Well, no. Mudgee is in a different league. It’s not hard to compare two of the main wine regions that are within a short distance from Sydney. Mudgee is a place I fell in love with after a recent getaway with some girlfriends and a four-legged companion.
Mudgee was a place I had heard about, but I didn’t know much until I planned my trip. Here’s my Mudgee guide to help you plan your trip.
Do you like cheese? Do you like wine? What about campfires, wineries, beautiful landscapes, and relaxation? Mudgee could be the perfect place for you.
How to get to Mudgee, NSW, from Sydney
Mudgee can be reached easily from Sydney. It takes between three-and-a-half and four hours, depending on the traffic and your starting point.
Where is Mudgee located? Mudgee is located in the Mid-Western Regional Council, about 260 km from Sydney. It’s on the other side, past the Great Dividing Range and the Blue Mountains.
Owning a car is the best way to get around and get to Mudgee. It’s not only convenient to drive from Sydney or Melbourne to Mudgee but also for getting around. You may want to arrive in the daylight as the road, like many other country and regional routes, can be quite dark at night.
There is a train depot in the town if you are arriving via public transport. The bus departs from this location. Yes, it is confusing because the train station is no longer in operation. It is now the bus depot. You can take Sydney Trains up to Lithgow at the end of their line. Then, you will need to pick up a bus for the remainder of your journey. Mudgee is home to two bus stops, one at the train station as well as another in the town. Check your ticket carefully so you don’t end up at the wrong place.
What to do in Mudgee
Mudgee is about enjoying the good life – food, wine, and relaxation. While there are plenty of bushwalks, adventure, and peace to be had, most people visit the area for the rolling hills, the cheese and wine, and the rolling hills. That’s at least why I went.
Here are some of the highlights I experienced in this region. Winter was the best time to visit, with its crisp, cool nights and cool, calm days. It’s perfect for enjoying by the fire. It would also be beautiful in the summer, but prepare for hot and dry days. Drink lots of water when you go wine tasting.
Mudgee Wineries
Mudgee is one of the most beautiful wine regions in NSW. Over 35 cellar doors are located in the area, and you could spend days visiting them all.
You don’t have to worry about anything, as I’ve already done some of the work.
All the wineries are close together, but you can reach them most easily by car (or perhaps bicycle). A guided tour is a good way to visit wineries safely, as no one wants to be the designated driver on a wine tasting. You can see the best wineries with a guide and driver.
Mudgee Wine Tours was the option we chose. The tour takes you to six wineries and is the best way, pardon the pun, to experience the region. The time included water, snacks, and hotel pickups and drops, so it was a convenient way to explore the area.
The following are some of the best Mudgee wineries (in my humble opinion):
What’s not to love about The Olive Nest and 1838 Wines? They have olives, olive oils, and wines. Although I am not a huge olive fan, I could live off of olive oil and wines. So, two out of three isn’t too bad.
1838, like most Mudgee Wineries, is picturesque, especially when it’s sunny. With wine names such as ‘Dancing Wombat Moscato,’ it’s impossible to go wrong.
Petersons of Mudgee
Petersons has been a wine producer in the Hunter Valley since 1971. They also have a few cellars in this popular region. Relax on the huge wraparound porch and sample some wine while gazing out into the vineyards.
Pieter van Gent
This winery is fantastic, but they charge a small amount for the tastings. Most wineries provide them free of charge.
Van Gent’s interior is lined with oak barrels and has low lighting. There is also a small but interesting museum. You can find the best white port in Mudgee. You can also try a pink version if you prefer.
Eloquesta
Eloquesta offers a great lunch spot, not just for wine lovers. A delicious lunch of baked brie and cheese boards, meats, bread, and cheeses is the perfect way to end a wine-tasting day.
The property is also home to many ducks, animals, and birds. I can imagine that this would be a great place for children.
Baker Williams Distillery
Baker Williams is one of my favorite wineries, even though it’s technically called a distillery. The people at Baker Williams are doing some really innovative things, especially with the native Australian ingredients.
The gins of this company are popular, but I was most impressed by the Lemon Myrtle Liqueur. I regret not buying a bottle, as it would have been perfect to serve on its own or topped with ice cream or dessert.
Cheese is Cheese
You’ve found the right place if you love cheese. The local cheeses, especially brie or feta, are the specialty of this area.
You can find them at the High Valley Cheese Co. They produce a range of award-winning cheeses and flavored Fetas. We bought a pesto-flavored feta, which was perfect for pasta the next night.
You don’t have to make a reservation in advance. It’s also dog-friendly, like the wineries listed above, so long as you remain outside.
Honey, Are You Ready
Mudgee Honey Haven is a great place to find all sweet things. The cafe and honey products are plentiful. Take note that some honey products may not be made with local honey. It’s disappointing to me that honey products are not made locally. I like to buy local goods and produce. It may not be possible.
Their honey ice cream and meads are worth trying. You should definitely stop in for a coffee and browse.