The Very Best Things To Do In Mudgee Australian Traveller Australian Traveller

There’s more to Mudgee than just eating and drinking – although there is a lot of that, too.

Mudgee is well known as one of the country’s best wine regions, but alongside its award-winning drops, you’ll also discover enchanting nature experiences, a cultural hub of activities and plenty of memorable eats. Here, find the best things to do in Mudgee.

1. Cycle the wineries with Tour de Vine

Cycle the scenic vineyards with Tour De Vines.

Fresh air, country roads and an intense concentration of cellar doors – Mudgee is a mecca ready and waiting for wine lovers. Hop on a bicycle and explore some of the finest scenery and fecund food baskets in all of Australia. The Tour de Vines ‘Tour de Mudgee’ self-guided cellar door cycling tour will see you roll between vineyards with relative ease.

Indulge in a long lunch at Logan Wines , devour an Italian-style aperitivo board at First Ridge , sample the range of High Valley Cheese at The Cellar by Gilbert and go underground at Pieter Van Gant.

This is a great way to indulge in the region’s bounty of wine and produce. And don’t worry about the wobbly ride home – if you have one too many wines, there’s a support vehicle on hand. Check out a full list of wineries and cellar doors in Mudgee to plan ahead.

2. Marvel at Mudgee from the air with Balloon Aloft

Balloon Aloft mudgee — See Mudgee in all its glory in a hot air balloon.

A serene ride in a hot air balloon with Balloon Aloft is the perfect way to see Mudgee in all its glory. Set your alarm for an early start and meet at Cade’s Kitchen in Mudgee. Pile into the basket and ascend above one of the state’s most picturesque places.

The morning sky will reveal views of the iconic vineyards below, as well as the townships of Rylstone, Kandos, Hill End and more. The sunrise balloon flights are approximately one hour in duration and are followed by a delicious Champagne breakfast back on land.

3. Walk the Drip Gorge

The Drip Walking Track , located within the Goulburn River State Conservation Area, is a place of significance for the local Wiradjuri people. Fifty kilometres north of Mudgee, the 2.8-kilometre return walk follows alongside the Goulburn River to the Great Dripping Wall. Rainwater trickles through the porous rock face, creating a cool oasis that is usually 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the surrounding region on a hot day.

The rich diversity of plant life along the track is also one of its many marvels. Keep an eye out for native apple gums, tree violets (named for their scent) and rocky outcrops with orchids and moss. After your walk, cool down in the Goulburn River or marvel at ‘Hands on the Rock’ – the awe-inspiring rock site stencil made by the Wiradjuri people in Ulan.

4. See a performance at the Prince of Wales Opera House

Mudgee is home to the oldest, still-operating opera house in the southern hemisphere. The Prince of Wales Opera House was built in 1871 by John Hart Cogden and has provided a stage for some incredible operatic talent over the years, such as Dame Nelly Melba.

The riches of the goldfields allowed an early impresario to engage some of the most famous performers of the time. Interestingly, Henry Lawson’s first experience at a theatre was at The Prince of Wales Opera House to see a performance of The Pirates of Penzance.

The theatre closed in the 1960s and remained so until its current owners, Gulgong Amateur Musical and Dramatical Society, restored it to its former glory. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows and stop by the Prince of Wales Hotel next door for fabulous pub fare or use it as a base to explore Gulgong’s charming surroundings and bed down in the award-winning accommodation.

5. Paddle onto the water with Southern Cross Kayaking

Explore the Dunns/ Ganguddy Swamp — Discover the peaceful Dunns/ Ganguddy Swamp

Diversify your food and wine trip to Mudgee by getting eye-level with nature out on the water. Join a kayak tour or hire a paddleboard at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp with Southern Cross Kayaking to wind along the pristine Cudgegong River that cuts its way through the Wollemi National Park.

Follow it up with a walk through the park to discover intricately shaped rock faces and diverse wildlife waiting around every bend.

6. Sip on a pint at Mudgee Brewing Co.

Mudgee’s only microbrewery is housed in a 100-year-old former wool store that was previously owned by the Anglican Church. Gary Leonard, a former coal miner, took ownership of the space in 2007 and transformed it into the thriving brewery it is today.

