When spending a weekend in Mudgee, it’s essential to make the most of every moment.
From wineries, walking trails and outdoor adventures to markets, museums and much much more, the Mudgee region is known for its world-class eateries, stunning natural scenery and country town charm.
Read on for our list of the 10 best things to do in Mudgee over a Saturday and Sunday.
1. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
A trip in a Mudgee hot air balloon has got to be one of the most magnificent and memorable things you can do when first visiting the region.
Beginning at sunrise, the flight goes for approx. one hour, taking in spectacular 360-degree views of farmlands, vineyards, valleys, hills, and the town centre.
Afterwards, you will be treated to a delicious gourmet breakfast at the popular Cade Kitchen & Bar in Market Street.
2. Satisfy Your Stomach
One of the most important things you need to know is where to eat in Mudgee. Luckily for you, it’s a town that punches above its weight in the food variety department.
If you like being a bit cheesy, High Valley Cheese Co’s handcrafted specialty cheeses are worth a try – with tastings at their pop-up stall at 137 Ulan Road from 10 am – 4 pm every day.
When it comes to getting lunch, there are lots of options. Peter’s Hot Bread is a traditional country town bakery and a favourite with locals for freshly baked pastries, pies and cakes. Byron Perry is known for its excellent coffee and contemporary menu, whilst Miner’s Cottage Tea Rooms is famous for its traditional tea service.
You can also do fine dining in Mudgee, with many popular restaurant options. Cade Kitchen & Bar’s Saturday evening menu includes risotto, chilli garlic prawns, duck fat potatoes, and woodfire flatbread pizzas, as well as delicious desserts like hazelnut mousse, apple tarte tartin, and Affogato.
Pipeclay Pumphouse, with its “paddock to plate” menu, is all about enjoying gourmet cuisine against the beautiful backdrop of the Robert Stein Winery. The barn setting at Blue Wren Farm is full of rustic charm, and The Zin House on the Lowe Family Wine Co. property has a frequently changing menu to make use of the freshest ingredients available.
3. Quench Your Thirst
No Mudgee getaway is complete without a wine tasting or two (or three or four!), so be sure to go behind the cellar doors of some of this wine region’s most beloved venues.
Pieter van Gent Winery & Vineyard is one of Mudgee’s oldest wineries. Famous for its white port, it’s set in a serene vineyard setting. The Cellar by Gilbert is operated by the sixth-generation winemaking Gilbert family and has a focus on artisanal wines.
Burnbrae Wines has a wide variety including sparkling and dessert wines, and is popular for its live music nights, whilst Logan Wines is known for its award-winning Riesling, Shiraz, and Pinot Gris. For an even more unique Mudgee wine experience, Rosby Wines and Gallery combines fine wine with an on-site art gallery that showcases the work of local creatives.
4. Fossick at Farmer’s Markets
Like many bustling tourist towns, Mudgee has a wide range of local markets – up to nine, in fact!
On the 1st Saturday of every month is the Church Markets (9 am – 1 pm), and on the 2nd Saturday of every month, both the Lawson Park Markets (8:30 am – 1 pm) and Rylstone Artisan & Produce Markets (9 am – 1 pm).
On the 1st Sunday of every month, the Mudgee Makers’ Markets (8:30 am – 12:30 pm) showcases a diverse range of art, candles, fabrics, jewellery, clothing, and more.
The iconic Mudgee Farmers Market (8:30 am – 12:30 pm) is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month. This is where you can stock up on local produce, including seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade bread, cakes, jams, chutneys, oils, and honey. The Kandos Markets are held on the same day (9 am – 1 pm).
On the 3rd Sunday of every month, Mudgee hosts The Rylstone Sunday Morning Community Markets (10 am – 2 pm) in The Globe Hotel Gardens, and the Gulgong Markets at the Gulgong Bowling Club (9 am – 1 pm).
And on the 4th Sunday of every month is the Capertee Good Earth Markets at the Royal Capertee Hotel, 10 am – 2 pm.
5. Hire a Kayak
Kayaking is another one of the most popular Mudgee activities you can do while you’re in the area.
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park provides kayaking enthusiasts with 5 km of river to play with. Via Southern Cross Kayaking, you can hire a single, standard double or double sea kayak for $30 – $50 per hour and explore all the pristine Cudgegong River has to offer.
A one-hour hire gives most paddlers time to go upstream and see striking rock formations, or go downstream to marvel at towering eucalypt trees, angophoras and waterbird colonies. A two-hour hire gives you more than enough time to see both ends at a leisurely pace. Guided tours are also available.
6. Take a Dip at The Drip
The Drip Gorge is a sandstone cliff face of weeping grasses and ferns that drips clear spring water into the Goulburn River below.
Popular with visitors for its natural beauty and tranquil setting, the relatively easy 2.8 km return walk makes getting scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape accessible for most fitness levels.
Parents can pack a picnic, kids can have a paddle and don’t forget to bring your camera to get that perfect shot for the ‘gram.
7. Go for Gold
One of the more unusual things to do in Mudgee is to go back in time.
Only 30 km north of the town you’ll find the Gulgong Gold Experience. Located within the Red Hill Mining Precinct, this attraction is open from 10 am – 2 pm on weekends and gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into the gold rush era of the 1870s.
It features interactive exhibits, including a replica gold mine tunnel with working machinery, so it’s engaging and educational for all ages.
However, what makes it one of the most fun things to do in Mudgee for families is the fact that you can go panning for gold. Gravel from nearby gold-bearing creeks is regularly brought in, so you just might get lucky!
8. Walk on the Wild Side
Another one of the top things to see and do in Mudgee is to check out the local walking trails.
Some of the best walks in Mudgee are the ones that take in incredible natural landscapes that are unique to the area and abundant with interesting flora and fauna.
Just up the road, the Putta Bucca Wetlands are a haven for birdlife, with leisurely walking paths and stunning views to photograph. Under an hour away is Ferntree Gully, a scenic rainforest trail of lush greenery and diverse wildlife.
If you’re after areas of cultural significance, check out The Hands On The Rock: Ulan Aboriginal Rock Art trail and the rugged terrain of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve – Australia’s second oldest nature reserve.
9. Have a History Lesson
If you’d like to learn a bit about the area’s history, look no further than The Mudgee Museum.
With around 60,000 items on display, there’s more than enough to keep you interested! Entry tickets are just $10 for adults and $2 for children.
The collection spans several historic buildings which include a 19th-century hotel, an early 20th-century church, and a replica of a slab hut, all with significant items inside.
10. Sleep Under the Stars
Finally, when finding the best places to stay in Mudgee, an overnight glamping experience should be at the top of your list.
Going glamping is one of the romantic things to do in Mudgee and one of the most memorable things to do in Mudgee for couples, and several companies are offering these unique accommodation options.
Sierra Escapes has tiny houses with high-end amenities, and access to private wine tastings and tours, whilst Glenayr Farm offers luxurious tents in a rural environment and interactions with friendly farm animals.
Bubbletent Australia’s transparent bubble tents will immerse you in nature with panoramic views of the night sky. Evamor Valley is a blend of luxury and comfort with a spacious eco-tent and private hot tub in the middle of the bush.