Who Knew Mudgee Had This Much Mojo?

Ancient rolling ranges sail past the windows as you drive into Mudgee, a charming country town roughly four hours from Sydney in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. The name, derived from the Wiradjuri word Moothi (“nest in the hills”), is apt for the location – plonked in the Cudgegong River Valley on the north-western slopes of the Great Dividing Range.

Established in 1838, Mudgee’s colonial heritage shines through in the architecture of the Post Office and Town Hall, the preserved sandstone buildings and historic pubs. Yet, these charming tree-lined streets harbour a modern edge, defined by boutique shops and a smart cafe and dining scene. The Mudgee Arts Precinct, meanwhile, has exhibited landmark works by Reg Mombassa, Clarice Beckett and David Hockney, while the annual Sculptures in the Garden event proves the town’s dedication to the arts.

But Mudgee is perhaps best known as a food and wine destination, featuring an abundance of restaurants, pubs and more than 40 cellar doors. With a viticultural history dating back to 1858, the region played an influential role in driving the Australian wine industry forward – particularly in the ’70s, when local winemakers helped establish chardonnay as a major varietal in Australia. Today, the region is celebrated for a diverse output, including robust reds like cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, alongside plenty of warm-climate European varietals.

Beyond the cellar doors, Mudgee is an outdoor lover’s playground. The surrounding landscape features dramatic national parks home to towering sandstone cliffs and hidden canyons. Bushwalking, cycling and stargazing from Mudgee Observatory are all on the itinerary here.

But if you’ve come specifically to eat and drink, there’s never been a better time to visit. Mudgee is currently offering what it calls Australia’s first “rest rebate” to help you make the most of the region’s outstanding hospitality scene. Book a Friday and Saturday night at participating properties, and they’ll throw in Sunday night for free. These are the spots to check out on your next long weekend.

Restaurants and bars

For more than a decade, Zin Food and Wine House at Lowe Family Wine Co has been the restaurant to visit in the region. Nothing’s changed in that regard, but owner and executive chef Kim Currie refreshed the format this year, trading high-end dining for something more accessible: a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu powered by the restaurant’s own Tinja Farm. You might share roasted carrot hummus and local Sommerlad chook grilled over charcoal with za’atar and toum, paired with biodynamic and organic drops from the vineyards just metres from your table.

Over at Gigi’s Restaurant at The Clairfield Hotel, modern Italian dining is the MO. Go for confit garlic flatbreads with marinated zucchini or local Wagyu bresaola, followed by house-made pastas like orecchiette with pork shoulder ragu. Pair it with a Shiraz Negroni made with local hooch from Baker Williams Distillery.

Speaking of, Baker Williams Distillery is among a handful of local producers that aren’t wineries but are highly recommended. Book a tasting to try gins with an Antipodean twist, alongside distinct liqueurs and barrel-aged spirits. Meanwhile, Mudgee Brewing Co and Three Tails represent the local craft brewery contingent, both sporting classic and new-world beer styles alongside crowd-pleasing menus.

If you’re after a classic country pub, Mudgee famously has one on just about every corner. Our picks are the Paragon Hotel, with its charming verandah and family-friendly vibe, and the double-decker Kelly’s Irish Pub for pints of Kilkenny and live music on weekends. But if you’re after a place that blurs the line between a pub and a wine bar, Roth’s Wine Bar and Cellar sticks the landing with ease. 

Wineries

If you didn’t come to Mudgee to drink wine, you might be in the wrong place. It’s hard to put a foot wrong here, but if you’re stepping into Zin for lunch or an early dinner, make a little extra time to wander the grounds and sneak in a tasting at Lowe Family Wine Co – and don’t forget to take home a bottle of the winery’s award-winning zinfandel.

If you’re a riesling fan, Robert Stein Winery, established in 1976, is renowned for the style, but also produces cracking reds in the European vein. Alternatively, stretch out on the lawn at Logan Wines and take in picturesque views of Apple Tree Flat with a glass of the region’s celebrated Chardonnay in hand. Or, head to First Ridge Wines for Italian varietals like sangiovese and barbera with an Aussie accent.

Cafes

It doesn’t get more “Mudgee” than a signature jaffle and a shady spot in the courtyard at Alby & Esther’s. A close second is Mudgee Corner Store, where a stacked retail section of house-made pantry staples and local produce joins a tight, all-day cafe menu. For a grab-and-go brekkie on your way back to the daily grind, the viennoiseries and focaccia slabs at Althea by Zin are a vastly superior option to the Macca’s across the street.

Accommodation

Situated dangerously close to the Paragon Hotel, McKenna Terraces offers a stylish yet affordable option in the heart of town. This row of five lovingly restored, double-storey terraces features two bedrooms and contemporary design. Fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities come standard, with French doors giving way to private courtyards complete with barbeques.

The Cudgee at Mudgee is part of Australia’s growing suite of beautifully revamped old-school motels. A variety of rooms are on offer, including studio, double and family configurations. Some are dog-friendly, and all are adorned with works by local artists. The rest rebate deal here even includes lunch at Zin and free e-bike hire.

If you love the idea of staying in a big-city luxury hotel in the middle of the country, book The Clairfield Hotel, pronto. The plush, design-forward rooms and suites are a sight for sore eyes after a day at the wineries. But trust us, a visit to the Jila Wellness Day Spa – with its luxe treatments and infrared sauna – will be just what the doctor ordered. 

For the hardcore design fans, Kavillo Studios does it like nowhere else in town, with four eco-friendly villas featuring bespoke furniture, hand-hewn marble sinks and a cracking view in every direction. The accom sits on a 30-acre property just 10 minutes from the centre.

The writer visited Mudgee as a guest of Mudgee Region.