The 8 Cosiest Mudgee Airbnb stays | Australian Traveller

Curl up by the fire at these stylish stays in beautiful, vine-filled Mudgee.

Retreat to the country to unwind among Mudgee’s rural beauty and incredible wineries. Here, in the NSW town and her bucolic surrounds, cooler weather beckons with an array of cosy stays. From generous riverside barns to sweet, woodland cabins and downtown terraces, you’ll find the perfect Airbnb to settle in and warm up.

1. Highgrove Cottage

Highgrove Cottage mudgee airbnb — Relax on the verandah with a drink in hand at Highgrove Cottage. (Image: Airbnb)

You had us at a hot tub on the deck. Add wine, and we’re all in. This hilltop cottage offers 360-degree views across Mudgee, complete with vine-threaded undulations, which you can absorb from that aforementioned hot tub.

But the two-bedroom Highgrove Cottage is also a stylish stay complete with a full kitchen, chic design, cosy touches of timber floors and indoor fireplace, and a separate studio for additional guests. It’s gorgeous inside, but you’ll struggle to draw your eyes from the muted tones of the rural landscape beyond.

Best for: A couple of couples happy to share a hot tub
Location: Eurunderee, Mudgee

2. Gawthorne’s Hut

Gawthorne’s Hut mudgee airbnb — Go for a romantic off-grid interlude at the triangular-shaped Gawthorne’s Hut.(Image: Airbnb)

All the way up there for design-led cosiness, this triangular-shaped Gawthorne’s Hut has been voted ‘Best Unique Stay’ by Airbnb’s host awards and has been featured in architecture publications. It’s no surprise this one-bedroom wedge of a stay has snagged so much adoration with its luxe, off-grid design being the stuff of eco-dreams.

While it’s not suitable for kids or infants, it is very suited to cosy lock-ins with a king bed, air-con, kitchenette and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing sweeping Mudgee valley views.

Best for: Architecture boffins looking for a romantic off-grid interlude
Location: Mudgee

3. Wilgowrah Church

Wilgowrah mudgee airbnb — Settle into this 1920s country church turned Airbnb in Mudgee.(Image: Airbnb)

You’ll love going to church in this heritage-listed deconsecrated abode. Keeping true to its original form, but with stylish, modern design updates, this gorgeous 1920s country church has been tenderly restored to welcome couples. Just six kilometres from Mudgee, you’ll be close to town and wineries, while feeling transported to a bygone era.

There’s a cosy fireplace to huddle around as you admire the cathedral-style ceilings and textural brickwork, as well as an outdoor firepit, air-con and full kitchen at your disposal.

Best for: History buffs who like a quiet space.
Location: Mudgee

4. Resteasy at Sunset Cabin

Resteasy at Sunset Cabin mudgee airbnb — Resteasy at Sunset Cabin has an outdoor tub to soak in under the stars. (Image: Airbnb)

An almost rustic rural retreat for those looking to deep-dive into their surrounds, Resteasy at Sunset Cabin is a one-bedroom stay that offers all the charm of a bush shack, while ensuring guests are abundantly comfortable.

There’s a claw-foot bathtub outside for soaks under the stars, a firepit, barbecue, coffee machine and electric fireplace. It’s cosiness all wrapped up in corrugated iron walls with mountain views waiting to be revealed in the misty morning.

Best for: Laidback country charm
Location: Frog Rock

5. Thistle Hill Mudgee

Thistle Hill mudgee airbnb — Settle into the luxury Thistle Hill Mudgee lodge with your crew. (Image: Airbnb)

Agrarian beauty abounds at this stunning homestead set among pinot noir vines and olive trees. Sleeping six, you can settle into the luxury Thistle Hill Mudgee lodge with your crew and lean into rural living, from catching yabbies in the dam and wandering the 100 acres to sipping morning cups of tea while listening to local birdlife.

In winter, an inviting indoor fireplace crackles into life, and you can huddle around the fire pit come evening, while in summer a private pool beckons for refreshing dips. All this, and you’re just 10 minutes’ drive from Mudgee.

Best for: Groups and families looking to lock in and unwind
Location: Mudgee

6. Black Springs

Black Springs mudgee airbnb — Bed down at this bush-surrounded retreat in Black Springs. (Image: Airbnb)

Consider your cabin goals reached at this idyllic, bush-surrounded retreat. Set on 33 acres, Black Springs is located only 10 minutes from Mudgee, but huddled amid tall trees in this charming cottage, you’ll feel wonderfully secluded from the outside world.

Inside the studio, country vibes are well maintained with elegant but sympathetic styling in heritage tones of cool green and warm wood. Snuggle fireside, sink into a warm bath, and watch resident wildlife, such as kangaroos, mooch about from the porch.

Best for: Lumberjack lovers
Location: Budgee Budgee

7. The Black Shed

Black Shed mudgee airbnb — The rustic-luxe Black Shed presides over a working vineyard. (Image: Airbnb)

Leaning into a rustic-luxe aesthetic, the architecturally designed Black Shed presides over a working vineyard and out to the attention-stealing vistas of Lawsons Creek and Mount Buckaroo. The cosy checklist is all here, from indoor wood-burning fireplace, timber finishes and artful styling, to full-kitchen, bathtub and barbecue.

Sleeping up to five across two bedrooms, you can bring your four-legged friend or children, or both, but do be aware farm animals do free-range on the property. Only five kilometres away from Mudgee, exploring town is a cinch.

Best for: Snug family time
Location: Milroy

8. The Gully

The Gully mudgee airbnb — Be surrounded by towering pines at The Gully. (Image: Airbnb)

This hidden away hut is straight from the set of a rom-com, where the protagonists cosy up under the moon in a clawfoot bath, of course. Hemmed by towering pines and gums, and rustically timber-clad, The Gully also has strong Hansel and Gretel overtones.

Inside, however, there’s no wicked witch, just cottage-luxe styling and beautifully restored original features. Stoke the wood-burning fire, enjoy a drink on the porch and make use of the full kitchen.

If you don’t feel like cooking, grazing boxes and breakfast hampers can be arranged. With no wi-fi, all entertainment will be analogue, but that’s all the better for romance, we think.

Best for: Cabin romance
Location: Budgee Budgee

For more inspiration, read our ultimate travel guide to Mudgee before you book.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

The 8 cosiest places in Mudgee to book on Airbnb