exploringMudgee

If you’re travelling from Sydney to Mudgee, you’ll find the wine town located 268km northwest, approximately three-and-a-half hours’ drive; 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 regional 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.

You need 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 region’s incredible attractions. From soaking up the natural beauty of the Cudgegong River on a kayak to packing your itinerary full of romantic 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.

The 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.

Being an inland town, the mercury in Mudgee can rise 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. 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.

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, we’ve pulled together the dreamiest accommodation in town; each is an ideal base for urban explorers looking for a mix of convenience and luxurious contemporary-styled accommodation. Our pick? The chic new Clairfield Hotel.

Travellers wanting to really dive deep into Mudgee’s authentic country town charm will love the wide array of B&B, Airbnb and guest houses to choose from.

Luxury lovers will be relieved to read that the glamping trend has well and truly made its way to Mudgee with a host of incredible glamping options. Expect outdoor hot tubs, open campfires and breathtaking views of rolling Mudgee hillsides; it’s enough to turn even the most extravagant traveller into an off-the-grid enthusiast.

The good news is even if you don’t opt for a tent with all the trimmings, those spectacular views can be admired from Mudgee’s caravan and camping sites as well. It’s also worth mentioning that Mudgee is a Recreational Vehicle friendly region so visitors can take comfort in knowing that they’ll be able to always find a safe spot to park and set up home.

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). Squeeze every drop out of your weekend getaway by taking up these top Mudgee wine tours and experiences.

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 taste tour of Mudgee’s best restaurants. 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 cafe. 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. And end the day at one of the town’s buzzing breweries or bars.