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.

Oriental Hotel

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.

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.

Location: 6 Lewis Street, Mudgee

Three Tails Brewery

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.

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.

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.

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.

Location: 13 Lewis Street, Mudgee

Kelly’s Irish Pub

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 kids’ playground – arguably its two major draws.

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.

Location: 49 Church Street, Mudgee

Mudgee Brewing Company

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.

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.

Location: 4 Church Street, Mudgee

Woolpack Hotel

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.

Location: 67 Market Street, Mudgee

The Prince of Wales Hotel, Gulgong

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.

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).

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.

Location: 97 Mayne Street, Gulgong

Paragon Hotel

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.

Location: 38 Perry Street, Mudgee

The Centennial Hotel

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

No one can accuse the ‘Cenny’ of 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.

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.

Location: 141–143 Mayne Street, Gulgong

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

Updates written by Lara Picone

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

8 Mudgee pubs and brewpubs to visit