Things to do in Mudgee: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay & Play

Planning your next escape? It's regional New South Wales’ time to shine. 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.

Mudgee is just a four-hour drive west of Sydney and once you arrive, 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) up with that you’ll just have to go and visit again. To help you plan the ultimate weekend away, here's our ultimate guide for the best things to do in 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 and beyond 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, you can rest assured that the quality of the ingredients used is top-notch. 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 

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. Hosting everything from trivia and open mic nights to live music performances, you can expect a crowd basking in the beer, beats and bites.

4 Church Street, Mudgee 

Burrundulla Wines

Steeped in history, Burrundulla Wines provides an unforgettable winery experience. Famous for its rosés and reds, this fourth-generation family-run vineyard follows traditional wine-making techniques to produce its illustrious drops. You'll be immersed with captivating views year-round at their award-winning cellar door.

234 Castlereagh Highway, 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

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 lets you experience every nook and cranny of this spectacular wine region.

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 products, think fresh produce, clothes and accessories, art, ceramics, beauty products and much much more.

3rd and 4th Saturday of the month

97A Market Street, Mudgee

Cooking Classes

After spending time in this foodie wonderland, you'll undoubtedly want to start stepping 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 valuable culinary skills! Alongside fan favourites like pasta making and Greek, you’ll find an eclectic mix of exciting new cuisines to add to your repertoire – cannoli and gyoza are just a few. 

6A Henry Lawson Drive, Mudgee

Mudgee Fine Foods Farm Walk

Offering gourmands the chance to meet the makers and explore the farms producing some of the region's best artisanal delights, this family-friendly epicurean adventure is a must for foodies.

Held monthly, the Mudgee Fine Foods Farm Walk stops off at two farms where you’ll learn all about various stages of the production process along the way. Previous itineraries have included olive oil, free-range pork, locally grown vegetables, vineyards, a fig orchard and a working winery. 

84 Market Street, Mudgee

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 power, a king bed, glass sliding doors, a bath, and basic cooking facilities.

1345 Lower Piambong Road, Piambong

Evamor Valley

Evamor Valley, is a 34 hectare property boasting six luxury glamping eco tents. Each tent features the holy grail of accommodation extras -a firepit and hot tub. Expect all the little details to be covered from the Leif body products, cosy king bed, and all the soft blankets you'd need through to 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

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.