THINGS TO DO IN MUDGEE
This is the only list you need if you’re looking for things to do in Mudgee! Once you’ve booked your Mudgee accommodation, the next step is to plan how you’re going to spend your stay.
We’ve spent a lot of time in Mudgee since opening Sierra Escape as a premier NSW glamping spot in 2017, and these are the same tips we give to our friends and family coming to visit the region.
Contents
- Visit Mudgee wineries
- Discover local restaurants
- Grab a coffee
- Explore the history
- Hang out in nature
- Do something fun
1. Visit Mudgee Wineries
The top activity on anyone’s list of things to do in the Mudgee wine region is, of course, wine tasting. The cellar doors here are second to none, with heritage buildings and miles of natural beauty surrounding the vineyards.
The Mudgee region has over 40 excellent wineries each with different varieties, and many a furry friend along the way. There are a few options for reaching the vineyards, depending on your budget:
Option 1: Take a wine tour
The easiest option is to book on to one of Mudgee’s famous wine tours. These are all-inclusive, fully managed and a great option if you want to safely enjoy a sampling or… two. Some tour operators also let you pick the vineyards to visit.
Option 2: DIY wine tasting
If you want full control of the vineyards to visit, you can always do it yourself! Pick your wineries, choose a designated driver and set off on your way. This is a very cost-effective option, as most cellar doors only charge around $10 for a tasting. Some will even take this price off the cost of six bottles.
We recommend visiting around 4 wineries in a day to make the most of each experience.
Option 3: Pick one and stay
If you’re strapped for time or want to spend all day in one place, just pick your favourite winery and stay there. With all these great options, the hardest part of your day will be deciding where to spend it.
Best wineries in Mudgee
Best for Beautiful Surrounds: Lowe Family Wine Co.
Lowe is an absolute must-see. It’s a beautiful winery with stunning views, and wines and platters to die for. With fantastic customer service and a great atmosphere, it’s a spot you could spend several hours at, so make sure you leave yourself time to savour it.
Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Contact: +61 2 5858 4026
Best for Relaxing Sundays: Burnbrae Wines
Burnbrae is a charming and rustic cellar door located not too far from Sierra. They have great wines to try and feature live music acts every third Sunday afternoon of the month, making this a popular spot for couples.
Opening hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Contact: +61 2 6373 3504
Best for Old-School Character: Pieter Van Gent Winery
Pieter Van Gent is a great cellar door to visit if you’re looking for a classic vibe. Offering red wine, white wine and port, this charming cellar door is full of character with giant old wine barrels to stroll through. This is one of the oldest vineyards in the region, and they encourage you to take your time.
Opening hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Contact: +61 2 6373 3030
Best for the Journey Back to Sydney: Logan Wines
Logan, located at 1320 Castlereagh Highway, is further away than most of the other wineries. However, it is a must-see and the perfect place to stop on your way back to Sydney. It is one of Mudgee’s most modern cellar doors, with beautiful views of surrounding hills, great wine and a huge fireplace to enjoy.
Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Contact: +61 2 6373 1333
Best for Italian Varietals: First Ridge Wines
First Ridge is also located on the Sydney side of Mudgee close to Logan Wines. It is a very cool cellar door built out of shipping containers and some of the most beautiful views looking back over the town. The wines here are really something special – classic Italian varietals invigorated by the unique terroir of Mudgee.
Opening hours: Monday, Thursday & Friday 11 am – 4 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 10 am – 4 pm | Contact: +61 417 537 327
Best for Non-Drinkers: Robert Stein Vineyard
Robert Stein is nestled in the heart of Mudgee, so it’s an intimate spot for relaxing and tasting the region’s offerings. It’s also great for kids and non-drinkers, as it doesn’t only offer wine to explore. The Robert Stein Motorcycle Museum is right next to the cellar door, and this is worth a visit on its own.
Opening hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm daily | Contact: +61 2 6373 3991
Wine-and-dine wineries: where to eat in the Mudgee wine region
Zin House
Situated in Lowe Winery, Zin House is the first hatted restaurant in Mudgee and our favourite place for food and wine. They do the most amazing long lunches and open Saturday nights. Most of the produce they use is grown at the winery or sourced locally. If you have time to try a special lunch, you’ll be glad you did.
