Must-see spots in Mudgee - Australian Traveller

Much of the magic of Mudgee has to do with the fact it offers a proper escape to the country, with all the trimmings. Find out why Mudgee was named both NSW and Australia’s Top Tourism Town in 2022 – and came in at no.5 on your list of Top 50 Aussie Towns.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here.

What awaits travellers in Mudgee?

Mudgee, home to tribes from the Wiradjuri Nation , feels far from the highway. You get a sense of space here, as the road from Sydney steadily gains elevation through the Blue Mountains before stretching into the broad Cudgegong Valley beyond.

Stroll around Mudgee’s charming streetscape. (Image: Destination NSW)

Mudgee is memorable for many reasons. For starters, there are no traffic lights in the town centre, which means you can change down a few gears while exploring its charming main streets and broad boulevards, known for its Federation-style buildings.

Interest in the municipality of Mudgee is also high thanks to its collection of world-class wineries, quirky cellar doors, authentic farm-to-table eateries and five-star accommodation, all of which act like a beacon for gourmands.

Where to eat & drink

The cafe culture in Mudgee is strong, and built around the premise that we all need to switch off. Starting the day with a two-hour breakfast that extends into lunch is perfectly okay. And having a glass of wine in the early afternoon is considered entirely appropriate.

flavourful meal at The Zin House — Dine at The Zin House. (Image: Destination NSW)

While there might not be any traffic lights, you will want to come to a halt at Mudgee Corner Store , which is a hub in this small community and where you can pick up premium provisions for a picnic.

Alby & Esthers , located in an 1873 terrace in a cobblestoned corner of Mudgee, is also hugely popular for its jaffles.

Lowe Family Wine Co is one of the organic and biodynamic farms that sealed Mudgee’s reputation as a top spot for a short break. Pass the day here enjoying a charcuterie platter at the rustic cellar door, glass of wine in hand, or at The Zin House , known for its long paddock-to plate lunches with paired wines.

grape farm at De Beaurepaire Wines — One of the vineyards behind Mudgee’s world-class wineries.

You can also taste the terroir at De Beaurepaire Wines in nearby Rylstone, where Richard de Beaurepaire channels his French ancestors with his approach to winemaking. Enjoy a tutored Tour de Vin tasting at the cellar door, which is housed in rustic 170-year-old stables.

Go deep and learn about Indigenous culture during a Warakirri Dining by Indigiearth degustation, led by pioneering local woman Sharon Winsor.

The former Mudgee Post Office is now Three Tails Brewery , the makeover of which includes the Smokin Bro & Co Smokehouse out back, a great enhancement to the town. Mudgee Brewing Co , in a 100-year-old building in the town centre, is also a must.

Where to play

There’s a lot to do in Mudgee besides sipping on elegant wines, but of course that’s also a solid option. Get the lay of the land on a self-guided birdwatching tour of the Putta Bucca Wetlands, go hot-air ballooning over the landscape with Balloon Aloft or glide through the waters of the Ganguddy with Southern Cross Kayaking.

hot-air ballooning in Mudgee — Enjoy a hot-air balloon ride over Mudgee. (Image: Destination NSW)

As well as strolling the shops and boutiques in the low-key main streets of Mudgee, you can cover more ground by hiring an e-bike from Ezyride Mudgee or go further afield on a Hop & Grape Trail with Country Escape Tours , which showcases the best beer, wine and spirits in the region.

Epicureans looking to upskill in the kitchen should sign up for a lesson at The Little Cooking School , which has a rotating roster of options ranging from pasta masterclasses to cannoli making workshops.

Pipeclay Pumphouse at Robert Stein Vineyard & Winery deserves special mention as a destination in its own right: don your best leather boots and prepare to fall hard for this restaurant known for its fine-dining menu paired with top drops that sing of NSW’s Central West.

Where to stay

While ‘I’m going on holiday to Mudgee’ was once shorthand for ‘I’m going away for the weekend to drink wine’, there are now seriously smart cabins and charming boutique accommodation that makes a weekend stay in Mudgee magical for teetotallers, too.

Prepare to do a few ‘boast posts’ on Instagram when you book a stay at the Riverlea Cottage , Riverlea Stables or The Wandering Grape, which are all beautifully realised retreats set in the town’s scenic surrounds.

See kangaroos grazing on the grounds at Strikes Mudgee , or go off-grid at Evamor Valley and Glenayr Farm where you can get the cellar door to come to you via Exclusively Mudgee.

striking guesthouse at Strikes Mudgee — Stay closer to nature at Strikes Mudgee. (Image: Destination NSW)

kangaroos hopping around Glenayr Farm — Watch kangaroos hopping by Glenayr Farm’s scenic landscape. (Image: Destination NSW)

The architect-designed Gawthorne’s Hut is also a go-to for an ‘Escape to the Country’. The boutique-y Perry Street Hotel, and Shed by Zin at Lowe Family Wine Co also make for a memorable stay in Mudgee.

Looking for something altogether more quirky? Wilgowrah Church , in the foothills of Mudgee, is a temple to well-thought-out heritage restoration. And if you want to see the grape-to-glass philosophy in full swing, book a stay at Yeates Wines, which is just minutes from Mudgee.

Explore more of Mudgee in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Top Towns for 2022: Beyond the world-class wineries in Mudgee