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.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

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