The town of Mudgee sits on a wide, grassy plain surrounded by vineyards and tree-dotted hills. The town’s name is derived from the Wiradjuri language and literally means “nest in the hills”.
Mudgee is a mid-sized town situated in the Central West of NSW, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive west of Newcastle. The drive out to Mudgee is part of the experience. The road sweeps past wide golden plains, sheep stations, fruit orchards and vineyards. It’s an old pioneer town with many buildings dating back to the mid-1800s. It’s easy to be charmed by Mudgee’s blend of colonial architecture, sophisticated eateries and laid-back country vibe. But in the end, it’s all about the food and wine in Mudgee.
What to do…
1. Stroll Around the Town
The main road takes you right through the town centre of Mudgee. A row of quaint shopfronts lines the main street. On the opposite side you pass the old Town Hall and the castle-like Saint John the Baptist Anglican Church built in 1861. A clock tower stands at the intersection of Church Street and Market Street. You can’t miss the towering spire of Saint Mary of the Presentation Roman Catholic Church which was completed in 1876. If you’re keen on history, you can stay at the Cobb and Co Hotel built in the 1850s and an original stop for the famous Cobb and Co coaches at the time.
2. Grab a Flat White at One of the Many Cafes
There are a number of great cafes in Mudgee but for the atmosphere, you can’t go past Alby and Esther’s. There are probably better places for a meal, but this might be the most charming cafe/bar setting I’ve seen. An arched lane leads to find an alfresco courtyard completely shaded by a gorgeous grapevine. Dappled light sprays across the old brickwork and rustic furniture. Coffee, anyone?
3. Cycle Through the Vineyards
Winemakers have been taking advantage of Mudgee’s rich soils and its warm temperate climate since the 1850s. Cab Sav, Shiraz, Merlot, Riesling, whatever your taste, you’re likely to find a bottle of the local variety right here. There are over 60 vineyards to choose from in Mudgee and cycling is a fun way to get around them. But if you’re bringing kids along then Lowes Family Winery on Tinja Lane is my pick. It’s child-friendly, with plenty of outdoor picnic areas and even some free activities like skittles under the shade of the pines. Bikes are more than welcome and a good way for the kids to explore the large property, while you take in the sweeping country views. Afterwards, you can grab a board of cheese and a glass of their organic wine and find a spot under the trees where the kids can go nuts.
4. The Drip Gorge
Arguably the region’s best natural attraction, The Drip Gorge, is a 40-minute drive from Mudgee. This might be the best short bushwalk I’ve ever done. It’s an easy 2.8-kilometre return walk, suitable for all ages. The trail follows beside a babbling stream, past ancient and majestic sandstone cliffs, overhangs and caves. The scenery around every turn is stunning and tranquil. When you finally arrive at the Great Dripping Wall you’ll be rewarded with a cool pool of water to dip your feet. It’s a special place for the Wiradjuri people and a must-see if you are in the area.
5. Visit the Former Ghost Town of Hill End
Hill End is about an hour from Mudgee along a gorgeous and remote country drive. In the 1870s, Hill End was a sophisticated town with dozens of hotels, streets full of shops, several churches and even a school. The largest gold nugget ever found, the Holtermann Nugget, was unearthed at Hill End in 1872 after a blast of explosives revealed what they called a “wall of gold”. Today, it is a historic site run by National Parks. The number of buildings still standing is amazing. For adults, it’s an easy stroll around several blocks of historic buildings. If you have kids bring their bikes, the streets are quiet and it’s good fun to cycle from site to site. Grab some lunch at the historic Royal Hotel or the Baker & Grocer cafe. These days, you can’t gold pan or fossick in the town, but you can try your luck at a signposted area about four kilometres north.
