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Things to do in Mudgee: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay & Play
There’s much more to this picturesque region than wineries. Discover it all with our edit of the best thing to do in Mudgee.
Planning your next escape? Let this be your sign to head to regional New South Wales. And, while fan favourites like The Hunter and Orange may seem like the obvious choice, we’re shedding some light on another one of our favourite epicurean destinations, Mudgee.
Just a four-hour drive west of Sydney, once you arrive in Mudgee, you’ll soon learn it’s a mecca for foodies. From chef-hatted restaurants and century-old wine bars to heavenly homesteads and vibrant community events, there’s so much to fill your trip (and your stomach) with that you might just have to go and visit again. Here’s our ultimate guide for the best things to do in Mudgee to help you plan the ultimate weekend away.
Things to do in Mudgee: Eat
Gigi’s
Located inside the luxe Clairfield Hotel, Gigi’s brings a modern Australian menu to life with a firm focus on regional produce and relaxed elegance. From laid-back breakfasts to refined dinners, the kitchen is led by chef Sam Potter (formerly e’cco bistro, Brisbane), who blends elevated technique with seasonal, local ingredients. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with light-filled interiors, beautifully plated dishes, and polished yet friendly service, making this an all-day dining destination worth planning around. If you go for breakfast, don’t miss the breakfast gnocchi (trust us), and in the evening, the Parilla-grilled proteins and thoughtful share plates speak to the heart of Mudgee’s paddock-to-plate ethos.
1 Sydney Rd, Mudgee
Pipeclay Pumphouse
This fine dining darling at the Robert Stein Winery is a no-brainer for those passionate about high-quality food and wine. At Pipeclay Pumphouse, you’ll be in awe of the views — they stretch right across the vineyard, farm and valley and make for the perfect setting to sample Mudgee’s finest flavours.
Offering a six-course set menu, the seasonal dishes will take you on an expedition across the region, championing homegrown and locally sourced ingredients that pair perfectly with the estate’s award-winning drops.
Pipeclay Lane, Mudgee
Alby + Esthers
Venture up the alley on Market Street and you’ll find the amiable Alby + Esthers, a charming character-filled café come wine bar serving all-day bites, killer coffee, and boutique local wines.
Breathing new life into an 1873 stone terrace, its enchanting grapevine-covered courtyard is the perfect spot to enjoy your morning cuppa before setting out on the day’s adventure. Offering contemporary brunch classics, such as gourmet jaffles, nutrient-dense bowls, and a banging big brekkie — this lovely local keeps its growing fan base coming back for more.
4/61 Market Street, Mudgee
The Zin House
Fancy a long lunch with a view? Nestled among Mudgee’s magnificent wine country, chef-hatted The Zin House is a one-of-a-kind biodynamic dining experience, situated in the picturesque Lowe Family Wine Co estate.
The refined modern Australian menu showcases seasonal produce grown on-site, with sumptuous dishes such as local braised lamb with Zin Garden bitter greens and tagine jus masterfully prepared by chef Kyle Bowett and his team. What’s on the plate is only half the experience, however — the stunning farmhouse setting offers intimacy and elegance, while a post-meal walk around the gardens will have you feeling utterly zen.
329 Tinja Lane, Eurunderee
Althea by Zin
If you’re after something quick and easy (and potentially the best croissant you’ve ever tasted in your life) head to Althea. Serving up great coffee, fresh baguettes, pastries and juices, all of which use seasonal ingredients with top-notch quality. Most of the fresh produce used at Althea by Zin comes from Lowe Family Wine Co’s certified organic & biodynamic farm and the rest is sourced locally where possible.
131 Church Street, Mudgee
Things to do in Mudgee: Drink
Yeates Wines
This family winery is beloved by experts and everyday drinkers alike for its commitment to small-batch, estate-grown wines with minimal intervention and sustainable practices. One of Mudgee’s oldest vineyards (Mountain Blue Vineyard), Yeates Wines is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz varietals.
138 Craigmoor Road, Eurunderee
Mudgee Brewing Co.
Craft beer lovers are in for a real treat at Mudgee Brewing Co. The warm and welcoming Woolstore tasting bar oozes regional charm and features eight rotating taps for you to work your way through.
The menu follows suit, serving up a curated selection of gourmet pub classics — think red IPA BBQ wings, maple braised brisket and their signature pork belly with sweet potato, buttered greens, and Mudgee Mud beer syrup. With a weekly schedule of everything from trivia and open mic nights to live music performances, you can expect a crowd basking in both the beer, beats and the bites.
4 Church Street, Mudgee
De Beaurepaire Wines
On your way to or from Mudgee, don’t miss De Beaurepaire Wines in Rylstone. This family-owned gem offers a taste of France with private wine tastings, where you will learn all about the property’s unique terroir that creates French Burgundy-style wines. Step into their historic 1850s sandstone stable for an intimate tasting experience. On weekends, soak up live music, nibbles, and wine on the lawn.
182 Cudgegong Road, Rylstone
Things to do in Mudgee: Explore
Jila
Tucked inside the beautifully designed Clairfield Hotel, Jila Wellness is a modern-day sanctuary for those craving calm. With a focus on deep rest and renewal, Jila offers a curated menu of float therapy, infrared sauna, and body treatments designed to bring you back into balance. The interiors are warm and minimalist, setting the tone from the moment you walk in.
Whether you’re unwinding after a day of wine tasting or planning a wellness weekend away, this serene space offers a restorative pause that feels entirely in tune with Mudgee’s slower pace.
