Don't Miss These Top Mudgee Pubs & Breweries

Hopheads and food-lovers alike will be well-watered at these Mudgee pubs and breweries.

From craft beer bars that promise deliciously charred house-smoked barbecue to Irish pubs with vast, eclectically styled balconies and an array of cocktails on offer, the pub and brewery offering in Mudgee is wider than you might think. These country pubs are also top spots for a bountiful counter meal or courtyard session once you’ve made it through Mudgee’s top restaurants. Here’s our round-up of Mudgee’s best pubs and breweries.

1. Three Tails Brewery

Best for: Smoky meats and hoppy treats

Opening its doors in early 2021, this Mudgee brewery very quickly amassed a strong local following – and has become a firm favourite with city visitors – for its holy trinity of great beer, rustic ambience and deliciously robust food.

pub meals with a drink on the table at Three Tails Brewery, Mudgee — Find Tapas-style fare and house-smoked barbecue on the menu. (Image: Amber Creative)

There’s a raft of great hoppy pales (mid- to full-strength) and IPAs on tap, and the 21-strong line-up includes both guest beers and those brewed in-house at Three Tails Brewery . Indecisive drinkers can sample four at once with the tasting paddle.

a look inside Three Tails Brewery in Mudgee — The brewery is adorned with ceiling-mounted bicycles. (Image: Amber Creative)

The brewery is big on celebrating independent producers, with all the guest beers sourced from small craft brewers across the globe. The focus on indies extends to the wine, snack and soft drink offering, too: all wines are exclusively sourced from Mudgee, cider and seltzers come from NZ’s Zeffer, and even the jerky comes from Canberra. Three Tails is also an inclusive space for sober and spirit drinkers with a number of tempting non-alcoholic options on offer, in addition to gin and whisky flights.

an overflowing glass of beer on tap at Three Tails Brewery, Mudgee — Take your pick from the 21 IPAs available on tap. (Image: Amber Creative)

If you need to fortify your fermented tipples with some dinner, there’s the wildly moreish house-smoked barbecue from Smokin Bro & Co or a concise selection of tapas-style fare from Lewis Street Kitchen, both handily located onsite.

Address: 13 Lewis Street, Mudgee

2. Kelly’s Irish Pub

Best for: Taking the kids and the dog out

Once known as the Sydney Hotel, there’s been a pub at this site since the early 1870s, while the building’s foundations date back to the early 1860s. Kelly’s Irish Pub features a suntrap of a balcony bar festooned with string lights, and a dog-friendly beer garden with a kid’s playground – arguably its two major draws.

the exterior of Kelly’s Irish Pub in Mudgee — The wraparound balcony and do-friendly beer garden draw the crowds to this Mudgee pub.

When it comes to food, Kelly’s Balcony Bar prides itself on the house burgers, from classic southern fried chicken burgers to pulled pork and southern fried chicken, perfect with a side of popcorn pork. And on the drinks front, expect classic cocktails with a little twist (hello butterscotch espresso martini and passionfruit mojito). There’s also live music every weekend.

a dinner spread on the table near the fireplace at Kelly’s Irish Pub, Mudgee — Kelly’s has all the hallmarks of a great pub: a cosy fireplace, delicious comfort food, and drinks to suit all occasions.

Address: 49 Church Street, Mudgee

3. Oriental Hotel

Best for: Sipping on gin

Endearingly known as The Ori, this Mudgee pub is a great all-rounder. Light pours in through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the two-storey hotel, which houses a gin bar and a restaurant. There’s an array of classic pub grub dishes on offer (think schnitties and chips, burgers, nachos, steaks and more) and plenty of lunch and midweek specials too.

the exterior of Oriental Hotel at sunset — The two-storey hotel features a gin bar and restaurant.

After a long day of sightseeing, quench your thirst with one of the pub’s more than a dozen gins, then pick from the wild array of mixers, and finally select your garnish to create the perfect custom drink.

a person holding a plate of food at the Oriental Hotel — The menu features all the classics with a collection of mid-week and lunch specials to mix things up.