Opening hours: 12 pm – 4 pm Thursday – Monday. Also open for Saturday dinner | Contact: (02) 5858 4026 | Cost: $$$
Di Lusso
Di Lusso is a picturesque winery that produces Italian varieties of wine and serves great Italian food and wood-fired pizzas for lunch. It’s a gorgeous place to sit and has beautiful views of the vines.
Opening hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Contact: (02) 6373 3125 | Cost: $$
Pipeclay Pumphouse
For modern fine dining, you want Pipeclay Pumphouse. They are extremely popular and open for breakfast on the weekends and lunch and dinner Thursday – Sunday.
Opening hours: 12 pm – 2:30 pm Friday – Sunday. 6 pm – 8:30 pm Thursday – Saturday | Contact: (02) 6373 3998 | Cost: $$$
2. Discover Local Restaurants
We’ve covered vineyards with on-site restaurants. But if you’re looking for a meal that isn’t all about the wine, here are our picks for the best restaurants in Mudgee.
Cade
One of our favourite places in Mudgee, Cade Kitchen and Bar is a fantastic modern Australian cafe in a beautiful historic building. Offering wood-fired pizzas, small plates and breakfast, there’s something to suit every time of day.
Opening hours: 7:30 am – 10 pm Monday – Saturday. 7:30 am – 2 pm Sunday | Contact: 0409 932 339 | Cost: $$ | Menus: (breakfast) (lunch) (dinner)
Mr Sushi King
Mr Sushi King is a Japanese fusion restaurant open Tuesday – Saturday and offering Sushi Train on Fri & Sat lunch. This place has a great vibe, particularly at night. And the food is fantastic.
Opening hours: Monday & Tuesday: 11:30am – 5pm, Wednesday – Saturday: 11:30am – 9pm, Closed Sundays | Contact: (02) 6372 9051 | Cost: $$ | Menu
Three Tails Brewery
Beautiful rustic bar featuring local beers and slow-cooked meats. Three Tails Brewery has a fantastic atmosphere that is great for a soul food feast and a few drinks. Walk-ins only, but arrive early as it gets busy.
Opening hours: 7 days for breakfast, Mon-Sat for lunch & dinner | Contact: [email protected] | Cost: $$ | Menu
The Oriental Hotel
The Oriental is a Mudgee institution. What’s a visit to a country town without a country pub experience? As well as serving up classic pub grub and beers on tap, The Oriental boasts a respectable wine cellar with offerings from Mudgee and around Australia.
Opening hours: 10am – late Monday – Saturday. 11am – late Sunday. | Contact: 02 6372 1074 | Cost: $$ | Menu
3. Grab a Coffee (or a Big Breaky)
Early risers and night owls unite. Here are Mudgee’s finest offers for breakfast, brunch and lunch. PSA: this is also where to get the best brew.
Alby and Esthers
Up the Alley at 61 Market Street Mudgee, this slightly hidden gem is the place to go for a relaxing meal. Alby and Esthers are open for breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner. The food, coffee and service are all amazing.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 3 pm. Saturday 8 am – 12 pm. Also open some Sundays (enquire directly).
Contact: (02) 6372 1555 | Cost: $ | Menu
Butcher Shop Cafe
Butcher Shop Cafe has all the Aussie breaky staples and a few special dishes too. It’s the perfect place for brunch and lunch, or a quick bite on the way to your first vineyard of the day.
Opening hours: 6 am – 2 pm Tuesday – Friday. Saturday 7 am – 2 pm. Sunday 7 am – 12 pm | Contact: 0402 475 276 | Cost: $ | Menu
Millbrie
Looking for an upmarket breakfast experience? Millbrie markets itself as the perfect blend of Australian fine dining and cafe culture. If you’re planning a special celebration at breakfast or lunchtime, this spot will undoubtedly impress your guests.
Opening hours: 7 am – 3 pm Tuesday – Saturday | Contact: (02) 6372 6662 | Cost: $$ | Menus: (lunch) (breakfast)
Dancing Goat
For old-school coffee and snacks, The Dancing Goat has got you covered. With Aussie classics like the Bacon & Egg Roll at the top of their menu, there is something for everyone here.
Opening hours: 5:30 am – 3 pm | Contact: (02) 6372 2010 | Cost: $ | Menu
The Coffee House at Parkview
Another great option for an outside breaky is The Coffee House at Parkview. Their sun-soaked courtyard is the ideal spot to devour a toastie, brownie or a big stack of pancakes. Fancy something lighter? These salads are to die for.
