Mudgee’s stylish new escape

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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Incredible food, stylish amenities, and country hospitality await at the chic new The Clairfield hotel.

Picturesque Mudgee is renowned for its spectacular wines, fresh produce, and natural beauty. But the latest drawcard for heading to the region is the newly-opened The Clairfield Hotel. The accommodation masters the blend of country hospitality and modern design and is perfect for anyone looking to get away from the city for a long weekend. 

From sourcing ingredients from local farmers for its menus to collaborating with regional artisans for its decor, The Clairfield Hotel celebrates the very soul of Mudgee.

Here’s everything you need to know before you book.

Location

Mudgee is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney. The Clairfield is situated on one of the town’s main roads—Sydney Road—meaning you are conveniently placed to explore the surrounding wineries and the main shopping precinct.

The Clairfield, Mudgee
The Clairfield is in a prime spot for exploring the region.

Style and character

There’s a lot to love about the style of The Clairfield Hotel which was designed to connect with the landscape. Cat Cossettini from Habitat Living was called upon to decorate the guest rooms while Michelle Faure from Mooikin Design Studio the public areas. 

The Clairfield, Mudgee
The hotel’s use of pink takes inspiration from spring cherry blossoms.

From the pendants crafted by a local ceramicist to the high-end furnishings, attention to detail is prevalent throughout. Modern yet warm, the colour palette draws inspiration from the surrounding eucalypts, autumn leaves, and spring cherry blossoms in the form of marble, linen, tiling, and feature walls. Spotted gum joinery, brass detailing, and sandstone crazy paving bring timeless sophistication to the design.

The Clairfield Mudgee
A woven artwork reminiscent of Mudgee’s undulating landscape brings texture and colour to the lobby.

The onsite dining destinations anchor the hotel, featuring a teal tile-clad central fireplace, monolithic pink marble bar, light timber furnishings, and olive trees. 

Gigis Mudgee
The onsite dining destinations boast a contemporary yet warm aesthetic.

Facilities

The Clairfield shows its focus on wellness with its swimming pool, gym, steam room and wellness studio.

The pool area is reminiscent of those in Palm Springs and sits in the middle of the hotel grounds. Here you’ll find daybeds with umbrellas to unwind at and they’ve also thoughtfully placed a trolley filled with towels and sunscreen for guests to use. Adjoining the pool area is a communal outdoor area with tables and chairs and a central fireplace.

The Clairfield, Mudgee
Take a refreshing dip or relax poolside at this Palm Springs-inspired oasis.

A few steps from here are the steam room and small onsite gym fitted with modern equipment.

If the fresh country air isn’t enough, bring further Zen to your trip by booking a session at the chic wellness studio, Jila where you’ll find a a relaxation space, two infrared saunas, and float therapy rooms. 

Jila, The Clairfield
Jila wellness studio features infrared saunas and float therapy rooms.

There is onsite parking for guests as well as a conference centre.

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Rooms

Where many hotels might skimp on decorating guestrooms with high-end furnishings, The Clairfield does not. Every room has been thoughtfully decorated in high-end furnishings from Sarah Ellison, Design by Them, RJ Living, and I Love Linen.

The Clairfield, Mudgee
The serene guest rooms feature thoughtful details.

Rooms range from the comfortable Olive Queen to the spacious Summer Suite, and all feature tasteful art, crisp linen bedding, linen robes, and La Gaia amenities.

Families should book The Olive Family Room which offers two adjoining rooms, one with three single beds, and the other with a king-size bed. 

The Clairfield, Mudgee
The colour palette draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape.

Of all the rooms available, the Master Suite and Spring Suite are the most luxurious and include Samsung frame TVs, round freestanding baths, and Reuben Hill coffee. The Summer Residence is also equipped with a kitchenette and an outdoor area. 

The Clairfield, Mudgee
The Spring Suite comfortably sleeps four guests.

Food and drink

Dining at a hotel restaurant often feels lazy, but the food and drink offerings at The Clairfield Hotel are not to be missed. Helmed by Sam Potter, dining destinations Gigi’s and The Flour Bin celebrate the best of Mudgee produce, in a delicious blend of Modern Australian meets Italian cuisine.

The Clairfield Mudgee
The blush bar is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner tipple.

Gigi’s has already cemented itself as one of the region’s best restaurants. For breakfast, don’t miss the smashed avo and feta on house pumpkin and rosemary focaccia, and the coconut pannacotta, quince, rhubarb, and maple granola. Guests will be pleased to know the coffee is top-notch as well.

Gigi's Mudgee
Enjoy Mudgee produce in a contemporary setting.

For dinner, expect exciting flavours in dishes such as grilled local cabbage, pickled mustard seeds, hot honey, tarragon burnt and honey pannacotta with elderflower granita, meringue, and white chocolate, paired alongside a range of local wines. 

Gigi's Mudgee
The menu blends Modern Australian and Italian cuisines.

The 30-seat The Flour Bin is around the corner and offers a more casual dining experience. Perch yourself at the pink bar or at one of the highchairs to enjoy woodfired pizzas and small bites alongside one of many local wines. 

The Flour Bin, Mudgee
Enjoy small bites alongside Mudgee wines at The Flour Bin.

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Accessibility

The Clairfield caters for wheelchair users and those who are vision impaired.

Family-friendly

With its swimming pool, family rooms, parking, and onsite dining venues, The Clairfield is a great choice for families. 

Details

Address: 1 Sydney Rd, Mudgee

Best for: Anyone looking for a stylish country getaway.

