What comes to mind when you think about a weekend away? If you’re not thinking of Mudgee, you’re dead wrong. I said what I said.
There’s nothing quite like being out in the country, staring out into the horizon, and being surrounded by hills, bodies of water, and the sweet, picturesque landscape. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to do just that for 72 blissful hours earlier this month when I was invited to spend some time in Mudgee with my partner, and boy, was it a weekend to rave about.
So, without further adieu, here’s everything I got up to in Mudgee. Think good food, great vibes, and oh so much wine.
Nibbles for days
The food I was treated to was insane. Like, I’d truly never had dining experiences like these.
I was lucky enough to enjoy meals at Mudgee Brewing Co, Alby + Esthers, The Prince of Wales Hotel in Gulgong, Pipeclay Pumphouse, Roth’s Wine Bar + Cellar, and 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha & Tea House. Each meal had me remembering the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, because I wanted to be able to eat so much more.
I have to give a particular shoutout to Pipeclay Pumphouse, who surprised us with their picks for entrees, mains, and dessert. Honestly, that was the best lamb I think I’ve ever eaten. I really have been changed for good.
We also enjoyed some coffee and donuts at Old Wheels Grind, which serves you right from a vintage Land Rover. They even had an old Melbourne train that provided indoor seating, too. Vibes aside, it was also delish. Special shoutout to their handmade gelato that had me borderline drooling at 10am.
Activities and fun times, oh my!
If you thought Mudgee was just for wine tastings and lounging around, you thought wrong.
I mean, sure, you can totally do that if that’s what you want, but there’s so much more you can get up to.
Of particular note was the Icons of Pop Exhibition that showcases select pieces from the National Art Gallery in the Mudgee Arts Precinct. Currently, original pieces from Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein are on display, so getting to see those IRL was a pretty big highlight for me.
Plus, something I enjoyed about the exhibit (and the trip more broadly, really) was all the breathing space. I could hang around and enjoy those artworks for as long as I wanted, and no one was basically jumping down my throat to get a good look too. It definitely made for one hell of an Instagram post, that’s for sure.
We also ventured through The Drip, an iconic hiking trail in the Goulburn River National Park that treated us to the most beautiful bushland views. Perched on a rock, staring out into the creek, I found myself thinking about how this was quite literally one of the best trips I’d been on. Now, that very well might have been because I didn’t have to pay a single cent, but I digress.
On our last day, we also enjoyed a guided kayak tour along the Cudgegong River in Wollemi National Park. Shout out to our guide, Cindy from Southern Cross Kayaking, who was insanely informative and gave us all the tea on the area. Wealth of knowledge is putting it lightly.
What you’ve been waiting for
If there’s one thing Mudgee’s known for, it’s the wineries — and for good reason, too.
Kicking off with the big dogs, we enjoyed drinks and a tour of Lowe Family Wine Co by David Lowe himself. The man clearly knew his stuff, too. I never thought I could learn so much about wine in one sit-down, but hey, I was wrong.
We enjoyed four different wineries on day two — Gooree Park, Rosby Wines, and Robert Stein Winery. Each one of these were so unique in their experiences that I couldn’t even recommend one over the other. If I was you, I’d just visit all of ’em. Go on.
So, let this be your sign
When you’re booking your next weekend away, Mudgee’s the place to go. I’d even recommend chucking in that extra day like I did. Sure, you could do a shorter trip to tackle all the wineries, but for the real experience (food, galleries, and bushwalks included), you’ll want that extra time. It’s a blessing — trust me on this.
I can’t wrap this up, either, without a special mention to Evamor Valley, our lovely accommodation for the weekend. I have literally never in my life been glamping — and who would’ve known what an experience it would be! Aside from a violent 5am storm one morning that had me fearing for my life, it was such a cool time.
Happy weekending, besties!!!! Lots of love, an official Mudgee stan <3
The author of this article travelled to Mudgee as a guest of Mudgee Region Tourism.
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