perfect excuse to stay a while as you take in the surrounding view.
The Gilbert family vineyard offers a tasting experience more akin to visiting a relaxed wine bar than your typical cellar door. Share plates of local produce are on offer while you taste their range of wines. If you’re after a white, the 2019 Blanc, 2017 Chardonnay L.C.R and 2018 Riesling are not to be missed.
Slowfox Wine is a boutique vineyard making some truly incredible small batch, minimal intervention wines in Mudgee. Bring the kids and fur-babies too and prepare to feel instantly relaxed as you arrive at their homely cellar door. The exceptional wine list ranges from Viognier to Rosé to Tempranillo, Shiraz and Cabernet Malbec.
Bunnamagoo Estate have a similarly extensive tasting list, known in particular for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Chardonnay varietals. If you’re after a great picnic spot in Mudgee that is family friendly, Bunnamagoo welcomes you to BYO picnic and enjoy their views while sipping on one of their finest drops.
Pieter van Gent Winery & Vineyard conducts tastings in their cask hall where the wine produced in the vineyard matures until ready. The impressiveness of the room is something to be felt, as are the wines which are predominantly reds, though with a selection of some of the best Port and dessert wines you’ll find in Mudgee too.
Too much vino? Time to break it up and sample some locally brewed beers. Mudgee Brewing Co will have you feeling like a local as you work your way through their list of craft beers in a 100 year old wool store. From Pale Ale to Stout to the Mudgee Porter, Black IPA and Smokey Red, you can pick your paddle and relax. If beer isn’t your first preference, you can still appreciate the atmosphere while sipping on an alcoholic ginger beer. For something stronger, Baker Williams Distillery makes for an equally fun stop with a range of handcrafted spirits and liqueurs inspired by flavours of the local Mudgee Region. Sample their orancello, lemon myrtle liqueur or house made gin made with flavouring of cumquat, cassia and juniper.
Mudgee Restaurants
Dining in Mudgee means eating locally and seasonally, with regional producers farming incredible fresh fruit, vegetables, livestock and dairy.
For a truly special dining experience there are two fantastic restaurants which embody what the Mudgee region is all about and showcase seasonal produce at its best.
Pipeclay Pumphouse at Robert Stein Winery is the epitome of Paddock to Plate dining, raising their animals and growing their produce on the grounds to produce their six course degustation. Selecting the wine list to match is the biggest decision you’ll need to make, with the choice of having all Robert Stein wines or a selection from around the Mudgee region.
The Zin House at Lowe Wines also centre their menu around what they grow, and prioritise the guest experience for true country hospitality. With a policy of not turning tables, you are encouraged to take all the time you want as you enjoy your five course degustation, in the relaxing setting overlooking the sweeping vineyards.
For something quick and casual and the best coffee in Mudgee, the quaint courtyard of Alby & Esthers cafe is hidden away off the main street, providing solace where you can enjoy a cup of Underground Coffee Roasters coffee and a slice of one of their classic cakes or no fuss lunches.
Eclectic art-gallery-and-cafe Artisan on Lewis serves up Yarrabin Road Roaster coffee alongside freshly baked sourdough and other wood-fired breads, with jars of preserves and pickles to go.
If you’re looking for a great option for lunch on your way out of town,
29 Nine 99 Yum Cha & Teahouse in Rylstone will surprise you with authentic Yum Cha, the answer to any lingering hangover from your Mudgee weekend away.
Things to do
To round out your visit and get moving after all that indulging, there are plenty of other things to do in Mudgee to keep you busy.
Embarking on a hot air balloon trip over Mudgee is one of the best ways to see the true beauty of the region. Leaving early in the morning when the air is crisp and quiet, you’ll have a birds eye view of the town centre, sprawling vineyards, the Cudgegong River and country landscape
which is nothing short of breathtaking. Tours with Balloon Aloft are topped off with a Champagne breakfast after the scenic ride, so it’s definitely worth setting your alarm for.
If bushwalking is up your alley, the Putta Bucca Wetlands are located 5km out of Mudgee and boasts a waterbird paradise with interesting local fauna and flora. There is an easy 2km track ideal for walking, cycling and fishing which is a great kid-friendly outing. The Drip Gorge offers a tranquil, picturesque bushwalking track with access to Aboriginal rock art site, Hands on the Rock. Following periods of rain, the sandstone walls of the Gorge will drip with clear, crisp spring water and is an idyllic reprieve in the hotter months as it can be 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding region. If the weather is warm, pack your swimmers and take a dip in the Goulburn River before you leave.
