Mudgee Caravan Parks: Here's Everything You Need To Know

Tap in your tentpoles and pop your top at these beautiful campsites and caravan parks in Mudgee and her surrounds.

From adorable Airbnbs to stylish glampsites, Mudgee lays out a spread of incredible accommodation for travellers and revellers alike. But when it comes to more modest escapes that hero nature over luxury, you’ll also find plenty of places to camp out.

Read on for our round-up of caravan parks to plug in your motorhome, cabins to keep kids contained and entertained, and secluded, 4WD-only spots in picturesque national parks. No matter how barebones or facility-friendly you’d like your stay to be, there’s a humble slab, clearing or cabin ready to welcome you.

BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park

BIG4 Holiday Parks are the saving grace for campers who enjoy a smoother experience. There are affordable cabin options in addition to the site accommodation, and the comfortable oasis comes with all the basic features we’ve come to expect from holiday parks. Find amenities blocks, barbecues, a camp kitchen, board games, laundries with washing machines and dryers, a pool table, a convenience store and much more.

The town centre is just minutes away, although with so many free activities, playgrounds, a seasonal kids’ club pool and colourful jumping pillow on offer in the park, it might just lose its appeal for families looking for the easiest – and most relaxing – option.

Mudgee Riverside Park

Owners Ian and Lynn Mitchell welcome you to Mudgee’s most centrally located tourist park, Mudgee Riverside Park . A beautiful shady haven on the edge of the CBD, this cosy spot is the perfect jumping-off point for all of Mudgee’s best attractions.

Whatever your need – a tent down by the river, caravan site, self-contained cabin or villa – Riverside has you covered. There are powered and unpowered sites, a playground, laundry, camp kitchen and more. Dogs are allowed with permission on tent and powered sites.

Gulgong Tourist Park

Gulgong town centre — Stay just 10 minutes from the centre of Gulgong. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bunk into one of the spacious and sweet one- or two-bedroom cabins surrounded by idyllic rural scenery at this well-maintained park just a 10-minute stroll to the centre of Gulgong. Or roll up in your camper trailer, motorhome or caravan (with your four-legged companion) to settle in for a relaxed stay at one of the large powered sites or pitch your tent at an unpowered site.

There’s a golf course within five minutes’ walk, should you like to swing your clubs; otherwise, get out into nature at the nearby Yarrobil National Park. A camp kitchen and barbecue area are there to share, as well as a basic amenities block.

Cudgegong Waters Park

Camp by Windamere Dam. (Image: Destination NSW)

Unfurling down to the banks of Windamere Dam, Cudgegong Waters Park is perhaps one of the prettiest places to park in the region. Keen anglers will rush to cast out for the dam’s resident golden perch, catfish and Murray cod, while boaties will be chuffed to find the only boat ramp access to the dam right in the park. You can also swim, kayak, canoe and water ski here, leaving little reason to stray too far, especially given there’s a cafe onsite serving up classics from croissants to pies and schnitzels every day of the week.

Accommodation-wise, there are powered and unpowered sites and self-contained cabins with access to kitchenettes, barbecues, amenities block, laundry and dump sites. In the cooler months, there are fire drums to huddle around as you gaze toward the pristine night sky. Dogs are also welcome at the outdoor sites.

Mudgee Valley Park

Just a relaxed amble from the town centre, yet within easy cooee from Mudgee’s beautiful wineries, Mudgee Valley Park ticks boxes for laidback group get-togethers, family getaways or just a low-key minibreak. You’re welcomed here with warm country hospitality and ample amenities to keep you entertained, such as a swimming pool, playground and a games room. There’s also a camp kitchen and barbecue facilities for cooking up all those locally produced goodies you picked up at the farmer’s market, and a convenient kiosk and laundry facilities on site. Tents can be pitched or bed down in a cosy cabin. It’s basic, yes, but great bang for your buck.

Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground

camping at Dunns Swamp mudgee — Camp on the banks of Dunns Swamp. (Image: Destination NSW)

Folded within the World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park, the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground is a bush-hemmed paradise that perches by the water’s edge. Formed in the 1920s, the waterway is man-made and the result of a nearby weir; however, it’s so blended into the landscape you’d never guess its origin story. Here, amid the scribbly gums and rock pergolas, wallabies sniff the morning air and water hens stalk the swamp’s edge.

Stay still, and you might even glimpse secretive platypus and reclusive long-necked turtles. Glide out on a kayak or SUP, cast a line out or take a bushwalk in pursuit of birdlife. There are sites for tents, caravans and campervans, and facilities are rudimentary, so you’ll need to bring your own drinking water, cooking water and firewood. But what it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in serenity.

Rylstone Caravan Park

Updates to the Rylstone Caravan Park have been in the works for a while and were completed in May 2024. Expect to be met with a fresh amenities block and other brand-spanking upgrades. If you’re road-tripping or looking to travel sans pretension, this pretty spot, just a 13-minute walk to the town’s high street, welcomes with both powered and unpowered sites, a camp kitchen and laundry.

Old Bara Campground

Old Bara is the real deal for those seeking an authentic bush break. The 1100-acre cattle property provides oodles of space to park your van or pitch a tent. There are amenity blocks onsite and water on tap (drinking and other). But no showers, so be prepared for bush bathing only. It’s a small price to pay for immersion in nature with a range of wildlife going about their business unbothered by the occasional camper.

There are several walking and cycling tracks to explore on foot or two wheels or go for a swim in the creek. Kayaks and small boats are also welcome. While the property is picturesque in its own right, the Picnic Spot is one of the most advantageous places to enjoy it. Situated at the top of the hill, sit back and enjoy a glass of wine while feasting on panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Hillsdale Farm

If you have a 4WD and a penchant for sunsets, steer yourself to this beautifully rustic camping spot on the 140-acre working Hillsdale Farm . You’ll find a clearing near the dam with views of the valley and Mount Frome diverting your attention as you get to setting up camp.

With only one booking permitted at a time for a maximum of five people, this stay is for adventurers who relish off-grid privacy, but if you have a well-behaved pet, they’re welcome to share the solitude with you. Contemplate the night sky as you stoke your campfire and should you feel the pull to Mudgee’s vine delights, town is only 10 minutes away.

Mudgee Showground

aerial shot of mudgee streets — Camp right in the Mudgee action. (Image: Destination NSW)

There isn’t much that can’t be done at Mudgee Showground ; stable your horse, hold an event, and, of course, pitch a tent. Choose from 58 camping sites available – 25 powered sites and 33 unpowered – and enjoy the luxury of all basic facilities. The best part? You could not be more centrally located to the restaurants, pubs, arts, and parks Mudgee has to offer.

For more accommodation in Mudgee, read our travel guide to the region.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

A guide to the best caravan parks and campsites in Mudgee