Less than a four-hour drive northwest of Sydney, far enough
away to have its own distinctive personality, Mudgee is an ideal
destination for wine and food lovers. There is a real sense of country
Australian community, with a dash of inner-city style to knock off
the rough edges. With more than 35 cellar doors, enticing cafes and
restaurants, a craft brewery and distillery, and a vibrant monthly
farmer’s market, there’s plenty to do in this ‘nest in the hills’.
Mudgee Brewing Company is in a spacious red-brick former wool shed with polished concrete floors and gleaming copper brewing equipment. Here you can sample a range of their beers, including Mudgee Pale Ale and Mudgee Mud, an Imperial stout, as well as seasonal beers such as Citra IPA and Smokey Red. There’s great coffee from local Fish River Roasters, snacks such as brewery pork crackle, as well as hearty dishes, with live music three nights a week.
Relax at Elton’s Eating and Drinking in a former pharmacy, with a pressed-tin ceiling and art nouveau stained-glass windows. The vibe is inclusive and artsy, complete with a whimsical mural depicting owners Brent and Dani Rowlands and their family and friends on Mudgee’s main street. Expect craft beers on tap, a Mudgee-centric wine list and excellent share plates, including inventive tacos, popcorn pork belly, and salt and pepper spiced squid. They do a great Sunday brunch too.
For a delicious dose of country-retro style, go for a toasted sandwich, freshly baked cake and cup of tea in the shady courtyard at Artisan on Lewis. Here you can check out the work of local artisans in wood, ceramics, textiles and metal.
Settle in for the evening at Roth’s, Australia’s oldest continuously operating wine bar, with its buzzy front bar and large informal dining area out the back. Choose from more than 100 local wines to enjoy with wood-fired pizza. They have live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
The renovated two-storey Cobb and Co Court Hotel in the centre of town combines a sense of its past as a stagecoach inn, but with all the comforts of a contemporary boutique hotel.
For a cottage in the heart of town, The Tannery has retained much of its charm, believed to date back to the 1850s. Complete with contemporary appointments, it is ideal for one or two couples seeking an escape.
Ash-crusted beef fillet at Pipeclay Pumphouse.
Places to eat in Mudgee
One of Mudgee’s best dining experiences is found at the rustic-chic, corrugated-iron Pipeclay Pumphouse at Robert Stein. Savour an inspired paddock-to-plate degustation menu, including charcuterie from their own free-range Berkshire pigs, ash-crusted beef fillet from their Angus cattle, and white chocolate mousse with strawberry and rose.
Keep cool in the vine-shaded courtyard of Alby and Esters to savour the coffee, perhaps with local mushrooms cooked in chilli, fennel and garlic, served with a free-range poached egg on sourdough. On Friday and Saturday evenings, choose from cocktails and a carefully curated selection of local wines, including interesting styles from smaller wineries, and flavourful share platters.Mudgee Brewing Company is in a spacious red-brick former wool shed with polished concrete floors and gleaming copper brewing equipment. Here you can sample a range of their beers, including Mudgee Pale Ale and Mudgee Mud, an Imperial stout, as well as seasonal beers such as Citra IPA and Smokey Red. There’s great coffee from local Fish River Roasters, snacks such as brewery pork crackle, as well as hearty dishes, with live music three nights a week.
Australia’s oldest continuously operating wine bar, Roth's.
Relax at Elton’s Eating and Drinking in a former pharmacy, with a pressed-tin ceiling and art nouveau stained-glass windows. The vibe is inclusive and artsy, complete with a whimsical mural depicting owners Brent and Dani Rowlands and their family and friends on Mudgee’s main street. Expect craft beers on tap, a Mudgee-centric wine list and excellent share plates, including inventive tacos, popcorn pork belly, and salt and pepper spiced squid. They do a great Sunday brunch too.
For a delicious dose of country-retro style, go for a toasted sandwich, freshly baked cake and cup of tea in the shady courtyard at Artisan on Lewis. Here you can check out the work of local artisans in wood, ceramics, textiles and metal.
Settle in for the evening at Roth’s, Australia’s oldest continuously operating wine bar, with its buzzy front bar and large informal dining area out the back. Choose from more than 100 local wines to enjoy with wood-fired pizza. They have live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Places to stay in Mudgee
On almost five acres of gardens along the Cudgegong River, Evanslea Luxury Boutique Accommodation is just a few minutes’ drive from Mudgee’s main street. There are four open-plan cottages with full kitchens, spa baths, decks and barbecues. There is also a pool and tennis court.The renovated two-storey Cobb and Co Court Hotel in the centre of town combines a sense of its past as a stagecoach inn, but with all the comforts of a contemporary boutique hotel.
For a cottage in the heart of town, The Tannery has retained much of its charm, believed to date back to the 1850s. Complete with contemporary appointments, it is ideal for one or two couples seeking an escape.
To discover the best wineries and cellar doors in the region, click here.
