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We love rural, small cities for his or her laid-back life-style and heat hospitality. Australia shouldn’t be wanting them, too. Regardless of being a small city, there are many issues to do in Mudgee, New South Wales, which is understood for its wine manufacturing, historic buildings, and vibrant group spirit.
Why, oh why, did we wait 40 years to go to Mudgee? We grew up solely 4 hours away, nevertheless it wasn’t till our 18-month street journey round Australia that we made the trouble to go.
Properly, let me simply say Mudgee, as wine areas go, you’re an awesome various to the Hunter Valley. In reality, you’re our new favorite city in Nation NSW – not simply to your high quality wine, but additionally for the heritage buildings, bustling streets, city parks and nation attraction.
I do know it’s a cliche, however Mudgee is a real hidden gem. It’s a type of cities that you simply go to for five minutes and also you’re already a fan. It has that particular one thing that you could’t wait to find extra of.
After being really useful to go to Mudgee many occasions, we will affirm it gained’t be one other 40 years earlier than we re-visit.
In case you’re undecided what to do in Mudgee, listed here are a few of our favourite sights and locations to go to…
Issues To Do In Mudgee
1. Go to Mudgee Wineries
The spotlight of our go to to Mudgee, was in fact, visiting the wineries. The Mudgee Wine Area shouldn’t be wanting wineries to go to.
We quickly discovered why the Mudgee Wineries are award profitable from the number of wine tasting and wine bars on provide.
While most individuals are acquainted with the beforehand talked about Hunter Valley, Mudgee is rising in recognition and we now know why.
Tour the wineries on bikes
One nice expertise it’s essential to do in Mudgee is bike the wineries.
As a result of they’re shut in proximity to one another, and the terrain is usually flat, it makes for an awesome day trip.
Biking between them put a enjoyable twist on the expertise with our youngsters.
We at all times love exploring locations on our bikes, and getting some contemporary air while taking within the stunning surroundings at a slower tempo was nice between all of the style testing.
Kalyra received so excited she changed into a velocity demon.
Blue Wren Wines
The primary cease on our vineyard day trip was Blue Wren Wines for lunch.
We wanted to eat earlier than our biking and wine tasting day trip, and we received a tip from one in every of our readers that The Blue Wren restaurant is among the finest in Mudgee.
With a beautiful backyard setting and loads of house for the youngsters, it was the right starting.
Huntington Property Wines
In case you solely have time to style check one vineyard, we advise Huntington Property.
It’s only a quick drive from the centre of city for those who’re not biking, and the vary and high quality of their wines have been excellent – we purchased a number of bottles.
The pleasant proprietor was available to speak us by way of the style testing and historical past of the property, and the youngsters have been saved occupied within the little play space.
We’ll be again. And I might like to expertise their annual music competition within the barrel room of the vineyard.
Robert Oatley Vineyards
Are you acquainted with the well-known Sydney to Hobart Yacht race? Properly, Robert Oatley’s tremendous yacht ‘Wild Oats‘ gained that race 4 consecutive occasions. Seems, Robert Oatley Wines are fairly rattling good too.
They’re additionally recognized for his or her Day on the Inexperienced Competition. (extra prime Australian festivals right here)
And the way may we not love a vineyard that had a youngsters play space amongst the wine barrels giving mummy and daddy day out to pattern the wines. We’ll drink to that Robert Oatley.
Lowe Wines
The ultimate cease on our Mudgee wineries bicycle tour was to Lowe Wines.
The wines listed here are licensed natural, style nice, and I believe the setting itself is definitely worth the go to.
Try these views!
Lowe’s additionally hosts many occasions all year long, reminiscent of gala’s and festivals, and has nice degustation dinners for particular events.
Another boutique wineries that we have been really useful by our Fb group are Di Lusso Property and Vineyard, who apparently have nice wooden fired pizza, bocce and wine. The newer, micro-winery quick sheep additionally got here extremely really useful, however we didn’t have an opportunity to go to.
One other small vineyard we have been advised to go to is Moothi Property Wines on the aspect of a hill simply outdoors of Mudgee. It’s run by a beautiful Canadian and his associate.
In case you desire fortified wine, head to the cellar door and winery of Pieter van Gent Vineyard to attempt Mudgee White Port.
One other newish winery (Nineteen Eighties) that’s recognized for its Cabernet Sauvignon is the Elliot Rocke Property, which is price a go to for those who desire purple wines.
We have been additionally really useful Robert Stein Vineyard to dine at their onsite restaurant, Pipeclay Pumphouse, which serves up gourmand dinners with a extra luxurious backdrop overlooking the winery.