Cost: From $230 per night.

 

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
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From hot springs to tasty treats: your wellness guide to Gippsland Lakes

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    Rest and recuperate in the East Gippsland region, a haven of natural hot springs, seasonal festivals and really tasty things to eat.

    It’s about this time of year that the buzz of the summer holidays is well and truly behind us, and the pressures of the day-to-day are starting to pile up. The solution? A proper weekend escape, ideally one with a focus on rest, relaxation and total reset.

    East Gippsland delivers all three in spades. Here, you’ll find charming towns, natural scenery alive with wildlife and easygoing experiences – think steamy hot springs and idyllic lakefront stays that practically force you to unwind.

    The Gippsland Lakes are one of the region’s highlights, a sprawling network of glassy waterways with a seriously calming atmosphere. Spend a few days here, and you’ll be well and truly recharged.

    Here’s where to eat, stay, explore and unwind for a wellness-focused weekend in this gorgeous region.

    Getting there

    aerial of lakes entrance
    Visit lakeside villages like Lakes Entrance.

    East Gippsland is a patchwork of towns, each with its own personality: coastal gems like Marlo and Mallacoota, lakeside villages including Metung, Paynesville and Lakes Entrance and a smattering of inland communities.

    From Melbourne, getting to each is easy. The region can be reached by car in around four hours, just a smooth drive along the Princes Highway.

    If you’re driving to or from Sydney, many of the towns sit along the legendary Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive, which winds its way through Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Marlo and Mallacoota.

    Having a car makes exploring the region a breeze, as you can pull over at farm gates, take scenic detours and go at your own relaxing pace.

    Winter delights

    Bruthen Medieval event at East Gippsland Winter Festival
    Experience that East Gippsland Winter Festival. (Credit: Naomi Rahim)

    Winter is a particularly good time to visit. The East Gippsland Winter Festival is a raucous celebration of wintery food, drink, music and experiences, taking place over an entire month and in different towns.

    Expect re-enactments, games, roving performances and fiery displays at the Bruthen Medieval event. Feast your way through regional bites and watch live wood carving and a hotly contested dumpling-eating competition in the waterside town of Metung. Head to Lakes Entrance for one of the festival’s signature events, Lakes Lights: Gardens of the Galaxy – a slightly cosmic and totally mesmerising display of lights. Or book a seat at the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch. This long-table feast stretches across the entire bridge, with sweeping river views and top-tier local produce.

    Where to stay

    Metung Hot Springs
    Rejuvinate at Metung Hot Springs.

    Metung is also a much-loved destination for natural hot springs – warm mineral pools believed to restore and detoxify the system. Here, you’ll find a network of tranquil springs fed with water sourced 500m below the surface, all at varying temperatures but with a healthy mix of soothing minerals and trace elements. Each looks over the stunning surrounding lakes, only adding to the sense of serenity.

    Extend the relaxation by booking into Metung Hot Springs. The property is home to a collection of glamping tents – either perched on the hillside or overlooking the lagoon – that deliver after-hours access to the springs. These are no ordinary tents; expect plush linens, beautifully curated furnishings, warm service and a complimentary gourmet breakfast delivered daily.

    Alternatively, book a night or two at Idle Lake House – a gorgeously appointed hideaway in Lakes Entrance. The aesthetic is moody, modern and very cool, and the property is situated right on the water’s edge with floor-to-ceiling windows that immerse you in the surroundings.

    Where to eat

    table spread at Sodafish in east gippsland victoria
    Sit down at the floating restaurant, Sodafish. (Credit: We Are Explorers)

    Given its wealth of fresh seafood and exceptional produce, East Gippsland is home to a vast selection of eateries, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.

    For something a little bit fancy, Sardine Dining in Paynesville is a must-visit. The hatted restaurant serves a seasonal seafood-focused menu made with premium local ingredients, while the adjoining wine bar is a top spot for a regional drop and a light snack.

    If you’re after a relaxed bite, Sodafish in Lakes Entrance is your best bet. This floating restaurant sits right atop the water, with a vibrant and fresh menu centred on locally caught seafood. Anything off the menu is delicious, but the whole roasted snapper and locally sourced fish and chips are standouts.

    Or luxuriate with a long afternoon at the nearby Slipway. This waterfront dining precinct hosts a mix of vendors serving casual food, craft drinks and regionally made goods.

    Exploring the great outdoors and local culture

    wild koala in the tree
    Keep an eye out for the locals. (Credit: Tyson Mayr)

    No wellness weekend would be complete without immersing yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of East Gippsland’s outdoors.

    Head to Raymond Island – a small island just off Paynesville – to spot local koalas along the Koala Trail. This two-kilometre stretch is one of the few places where you can see koalas doing their thing in their natural habitat, with more than 200 living on the island. Leave the car in Paynesville; the trail can only be accessed on foot.

    Next, explore the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail, which starts in Colquhoun and ends in Lakes Entrance. Across 23 kilometres, you’ll spot native flora and fauna (including lace goannas) and pass by remnants of the tramway that once serviced timber workers in the area.

    Finish up your East Gippsland jaunt with a visit to Gunaikurnai Cultural Hub. The centre houses an Aboriginal Art Gallery displaying contemporary works by Aboriginal artists, and a Bush Cafe serving breakfast and lunch classics and excellent cakes. Pick up a slice and a coffee for your trip back to the city.

    Start planning the ultimate wellness escape in Gippsland Lakes at visitgippsland.com.au.