Did you know the Mudgee Region offers some stunning walks that are perfect for summer? Here are a few local favourites to explore.
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, nestled at the edge of the vast Wollemi Wilderness, this is a true summer oasis! Wander along scenic trails, then cool off with a swim or paddle beside towering sandstone pagodas. To make the most of this gorgeous waterway, you can join a tour or rent a kayak or paddleboard from Southern Cross Kayaking.
The Drip walking track meanders along the Goulburn River, leading to a magnificent sandstone cliff face draped in grasses and ferns. The sandy riverbed below is perfect for a refreshing paddle, making it a top spot to relax after your walk.
While we’re famous for our wines, we are also a hotspot for handcrafted beers and a distillery worth toasting to. So grab a seat and get ready to savour some of Australia’s finest cold brews!
Small Batch Brewery and Hop Farm may just have one of the most scenic beer gardens in the state. Add to that some unique creations and you have the perfect summer combo!
Great food, a central location, and a working brewery as the centrepiece make make Mudgee Brewing Co the ultimate spot to kick back and sample the house-brewed beers.
Three Tails Brewery and Smokehouse is the home of Mudgee’s craft beer, low-and-slow BBQ and good times! With 21 craft beers on tap, you’ll have fun discovering your favourite.
Baker Williams Distillery is the go-to place for your perennial summer favourite aka G&T with a few different gin options to choose from - but it's time to broaden your options - try their Orancello, bursting with rich, zesty local oranges, or their Lemon Myrtle Liqueur, with notes of barley sugar, perfect as a spritz with soda. Check out their cocktail suggestions for your festive spirit inspo (pun intended)!
Summer is the perfect excuse for long, leisurely lunches — and we have no shortage of exceptional dining spots to choose from. Here are a few of our top summer picks:
Recently awarded a hat in the SMH Good Food Guide 2025, The Zin House is regional dining at its finest. Wander through the food gardens with a cool glass of wine, chat with the chefs and relish a menu that celebrates fresh, local produce. It’s no wonder The Zin House has kept that coveted hat since 2015!
The Barn at Blue Wren Farm is a must-do, whether you’re after a sun-drenched lunch under the pergola or a sunset dinner overlooking the vines.
Gigi's Restaurant is the fresh face on Mudgee’s dining scene, already making waves with generous plates of Summer’s best produce.
For a true hidden gem, 29 Nine 99 is a local favourite. Owner and chef Na Lan has been delighting guests with authentic Chinese yum cha and tea for over 15 years. Visitors travel from Sydney just for Na Lan's famous dumplings, steamed buns, and desserts — and for good reason!
When the days are warm, there’s no better spot to cool off than inside a local pub, drink in hand and live music playing! Here a a few local spots to find good tunes and cool vibes:
Every Friday and Saturday night, Roth's Wine Bar and Cellar comes alive with live music, craft beer, an incredible selection of local wines, woodfired pizzas and tapas. All the ingredients for a great night out!
With a stellar lineup of live musicians each week, The Woolpack Hotel is the place for summer cocktails, on-street dining, or sun-soaked vibes in the courtyard.
The Oriental (aka 'The Ori) is a Mudgee icon, and has live music every Friday and Saturday night, setting the scene for a fun-filled evening of dinner, drinks and great company!
For the full live music lineup, check out What’s On Mudgee Region!
Whether it’s a gathering with friends, a family adventure or a getaway with your special someone, why not let someone else take the wheel? We have a fantastic lineup of friendly locals ready to be your guide and designated driver, so you can sit back and fully enjoy the best this region has to offer. From wine and beer tours to historical journeys and even hot air balloon flights, this list of tours has you covered!
Our winemakers are masters of their craft, offering an impressive variety of wines that’ll have you covered no matter your style. Craving a bubbly Prosecco to kick off the day? Or maybe a complex Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling for your summer celebrations? How about a chilled Rosé to match those warm evenings, or a crisp Riesling to pair perfectly with your seafood barbie? Whatever your taste, we've got it covered. With over 35 cellar doors to explore, you're bound to find your perfect summer sip!
Savour the summer with a gourmet picnic in the perfect shady spot. Swing by Mudgee Visitor Information Centre for a selection of local goodies — from olives and oils to handcrafted cheeses, and more — to build your dream hamper. For a true foodie experience, don't miss the Mudgee Farmer's Market every third Saturday of the month, packed with everything local: organic veggies, artisan cheeses, and of course, iconic Mudgee wines. Grab a summer read from The Book Nest Mudgee, find your ideal picnic sport, roll out the blanket and enjoy a little slice of summer paradise!
Whether you’re looking to test your fishing skills, soak up the sun with some watersports, or camp under the stars on a summer night, Windamere Dam has got you covered! Cudgegong Waters Park has you covered, offering everything from accommodation to bait. Stop by the Windamere Café, open daily, for coffee and bites to eat – and if you’re staying on a Friday or Saturday night, be sure to call ahead to pre-order a pizza!
Enjoy a refreshing break at the Mudgee Arts Precinct! This season’s standout, the MAP Portrait Prize, runs until 2 February 2025, featuring 89 impressive works from artists at all levels — from emerging talents to seasoned professionals. Stroll through the exhibition, savour each piece at your own pace and enjoy a relaxing break in the perfectly cool, air-conditioned space.
Beat the heat with a refreshing dip at one of our local pools!
We’ve got three awesome spots to cool off — in Mudgee, Gulgong and Kandos. Plus, during the swim season, the pools are open every day (except for Good Friday and Christmas Day), so there's no excuse not to take a splash!