Mudgee Farm Walks are hosted once a month by Mudgee Fine Foods, guiding participants on a walk through selected Mudgee properties so they can see how animals are raised, produce is grown and farms are run. The locations change monthly and you will visit two farms per walk, for
a truly immersive experience. Mudgee Farmers Markets take place on the third Saturday of each month with a bounty of fresh local produce and locally produced items. The Rylstone Artisan and Produce Markets held on the second Saturday of the month are also worthy of a wander.
If you’re looking to pick up a little piece of Mudgee during your stay there are plenty of specialty stores to visit. High Valley Cheese Co has a beautiful selection of handmade cheeses prepared using traditional methods to produce Brie, Rouge, Stefan and Colly Blue, Cheddar and a range of marinated Fetta which simply must be tasted. Perfect for indulging while in Mudgee or to take back home when you leave. For locally produced honey that is essential for your home pantry, and Mudgee Honey Haven has an eye popping array of honey and honey products. If you’re after a gift that is truly unique, their alcoholic “mead” wine is made using fermented honey.
For home & lifestyle stores Whatever Mudgee and Cedar Cicada are both located on Church Street in Mudgee and are perfect for browsing for the perfect memento to remember your visit by. If your preferences lean towards something handmade or with a little history, Flora Speed
on Perry Street keeps beautiful antiques for any home that are crying out to be repurposed. Brett Niven Ceramics are known for creating stunning one-of-a-kind pieces which many of the local restaurants use for service, thanks to their beauty and versatility.
Events in Mudgee
Mudgee is also host to a huge array of incredible events which attract people from far and wide to the region.
The Mudgee Region Food + Drink Trail held in March is an ideal time to visit the area. Your ticket will take you on a culinary adventure through the region tasting perfectly paired bites and wines. If you love a food festival, MudgeeQue is dedicated to smoked meats cooked low and slow until they reach perfection, accompanied by the best the region has to offer in the way of locally made wine, beer and spirits. Crackling fire drums and live music set the tone of what is very cool event to visit Mudgee for.
The major food and wine event however is the great Mudgee Wine & Food Celebration held over five weeks in September and October.
It’s an opportunity for the people of Mudgee to show off what they do best, and that they do, with spades of special events, bespoke offerings and pop ups taking place over the course of the duration.
For an inspiring day out, the Sculptures in the Garden exhibition held annually in October, showcases art produced by NSW based artists.
This not for profit event provides an opportunity to view some truly spectacular works of art in the stunning gardens of Rosby Wines Vineyard. Entry is $5, and coffee, drinks and light refreshments are available while you peruse the entries.
For all cycling enthusiasts, The Mudgee Classic is held annually in May, catering to cyclists of varying abilities. The Social Classic (35km) is a great place to start if you want to participate but are mainly in it for the views and wine at the end.
The Challenge Classic (110km) or The Maxi Classic (170km) are the real deal for serious riders. Whatever level you enter into, you can guarantee that riding on the Great Western Highway through local towns in the country air will be a truly memorable way to see the region.
For all Mudgee event related news and reminder emails to book in your travel plans, be sure to sign up to the Visit Mudgee Region newsletter here.
Mudgee Accommodation
Accommodation options in Mudgee are plentiful, ranging from luxurious hotels to cosy holidays homes to glamping or camping experiences, suitable for any budget.
Expect luxury and indulgence at 4 star rated, boutique, Perry Street Hotel. Located in a heritage listed building, rooms are large and comfortable and staff are accommodating with whatever you may need during your stay. Definitely the go to for those who appreciate the finer details. Cobb & Co Court Boutique Hotel is another 4 star rated alternative in an excellent location to see the region.
There’s no shortage of quaint holiday homes and B&B’s to book in Mudgee, but with popularity rising, it’s best to book your accommodation as far in advance as possible if you have something specific in mind. Websites like Stayz and Airbnb show are the best way to find what’s available.
For a lower key option, pack your tent or fuel up the caravan and head to one of the campsites in the area. Old Barra or Mudgee Riverside Tourist Park are crowd controlled to ensure your camp adventure is peaceful. If you like the idea of camping but don’t want to invest in all the necessary equipment, you can take it up a notch and go glamping instead with Sierra Escapes.
For a truly immersive experience, a farmstay is an idyllic way to experience country life in Mudgee. The farmhouse at Blue Wren Farm is a classic country retreat set amongst the vineyards and cherry orchard on a working property. The five bedroom farmhouse is equipped with a large kitchen and living area and is completed by a gorgeous wrap around verandah with lounges for you to enjoy every angle of the sprawling grounds. Ideal for any time of year thanks to the central heating and cooling system, large pool and outdoor fire pit. Waking up to the early morning Mudgee air on a quiet property like Blue Wren Farm is the reset you need to unwind.
With so many things to do in Mudgee do you hear a weekend escape calling? Plan your trip to stay and explore Mudgee NSW right now.