Inside, you’ll find a rotating list of the latest beers brewed onsite, live music two nights a week, an open mic night on Thursdays and trivia on Wednesdays and, unlike most breweries, this one goes the extra mile to offer table service. If you need a caffeine fix they also serve Fish River Roasters Coffee.

7. See world-renowned art in Mudgee Arts Centre

Want to see world-class art (we’re talking Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein) in a room, often by yourself? Then head to Mudgee Arts Centre inside the Visitor’s Centre. Thanks to a program run by Canberra, you’ll find a rotating cast of artworks by some of the world’s most celebrated artists. And, unlike larger galleries, there’s a good chance you’ll get to contemplate them on your own – or at least, without even the hint of a crowd.

8. Shop local goodies while you’re there

Before you leave the visitor’s centre, peruse the packed shelves for local arts, crafts and tasty delights. You’ll find everything from wine, to chocolate, to tea towels, to tea.

9. Get to a Mudgee market

wine stall at Church Street MArkets mudgee — Pop by the markets in Mudgee. (Image: Destination NSW)

Given the incredible agricultural fertility of the Mudgee region, it’s not surprising you’ll encounter a market on just about every weekend of the month. From incredibly fresh produce and artisan wares to crafts and trinkets, you’re going to find something to fill your market basket.

There’s the Church Markets and Makers Market on the first weekend of the month, the Lawson Park Markets on the second and the unmissable Mudgee Farmers’ Market on the third Saturday of the month – particularly good if you’re staying in a cosy Airbnb nearby and can cook yourself up a seasonal feast.

You’ll also find perfectly perusable markets in the nearby towns of Rylstone, Gulgong, Capertee and Kandos.

10. Go wine-tasting, of course

Lowe Wines Mudgee cellar door — Put Lowe Family Wines Co on the tour list. (Image: Destination NSW)

Well, this one is a bit obvious. But it’s worth mentioning that with more than 35 cellar doors in the area, many of which are award-winning, the prepared wine-taster is the happiest wine-taster. You can’t possibly fit it all into one weekend, let alone one week, so make a sip-list and schedule them in. But if you’d rather take your hands off the wheel (quite literally) and let yourself be guided by local knowledge, book a tour.

11. Eat, eat and repeat at Mudgee’s best restaurants

the zin house, mudgee — The Zin House will deliver one of the best meals of your life. (Image: Amber Hooper)

We all know the relationship between wine and food is co-dependent. One really can’t relish one without the other. Happily, Mudgee excels at both. With almost as many wonderful restaurants and eateries as there are cellar doors, you’re not going to be short on places to indulge your bacchanalian tendencies. Check out our top picks for dining out and be sure to book ahead if you’re visiting Mudgee at peak times.

12. Absorb settler history at the Mudgee Museum

The 60,000-article-strong collection of the Mudgee Museum spans many buildings, serving as a bricks-and-mortar memory for the area’s past. The first European to access Mudgee was James Blackman in 1821, who set about erecting the first town building by 1837. No doubt his endeavours were watched with concern by the local Wiradjuri people, who must have known the inevitability of what was to come. Come it did and with it, grazing, goldrushes and eventually grapes.

Donated largely by local families, the objects of the museum offer a fascinating insight to early Mudgee and her surrounds. Whether you’re a history buff or casually curious, time perusing the past here is well-spent.

13. Hit the boutiques

Cloth & Feather store mudgee — Come by Cloth & Feather for all things textiles. (Image: Amber Creative)

Elevate your country style with a spin around the fashion boutiques and homewares stores of Mudgee. At Cloth & Feather , you’ll find beautiful textiles, French linens, rugs and throws to warm your abode. At the Convent and Chapel Wool Shop , pick up a luxury yarn to spin into a cosy jumper. There are sunny and bright interiors and attire to covet at Good Day Lifestyle Co , in Gulgon head to Wear It Out for a selection of gorgeous kids’ and ladies’ fashion.