Address: 6 Lewis Street, Mudgee

4. Mudgee Brewing Company

Best for: Entertainment any night of the week

Going strong since 2007, Mudgee Brewing Compan y bears all the hallmarks of a good time: live music on Fridays and Sundays, a beer garden, open fires to cosy up next to come winter, and, of course, some excellent beers. Chief among the offerings is the taproom’s signature Mudgee Mud, an imperial stout with notes of aniseed and liquorice, that was inspired by an eponymous brew from one of the town’s original breweries, The Federal, which was founded in 1883 but shut up shop in 1956.

getting beer on tap at Mudgee Brewing Company — You can taste the history poured into the taproom’s signature Mudgee Mud.

The family-owned microbrewery-cum-restaurant dishes up bistro-style meals, with a strong focus on gluten-free options. Swing by for one of the Sunday sessions, open mic night on Thursdays, trivia on Wednesdays and to kick back under its corrugated roof and timber rafters. Buy a growler of one of the dozen brews on offer to savour back at home.

Address: 4 Church Street, Mudgee

5. Woolpack Hotel

Best for: Not your usual pub grub

Tearing away from tradition, Mudgee’s Woolpack Hotel is host to a Chinese fusion restaurant, Jumbucks, which dishes up everything from deep-fried duck in plum sauce to prawn dumplings and sweet and sour fish fritters. But those who only have eyes for Aussie classics don’t have to miss out, as there’s a smattering of more familiar dishes on the menu, such as T-bone steak and chicken parmi. This smart local, featuring modern interiors, is popular with the younger crowd, and features a beer garden. Should the night carry on longer than anticipated, you can even book a stay upstairs in one of the boutique-style rooms.

the pub exterior of Woolpack Hotel in Mudgee — The Woolpack Hotel sits in the heart of Mudgee. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 67 Market Street, Mudgee

6. The Prince of Wales Hotel, Gulgong

Best for: Country pub nostalgia

If you’re after a country pub with plenty of personality, then you’ve come to the right place. Although technically not ‘in’ Mudgee, this historic pub is just a 30-minute drive away and still part of the wider Mudgee region (we highly recommend you explore more of the region with our 7-day road trip itinerary).

the beer garden with a fireplace at The Prince of Wales Hotel — Make a beeline for a spot near the stone fireplace in the beer garden on sunny winter days.

You can expect cold beer and warm hospitality at The Prince of Wales Hotel, which has been in the same family since 1976. It’s awash with antique curios and memorabilia, plus two open fireplaces – one in the cosy, carpeted interior and one stone fireplace in the beer garden.

the bar at The Prince of Wales Hotel, Gulgong — The Prince of Wales Hotel delivers a hit of nostalgia at the historic pub.

Address: 97 Mayne Street, Gulgong

7. Paragon Hotel

Best for: That beer garden

This corner pub was built back in 1857, just as the rush for gold turned from trickle to stampede, and has been pouring frosty pints ever since. Through a procession of publicans, one of whom rather unfortunately died from an insect bite in 1890, the good times have carried on for a century plus 64 years. History and heritage sprawl across two levels, out onto a sun-filled balcony and into a bright courtyard, where convivial cosiness keeps revellers both relaxed and entertained.

Food at the Bushman’s Table keeps things on an even keel without re-inventing the wheel. Tuck into the usual suspects, such as schnitzel, an Aussie burger, a steak sandwich and fish and chips or tuck into a pizza or a Bushman’s share board. There’s an array of spritzers and cocktails to keep the party going and, should it need to end, there are 13 well-styled rooms upstairs.

Address: 38 Perry Street, Mudgee

8. The Centennial Hotel

Best for: Living la vida local

No one can accuse the ‘Cenny’ for harbouring any pretension. This local pub, complete with bar barnacles that infuse the place with wonderful character, has been welcoming patrons for longer than any hotel in Gulgong. Built in 1872, the Cenny even featured on Australia’s first $10 note and has since kept its legendary reputation afloat with a raft of interesting characters spending time within its walls, from drifters to musicians and jockeys.

the pub exterior of Centennial Hotel, Mudgee — Expect a warm welcome at the Centennial Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s rustic and welcoming with regular live entertainment, happy hour on Friday and Saturday nights, sports and meat raffles. The bistro plates up comforting, home-style fare with a rotation of rib-sticking specials on the board and basic rooms out back are on offer, should you feel like lingering longer than planned.

Address: 141–143 Mayne Street, Gulgong

Updates written by Lara Picone

For more travel tips and expert advice, read our Mudgee travel guide.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

8 Mudgee pubs and brewpubs to visit