1 Sydney Road, Mudgee
Mudgee Art Precinct
Opened in 2021, the Mudgee Arts Precinct (MAP) is a vibrant cultural hub housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building. It seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary design to showcase dynamic art exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and community events.
Beyond its galleries, MAP offers creative workshops for all ages — from charcoal drawing to still life and pen & ink techniques — making it a welcoming space for both beginners and seasoned artists. With a cafe and visitor information centre on site, it’s the perfect stop to immerse yourself in Mudgee’s thriving arts scene and gather local tips for your next visit.
Free to enter and open daily
90 Market Street, Mudgee
Mudgee Explorer Self-Guided Cycle Tour
For those serious about food and wine, discover the real Mudgee on two wheels with this epic five-day Mudgee Explorer Self-Guided Cycle Tour that allows you to explore all that this spectacular wine region has to offer.
Sample heavenly tastes, pedal to historic attractions such as the Henry Lawson Memorial, soak up the lively local atmosphere, and, of course, savour incredible wines. Highlights include Pieter van Gent Winery, Lowe Winery, Mansfield Wines and di Lusso Estate, and Craigmoor Wines.
Mudgee and surrounds
Markets Galore
Is there a better way to start a morning than with a trip to the markets? For those that find themselves in town on the third Saturday of the month, be sure to check out the Mudgee Farmers Market in Robertson Park (trust us, it’s worth it!). Grab a brekkie roll and browse the myriad of gourmet goodies on offer.
Head back on the fourth Saturday of the month for the Mudgee Makers Market where you can meet the talented hands behind some amazing homemade items, think fresh produce, clothes and accessories, art, ceramics, beauty products and much more.
3rd and 4th Saturday of the month
97A Market Street, Mudgee
The Drip Gorge
Save this one for a hot day! You can find The Drip Gorge just a short drive out of Mudgee. Park up just off Ulan Road and take The Drip Walking Track past native plants, moss and rocky outcrops.
The Drip Gorge offers plenty of spots along the river to stop off and cool down with a dip in the fresh water. We recommend packing a bag of some local snacks to enjoy in picnic form before making the small trek back to the car park.
Cooking Classes
After spending enough time in this foodie wonderland, you’ll undoubtedly want to step up your home cooking game. Whether you take an artisanal breadmaking course at Mudgee Sourdough School or a hands-on cooking class at The Little Cooking School, Mudgee, you’ll pick up some seriously valuable culinary skills to take home with you!
Alongside fan favourites like pasta making and Greek, you’ll find an eclectic mix of exciting new cuisines to add to your repertoire — including traditional-style cannoli and gyoza.
6A Henry Lawson Drive, Mudgee
Dunns Swamp
Don’t be turned off by the name. This beautiful expanse is popular with campers and day-trippers alike.
Down the road from Mudgee in Rylstone, you’ll find the serene Dunns Swamp. Settle in waterside with a book and a picnic or head out on a canoe or kayak. There are also plenty of wildlife spotting ops from wallabies to long-necked turtles.
Wollemi National Park, Rylestone
Things to do in Mudgee: Stay
Sierra Escape
The ultimate couples’ retreat, these stunning eco-tents come so stylishly fitted out, you may just think you’re staying in a luxury hotel. The region’s first ‘eco-glamping’ experience, Sierra Escape sits on 280 hectares, which is home to kangaroos and other Aussie wildlife, and is just a short drive from vineyards like Lowe Wines and Thistle Hill Wines. After spending the day exploring, come back to your tent, complete with electrical power, a king bed, glass sliding doors, a bath, and basic cooking facilities.
1345 Lower Piambong Road, Piambong
The Clairfield Hotel
Just a short drive from Mudgee’s town centre, The Clairfield Hotel is a refined boutique retreat that blends modern luxury with a relaxed country charm. Offering 57 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, the hotel pairs elegant interiors with curated local art for a stay that feels both elevated and grounded.
Guests can soak up the sun by the Palm Springs-inspired pool, indulge in modern Australian fare at Gigi’s restaurant, or unwind at Jila Wellness where infrared sauna and float therapy experiences are the order of the day. Perfectly positioned for exploring the best of Mudgee’s celebrated wine country, flourishing food scene and vibrant arts culture, the Clairfield is the ultimate modern country escape.
1 Sydney Road, Mudgee
Evamor Valley
Evamor Valley, is a 34-hectare property boasting six luxury eco glamping tents. Each tent features the holy grail of accommodation extras including a firepit and hot tub. Expect all the little details to be covered too, from Leif body products, a king bed, all the soft blankets you’d need, and views to die for.
Best of all, you’re only five minutes from the centre of town!
109 Tinja Lane, Mudgee
The Mudgee Homestead Guesthouse
With so many things to do in Mudgee, finding a base where you can bliss out in peaceful surroundings is essential. As idyllic as it gets, The Mudgee Homestead Guesthouse sits right on the outskirts of town but feels like you’re a million miles away. Set on 40 acres, the award-winning Federation-style homestead offers 7 spacious rooms, all with private bathrooms and individually controlled heating/cooling.
31 Coorumbene Road, Buckaroo
Book now with The Mudgee Homestead Guesthouse
Loved our things to do in Mudgee guide? We’ve got plenty of weekend getaways to inspire your next Aussie adventure. From beachside bliss in Byron Bay, to glamping like an A-lister in WA, we’ve travelled around the country to bring you the best city guides and weekend getaways Australia has to offer.
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