14. Discover local Indigenous culture

Warakirri Dining Experience by indigiearth in mudgee — Taste native bush tucker and botanicals across five courses.

Explore Wiradjuri Country with Aboriginal-owned company Milan Dhiiyaan in Goulburn River National Park, where Traditional Owners will guide you through the bush via the lens of the Wiradjuri people. You’ll be immersed in the ritual of a smoking ceremony, listen to stories from the land and hear songs in the language.

Or deep-dive into the flavours of the Wiradjuri with the unique Warakirri dining experience , where native bush foods and botanicals dance across your palate throughout a refined five-course degustation crafted by Indigiearth founder and Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor.

15. Wander Wollemi National Park

Sun setting over the Cudgegong River in Wollemi National Park — Explore the corners of Wollemi National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Balance out a wine-heavy itinerary in Mudgee with a deep dive into nature. The impressive World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park is an incredible wilderness within easy reach of Mudgee. Sunlit escarpments, glass-top rivers and tranquil forests ease you into a meditative calm where life beyond seems to fade pleasantly into the background.

Spend the day hiking trails, such as the heart-lifting, one-hour Pagoda Lookout walking track, explore the glow worm tunnel and unfurl your swag for the night at the Coorongooba campground.

16. Explore nearby Rylstone

Patrons enjoying food and drink at 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha and Tea House in Rylstone, east of Mudgee. — Treat yourself to lunch at 29Nine99 Yum Cha. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy 40-minute drive from Mudgee is the charming town of Rylstone. Set by the majestic Cudgegong River, this sandstone cottage-strewn village is edged by national parks and festooned with wineries.

Living up to country ideals, a stroll along the main street is an agrarian treat, although it’s best paused for tea at the much-celebrated dumpling house, 29 Nine 99 . While in town, be sure to tick off the Rylstone Heritage Walk, take a stroll through the fairy-like Ferntree Gully Reserve and enjoy an award-winning tipple at De Beaurepaire Wines , where it’s all-in on French-style vin.

17. Stargaze at Mudgee Observatory

Under dark night skies, away from any light pollution, a visit to the Mudgee Observatory will put stars in your eyes. This private observatory built by John Vetter invites everyone to gaze upwards through the lens of a telescope and tap into a wonder for the universe in which we live. There are a range of telescopes as well as a theatre and planetarium, where you can watch several features about space and beyond on rotation. Tours change seasonally and bookings are essential.

18. Go cherry picking at Roth Family Orchard

If you’re visiting Mudgee in summer, you’ll have the pick of the season’s cherries any morning of the week with a visit to Roth Family Orchard . You’ll need to book ahead to frolic amid the cherry trees and pick your fill of the plump and juicy fruit that is in abundance from about November. The kids will relish the experience, so be prepared to leave with red-stained mouths, fingers and clothes. When the cherry season concludes, you can visit the farm at sunset to pluck your own sunflowers.

19. Picnic in Lawson Park

Mudgee Sculpture Walk in lawson park — Stroll through the sculpture walk while you’re there.

With an abundance of produce and providore-procured goodies to harvest on your excursions around town, a picnic seems just the thing for a sunny lunch – particularly in autumn when the leaves glow with hues of gold. Head to the beautifully historic Lawson Park to roll out your rug and relax under the canopy of vast trees over a leisurely few hours. There are free barbecue facilities, picnic tables, and a tranquil creek amid the gardens. If you have wee ones in tow, they’ll love the playground and adjacent pool and waterpark.

20. Admire motorbikes at Robert Stein

See the expansive motorbike collection at Robert Stein's cellar door. — See the expansive motorbike collection at Robert Stein’s cellar door. (Image: Destination NSW)

Get your motor running with a poke about the motorbike museum located at the Robert Stein cellar door . Winery founder, Robert Stein, began his motorbike collection with a 1928 Douglas. From there, it has expanded over 40 years in parallel with his eponymous wine label. Even if you’re not a fan of bikes, we recommend a visit to this winery for a tasting and some well-considered nibbles that feature Stein Farm produce, but if you have a heavy metal heart, you can’t miss this collection.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

20 of the very best things to do in Mudgee