A NSW Top Tourism Town Finalist
Welcome to Mudgee
Category: population over 5,000 residents.
Voting open from 09:00 Friday 7 May 2021 till 17:00 Friday 14 May 2021 AEST.
Members of the public may only lodge one vote for one town in each category.
See full Terms & Conditions
VOTING NOW CLOSED
FELT THE LOVE IN THE MUDGEE REGION - IT WAS PALPABLE
Perhaps I’d planned this trip too hastily, was there still too much on this week’s ‘to do list’? At 2pm we jumped in the car and escaped Sydney on our 270km road trip heading northwest. Soon I felt the tension disappear, journeying into the gorgeous Mudgee Region - greeted by wide open spaces and fresh country air. Mudgee – derived from the Wiradjuri term Moothi, meaning ‘nest in the hills’ – is nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Cudgegong Ranges.
By 5.30pm we had settled into glamping hotspot Sierra Escape. It felt as though we’d been transported to the set of a Country Style magazine shoot. Tomorrow I’ll explore the boutique shopping trail for my country wardrobe fix.
Next, I found myself falling in love with the elegance of a long lunch at famed farmhouse restaurant The Zin House, local wine being poured, cozy by a crackling fireplace and sweeping views of the neighbouring organic and biodynamic vineyard. The people here are real. Locals thrive on connecting with out-of-towners, eager to share tips on how to enjoy their beloved region best.
If you’ve been here already, you’ll know culinary passion runs deep. For those yet to visit, allow me to set the scene. Mudgee’s rich pastoral history is reflected in heritage streetscapes which are wide, and treelined.
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From the fertile farmland surrounds comes great local produce like beef, lamb, honey, olives, pistachios and more – available across a swag of epicurean outlets. With a continuous winemaking history since the 1850s, Mudgee is the third largest grape-producing region in NSW and home to over 35 boutique cellar doors.
Whether you’re looking for the romance of a country escape or to reconnect with loved ones, you’ll find your place in the Mudgee Region.
We tried our hand at cooking with Mudgee’s famed produce at The Little Cooking School. I’m no Heston but wow did I feel accomplished! Top tip: for guaranteed bragging rights at your next dinner party, head to the Farmer’s Markets to load up your basket with produce.
We swung by the Visitor Information Centre and found an impressive list of live music venues. Be sure to check out their events calendar, this town seems to find a reason to celebrate almost every weekend – whether it be a low and slow BBQ festival, Cycling Classic, Sculptures in the Garden, or NRL game at their internationally applauded sports stadium.
On day three we got back to nature, taking a kayak tour on the brilliant waters of Ganguddy in the Wollemi National Park. It did not disappoint. Then we discovered the charming villages of Rylstone, Kandos and Gulgong. All expressed a wonderful sense of place, bringing to life the heritage of their towns.
It’s obvious the community works hard to connect across the region. We were encouraged to slow down and take it all in, everyone here is on vine time. This weekend I hit the reset button.
That ‘to do list’ can wait.
Voting open from 9:00 AEST, Friday 7 May 2021
to 17:00, Friday 14 May 2021.
Members of the public may only lodge one vote for one town in each category. Subsequent votes by the same voter will be excluded from consideration. See full Terms & Conditions
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Four days in Mudgee
Mudgee is loved as a contemporary country destination, infused with art and music, serving quality produce and wine and shaped by a strong sense of community.
Visitors are encouraged to connect right across the region, including the townships of Mudgee, Gulgong, Rylstone, Kandos and beyond, to enjoy a vibrant yet intimate setting.
Located less than 270km northwest of Sydney, the fuss-free journey is all part of the experience, and what awaits is a stunning mix of charm and sophistication.
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