Opening hours: 7:30 am – 2 pm Tuesday – Saturday, 7:30 am – 11:30 am Sunday | Contact: 0476 263 333 | Cost: $ | Menu
4. Explore the region's history
Robert Stein’s Motorcycle Museum
We’ve already mentioned the motorcycle museum attached to Robert Stein’s Winery, but it deserves another mention for the non-drinkers too.
Opening hours: 10 am – 2 pm daily | Cost: Free!
Heritage Walking Tour
Mudgee Heritage Walking Tours might be the most wholesome way to explore Mudgee. Meet at the clock tower just before 10 on weekend mornings and marvel at the knowledge Ned has of the historic buildings in the area.
Opening hours: Every Saturday and Sunday at 10 am | Contact: 0467 506 273 | Cost: $20, free for kids
Aboriginal Cultural Tour
Learn about the traditional culture of the region’s Wiradjuri people on a guided tour through Goulburn River National Park, home to numerous Aboriginal rock art and heritage sites. An unforgettable way to experience the Australian bush.
Opening hours: Contact tour operator for schedule | Contact: 0400 409 102 | Cost: Prices available on request
Meander Through Historic Towns
Gulgong
If gold mining isn’t your thing, there’s still so much to see in the historic town of Gulgong. Not much has changed here since the 1800s, so take a stroll through time and learn about bush poet Henry Lawson’s childhood adventures. Top tip: visit during the June long weekend for the Henry Lawson Heritage Festival.
Rylstone
If Australian country towns are all starting to blend into one, Rylstone has that something different you’re looking for. Famous for the usual delights: wine, exceptional bush walking tracks and scenic drives, but also more unique specialities: yum cha and tea houses. There’s something for everyone in this quaint and quirky town.
Hill End
Step through a real gold mine before admiring the view that inspired so many Australian artists. If you’re looking for stunning scenery, you’ll find it around every turn at Hill End.
5. Hang Out in Nature
Explore the Serene Beauty of Dunn’s Swamp
Don’t let the name fool you, this is a bit of a local’s secret and a lovely spot just 1 hour out of Mudgee. Head out to Rylstone and drive down into the Wollemi National Park where you’ll find fantastic vistas overlooking the picturesque Dunn’s Swamp.
Chase Waterfalls at Wollemi National Park
When all that wine starts to make your head spin, ground yourself in nature at Wollemi National Park. Explore on foot or by canoe as you weave your way through World-Heritage Listed Bushland. There are caves, forests and industrial ruins to explore. And if you’ve got the time, set up camp for a night or two.
Catch Trout and Redfin in the Cudgegong River
A trip to country NSW with nothing but fishing and relaxing on the agenda? We can think of worse ways to spend a weekend. The Cudgegong River is the serenely perfect spot to kick back with your fishing rod and watch the clouds go by. Classic.
Cycle around Lawson Park or Robertson Park
Tucked behind an impressive archway, Lawson Park is the perfect spot for a picnic and play. Take the kids and bikes and relax on the riverbank while they entertain themselves. Or pop across town to central Robertson Park for a quick play or stroll past the war memorial.
Take a picnic in Fern Tree Gully
Another hidden spot about 1 hour from Mudgee is Fern Tree Gully Reserve. Think rainforest valleys in the middle of country NSW. It’s a picturesque and serene spot to explore nature and spot echidnas, kangaroos and powerful owls.
6. Or, just have some fun!
See the Milky Way at Mudgee Observatory
If you’re into astronomy (or pretty skies), Mudgee Observatory is a must. Take that special someone on a clear night and see who can spot the most constellations. Before you visit, read up on the stars you can expect to see this month.
Opening hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily | Contact: (02) 6373 3431 | Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for kids, $55 for families
Take to the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon
Experience Mudgee like never before with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride from Balloon Aloft. Glide over picturesque rolling hills and valleys at sunrise, where the views are as rich as the local vineyards. Balloon flights offer about an hour of serene sky time, perfect for a romantic adventure – or a sneaky proposal!
Opening hours: Depends on the season; flights usually meet 60 – 120 minutes before dawn | Contact: 1300 723 279 | Cost: $319 per adult (weekdays), $349 per adult (weekends and public holidays)
Hit the Local Markets
Explore the heart of Mudgee’s community spirit at its bustling local markets. Each weekend brings a different market experience, from the artisan treasures at St John’s Church to the lively vibe of Robertson Park. These markets are your go-to for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and a taste of local life. With a unique blend of shopping and culture, there’s always something new to discover.