Mudgee is a rural farming town in the central tablelands of New South Wales that has gained a reputation as one of Australia's premier food and wine destinations in recent years. Thanks to its rich soil and location along the Cudgegong River, it supports more than 35 award-winning wineries and has spawned a thriving farm-to-table culinary scene that uses local ingredients as much as possible.

Well-preserved Victorian architecture has earned Mudgee recognition from the National Trust, and heritage walks provide ample opportunity to see key landmarks like the War Memorial Clock Tower. The rolling hills of the surrounding wine country are the main attraction, but within about a 30-minute drive north, you can also take a short hike to the Drip Gorge to walk through the cool waters and see a cave filled with more than 100 Aboriginal hand stencils and some emu tracks.

The closest airport with flights from major carriers is the Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), located about 3.5 hours away by car. Rentals are available directly from the Sydney Airport, and although there are public transit links, the journey requires both a train and a bus and will double your travel time. If you would prefer not to make the drive from Sydney, a limited number of regional flights from Sydney arrive at the smaller Mudgee Airport (DGE) — just 8.5 kilometres from town — each day. Though much of the city centre of Mudgee is pedestrian friendly, you will need a vehicle to get the most out of your exploration of the surrounding wine country, farms, orchards, and nature reserves.

Temperatures are consistently warm and steady throughout most the year, with cooler winter days that don’t require many outer layers, although the winter evenings can dip below freezing. In the late spring, the local harvests begin, and the food scene starts to take off with special food-focused events and busy farmers markets. From around November to February, you can expect hot and sunny temperatures with minimal precipitation, making this the most popular time to book accommodation in Mudgee. The month-long Mudgee Wine and Food Festival that stretches from September into October is the town’s top attraction where wineries host special dinners with visiting chefs and offer tastings along with live music from local artists.

Historic Mudgee

Central Mudgee has maintained its village vibe through the community’s careful preservation work, and it’s worth spending a day exploring this historic area. Starting from the roundabout that showcases the clock tower, make your way along to see notable buildings like the colourful town hall, post office, railway station, and Lovejoy House. For shopping, head to Church Street for vintage goodies, handmade art pieces, souvenirs, and bespoke clothing boutiques, and you’ll find plenty of cafes for a quick bite. For more formal farm-to-table cuisine, head to Market Street.

Wine Country

There are more acclaimed and well-known wineries around Mudgee than you can see in a single day, which makes it a popular base for wine enthusiasts. Most of them will offer tastings, tours of the grounds and cellars, meals with pairings, and a rotating calendar of special events and live music. Some wineries have adjoining sculpture gardens, museums, or working farms that offer additional appeal.

Mudgee Farmers Market

The Mudgee Fine Foods Farmers Market is held on the third Saturday of the month in Robertson Park. You can find fresh farm produce from the surrounding area along with prepared meals, brewed coffee, and live music throughout the year — rain or shine. By operating under the strict Farmers Market guidelines, every booth is managed by the same people who pick, grow, and process the goods being sold, ensuring the freshest food possible.