It will be an awesome place to go to on a romantic date night time however maybe a bit too dear for a household of 4 who want a fast chew to eat!
2. Go to The Mudgee Brewing Co
We dropped into the native vacationer workplace on arrival in Mudgee, which we at all times advocate you do in any new city, and after we discovered there was a brewery it put an enormous smile on my face.
The timing was excellent, Caz and I have been celebrating our twelfth wedding ceremony anniversary, and what higher solution to have fun than a couple of craft beer drinks on the household pleasant Mudgee Brewery.
We sat outdoors within the little courtyard while inside some reside acoustic music entertained.
We do love our craft beers and weren’t dissatisfied, sorry Australia however your mainstream home stuff doesn’t do it for us anymore.
I extremely advocate you attempt the wheat beer and pale ale beer.
3. Dinner at Lawson Park Lodge
We may have stayed on the Brewery for a meal however we received one other native tip to eat on the Lawson Park Pub.
Turned out to be an awesome suggestion for a rustic pub meal. Children eat free on the Lawson, you may select to cook dinner your personal steaks on the communal BBQ’s, and it was open plan and household pleasant.
The menu was giant and fairly priced with typical meals like your salt & pepper calamari and salmon.
4. Dine at Alby & Esthers Cafe & Wine Bar
In case you’re searching for a restaurant in Mudgee, we advise you drop into the Albey & Esthers Cafe & Wine Bar.
Positioned up a bit alley approach off Market avenue, you may both sit within the backyard courtyard, or get cozy inside and revel in one of many selfmade desserts, toasties, or pastries and a great cup of espresso.
Open Monday to Saturday from 8am – 4pm and Friday & Saturday evenings from 5pm – 10pm.
5. Go to the Mudgee Arts Precinct
Time to stability all that wine tasting with one thing a bit extra cultural.
New to Mudgee sights is the Mudgee Arts Precinct (opened Nov 21) The ability contains gallery areas, a restaurant and cultural workshops, which offer a spot for connecting to native tradition and group.
You’ll discover everlasting exhibitions of Aboriginal artwork, and rotating displays of native and internationally recognized artists. An out of doors sculpture exhibit is within the riverside park close by.
6. Keep at Riverside Caravan Park
With our camper trailer in tow we discovered ourselves a house at Mudgee Riverside Caravan park.
We did get really useful the Massive 4 caravan park barely out of city which has extra in-park amenities for the youngsters, however the very best factor about Riverside is its central location.
We may simply stroll or bike to Mudgee’s historic city centre, it was shady and naturally on the river.
They’ve self-contained cedar cabins or villas, and for those who’re touring like us loads of powered-sites for tenting and caravans.
7. Discover Wollemi Nationwide Park
Nestled only a stone’s throw away from the charming city of Mudgee, lies the breathtaking Wollemi Nationwide Park.
This World Heritage-listed pure gem is understood for its dramatic landscapes and pure magnificence.
You’ll be able to take quick, scenic trails deep into lush forests or go on exhilarating canoeing adventures alongside winding rivers, or go tenting in a single day at one of many many campsites.
For these seeking to discover the fantastic thing about the Mudgee area with out the vineyards, then Wollemi Nationwide Park is a must-visit.
It’s additionally among the best nationwide parks for wildlife recognizing, and is claimed to be residence to wombats, japanese gray kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, broad-headed snakes, regent honeyeaters, a number of types of chook species and 55 species of butterfly.
8. Go to Gulgong Gold Mining City
Simply 30 kilometers from Mudgee is the charming gold mining city of Gulgong, which provides an opportunity to step again in time to the 1870s.
One of many principal sights within the city is the Gulgong Gold Expertise, which is situated on the precise location of the primary gold discover in Gulgong.
You’ll be able to discover a duplicate mining tunnel, full with informative shows, which provides guests a glimpse into the hardships and triumphs of the miners who as soon as labored these grounds.
Gulgong can also be a cute city that’s price exploring outdoors of the gold mining historical past. It has a picturesque downtown space with heritage buildings, charming cafés, and boutique outlets.
9. Marvel At The Night time Skies at Mudgee Observatory
In case you’re thinking about astronomy, then a go to to the Mudgee Observatory is a should. Positioned away from the lights of the city and Ulan mines, the observatory is within the excellent location to discover the darkish skies, offering an unparalleled stargazing expertise.
Search for celestial objects by way of telescopes and binoculars, and be taught concerning the extraordinary universe outdoors our residence on planet Earth from educated workers and informative displays.
