Most people aren’t aware that the name Mudgee was named after the Wiradjuri term, Moothi meaning nest in the hills. Many areas around Mudgee also stem from Wiradjuri names such as Gulgong, which implies a gully, and Lue, meaning Loowee, a chain of waterholes. 

Mudgee became a municipality back in 1860, which makes it the second oldest west of the Great Dividing Range; surprisingly, there was a population of 1,500, considering that today Mudges’s population is at 10,923.

How to get to Mudgee from Sydney

Sydney to Mudgee drive time is approximately a 3.5-hour drive, and it is located in the Central West of NSW; it is about the same distance as Newcastle, which is on the east coast of NSW. No car? No problem! Click here for more details.

You can also fly to Mudgee from Sydney, which is just under an hour’s flight time. Sydney to Mudgee flights are with Pelican, a New South Wales regional airline. 

There is also a Sydney to Mudgee train, approximately 5.25 hours from Central Station. 

Things to do in Mudgee

For such a small town, there is plenty to keep you busy during your time in Mudgee, and although the area is known for being a wine region, there are plenty of other fun things to do during your stay in Mudgee. 

Visit one of the boutique wineries

Visit Lowes Winery, where you can immerse yourself in the whole experience by attending a guided wine tasting and tour. You will be shown through the winery, taste the delicious wine and enjoy a cheese platter. Or, for the entire Lowes experience, why not stay at the shed by zin or eat at the fantastic Zin House

Enjoy a beautiful lunch at the Pipeclay Pumphouse

Booking is essential at this trendy restaurant. The Pipeclay Pumphouse is known for its paddock-to-plate menu. With every ingredient coming straight to you with exceptionally fresh homegrown produce from their own farm. If this is your only stop in the region, team it up with a winery tour at the Robert Stein tasting room, and while you are there, pop by and visit the motorbike museum. 

Try a cellar door with a difference

Two Furlongs wines have been around for forty years; however, eleven years ago, the owners decided to move location to the Fairview Centre. So, during the summer months, come for a wine tasting at the Small Winemakers Centre, including national medal winners from around the Mudgee region. 

Get your taste buds working

While you are at Two Furlongs Wines, drop in next door to the High valley Mudgee Cheese Co for a tasting of some of the best cheese in the region. There is a range of different cheeses here, and some are infused with delicious ingredients. You will also find them at the farmers market every third weekend of the month.

Browse the local produce

The markets in Mudgee are a great way to find little bits of Mudgee to take back with you. Here you will find mainly fresh produce from the local area or Australian-owned products. Check which markets are available before your weekend getaway. 

Sample some delicious spirits and liqueurs at a micro-distillery 

Baker Williams Distillery is a Micro Distillery with handcrafted spirits and liqueurs. The Baker Williams distillery was established in 2012 with a vast range of delicious spirits and liqueurs. Visit the cellar door, where you can taste the beverages yourself. 

Make a reservation at the Mudgee Brewing Co

The Mudgee region is famous for its wine. However, there are other options around the area, and the Mudgee Brewing Co is one of them. So book in and spend an afternoon listening to live music and enjoying an icy cold craft beer. Opened Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to late. 

Take off on a hot air balloon

Can you think of another place in the world that is prettier by air than the Mudgee wine region? So start the morning right with a sunrise hot air balloon ride across the Vineyards. Then enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cade Kitchen, which is situated in one of Mudgees oldest buildings, dating back to 1850.

Explore the main streets in town

Mudgee has many historical buildings in the heart of town, with great little boutiques, beautiful churches and many restaurants and cafes. Browse the many stores, sit back and people-watch at a cafe or wander past heritage-listed buildings. 

Order a steak at the Lawson Park Hotel

This historic pub was built in 1860, and inside, you will find The Red Heifer bistro, famous for its fresh produce, warm hospitality and a wide variety of beef cuts. So sit back and enjoy a cocktail from the bar or sit out in the beer garden in the sun; this busy hotel has that warm country feel as soon as you sit down. 

Pick up a jar of Mudgee honey

You can’t say you’ve been to Mudgee and not picked up something from the Mudgee Honey Haven. You can pick up a jar of delicious flavoured honey or grab one of the many other products made with or from honey at this store. There is also a cafe with a selection of old-time favourites.  

Dance the night away at the Woolpack Hotel

The Woolpack hotel is centrally located and has loads to do during the week and even more during the weekend. So whether it’s Wednesday Bingo and dumplings or Friday night’s live band, this pub stays open to the wee hours of the morning so you can get your boogie on with the locals. The Woolpack hotel also offers excellent reviews on their accommodation. 

Head over to an old mining town

The old gold mining town Gulgong has so much historic country charm you can’t help but love it. Explore the Gulgong Gold experience, open from Wednesday to Sunday; visit the local Gulgong market, which is open on the fourth Saturday of every month; visit the Henry Lawson centre and learn about the man on the $10 note. 

Mudgee Accommodation

Cobb and Court Boutique Hotel 

This hotel is everything you would expect from this part of Mudgee. The Cobb and Court Boutique Hotel is housed in one of Mudgees oldest buildings; the cobblestone pathway is reminiscent of a time when it was used to retire horses for the night while their owners slept upstairs. It is now a buzzing restaurant that is a perfect location for breakfast. The Cobb and Court Boutique Hotel is one of my favourite country hotels, from the historically dated decore to the friendly hospitality and ideal location. 

Parklands Resort & Conference Centre

The Parklands Resort & Conference Centre is in a great location in Mudgee, with ample parking; the rooms are clean and comfortable and won’t break the bank account. Included is a buffet breakfast that won’t make you hungry for the day. It is a little walk into town (approximately 20 minutes), but if you have your car, then it is no problem. 

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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