Mudgee Observatory shouldn’t be just for astronomy fanatics however for anybody looking for a magical reference to the universe.
10. Swim In Drip Gorge
Positioned roughly 50 kilometers from Mudgee, the Drip Gorge is a hidden pure gem nestled throughout the Goulburn River Nationwide Park.
The Drip strolling observe traverses alongside the Goulburn River and takes you deep into this breathtaking gorge.
The distinctive characteristic of the Drip Gorge is the mesmerizing rock formations from which water cascades, making a serene and picturesque panorama.
Cool off within the rockpools, surrounded by lush ferns and considerable wildlife, or just benefit from the pure retreat from the hustle and bustle of every day life – it’s nicely price trying out.
11. Verify Out ‘Fingers on Rock’ Aboriginal Rock Artwork
Mudgee isn’t well-known for its aboriginal heritage, however that’s to not say it’s not there.
One of the crucial iconic aboriginal rock artwork websites in Mudgee is titled “Fingers on Rock” which was painted by the Wiradjuri individuals. It’s so named as a result of it’s, as you will have guessed, stencils of arms on a rock.
The Wiradjuri individuals have been semi-nomadic and transfer in response to seasonal meals provides and traditions.
The rock artwork is situated a 30 minute drive outdoors of the city of Mudgee, and might be accessed by a brief 15-minute hike. The trailhead might be discovered on the left-hand aspect previous the doorway to The Drip – yow will discover the situation on Google Maps right here.
12. Attend the Mudgee Wine Month (Seasonal)
The Mudgee Wine Month is a Meals and Wine Competition held yearly in September that celebrates the area’s most interesting and most beautiful wines.
Throughout this occasion, you may take pleasure in quite a lot of tastings, meals pairings, and uncover occasions from reside music to trivia nights.
The competition has been operating for over 40 years and gives individuals with a chance to interact with passionate winemakers, pattern scrumptious native produce, and have fun the areas most well-known wines.
13. Kayak at Dunns Swamp
One other nature spot price visiting, situated simply 25 kilometers east of Rylstone and Kandos, is Dunns Swamp (also called Ganguddy).
Set alongside the tranquil banks of the Cudgegong River in Wollemi Nationwide Park, this serene waterway is understood for being a picturesque tenting and picnic space.
Lease a kayak and discover the waters, or cool off with a swim. You may also discover a number of bush walks across the swamp and take within the untouched pure magnificence.
Regardless of its identify, Dunns Swamp shouldn’t be a unclean, murky swamp that you’re in all probability considering of. It was fashioned within the Nineteen Twenties on account of damming the river and is definitely a pristine, clear waterway.
14. Take pleasure in a romantic lux glamping expertise
The final word romantic getaway lives simply outdoors of Mudgee at Sierra Escape. get near beautiful nature, untouched wildlife, and starry skies.
Elouera, a luxurious tiny home at Sierra Escape in Mudgee. Meticulously crafted from a delivery container and providing unparalleled view in the midst of rolling wine nation.
That includes luxurious glamping tents, stress-free bathtubs with views, lavish breakfasts in your deck, and scrumptious wine at your fingertips. That is the Mudgee expertise you’ve been searching for.
Be aware, it’s adults solely, and I’m jealous this wasn’t out there to me after I was within the area!!
See charges and availability right here.
The place to remain in Mudgee
Aside from the locations talked about above, the Mudgee area has a variety of gorgeous and distinctive glamping stays, campgrounds, vacation leases and resorts. Listed below are a couple of to decide on kind and use the map beneath to assist discover the right place and site.
- Positioned within the coronary heart of Mudgee, Perry Road Lodge provides boutique, self-contained lodging inside a historic 1862 constructing. See charges and availability.
- Mudgee’s Parkview Lodge lin city options historic structure and design and 7 boutique rooms to select from. See charges and availability.
- Surrounded by vineyards and providing pretty countryside views, Owl Head Lodge includes a collection of cottage and condominium lodging, near the historic township of Gulgong. See charges and availability.
Last Ideas
There you’ve got it. That ought to provide help to to make your first or subsequent journey to Mudgee memorable.
I’m now placing Mudgee up there with Jervis Bay as our prime locations in NSW that we visited on our Australia street journey.
Extra New South Wales Journey Suggestions
Want extra inspiration to your journey to New South Wales? Try these different guides…
Do you’ve got any suggestions you’ve got for issues to do in Mudgee? What you’re most wanting ahead to experiencing? Tell us within the feedback.
Supply: Breaking Travel News