From quirky train carriage retreats to bubble tents under a sky illuminated with stars and farm stays nestled amid vineyards, these ten unique stays and self-contained accommodations will take your breath away.
Loved for: its old-world charm
Captivating colonial architecture is just one of the many charms of the Mudgee region. Here, wide-open streets are lined with well-preserved historic buildings and original cobblestones that once carried horse-drawn carriages. Among the town’s collections of ornate heritage buildings is Forgandenny House, a bed and breakfast heritage federation bed and breakfast home that entices guests with a unique ambience of a bygone era.
The house, established circa 1900, fringes the peaceful Lawson Park and the trickling Cudgegong River, a few minutes walk from Mudgee’s beating heart. The building's quaint exterior – a wrap-around verandah that overlooks a manicured flower garden - sets the scene for the French-inspired, vintage decor that fills this heritage house and its three bedrooms. Each is fitted with old-world ornate furnishings and ensuite bathrooms, along with delicate touches. Expect to find cosy slippers and robes to slip on during the colder months, a roaring fireplace and a vase of fresh flowers hand-picked from the garden. Downstairs, the grand guest lounge room is stocked with complimentary treats (including tipples of cherry and port) and a full hot country breakfast is served daily.
Loved for: the novelty of staying in a train carriage
You’ve probably heard of luxury sleeper trains that traverse around the far-flung corners of Australia. But have you ever heard of a rural train retreat? We didn’t think so. The Red Rattler, a converted 1928 train carriage nestled in the gold mining town of Windeyer 30 minutes from Mudgee, is not your average retreat. Once a fully operating train carriage within the Sydney service, in 2000 its original carriage shell was thoughtfully renovated to house three modern queen-sized bedrooms, a generously sized open-plan lounge, a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. Throughout the house, elegant stained glass windows decorate bedrooms, along with a new perspective of the countryside surroundings.
Wake up to roaming kangaroos and the sounds of tweeting birds while lounging on the outdoor terrace that adjoins the carriage. In the evening, light the fire pit, get one (or two) of the barbeques fired up and soak up the countryside’s tranquillity; the clear night sky revealing twinkling stars above. If you’d rather delegate the cooking elsewhere, take a short walk to the Gold and Fleece Hotel. Order a warm hearty meal and a beverage or two to wash it down before retreating to your unique carriage accommodation.
Loved for: its family-friendly menagerie, close to town
Experience the ultimate family escape at Mudgee’s Getaway Cottages, boasting seven self-contained homes and cottages, all privately secluded over nine acres of picturesque parkland. The suite of cottages includes Elington Manor, an early 1900s federation home that beautifully retains its old-world charm.
Despite the rural setting, the cottages are just a short stroll away from the vibrant heart of Mudgee, home to boutique shopping, eateries serving tasty fare and a thriving community of passionate locals. It’s not every day you’ll find such a vast, rural retreat in the centre of a town. But that’s not the property’s only unique feature.
“I grew up growing outside, playing outside and nature being my teacher”, Owner Elizabeth Etherington told Nine News. “And I wanted to recreate something similar for families”. While parents can taste their way around the Mudgee region’s renowned cellar doors and independent local produce shops, kids are invited to relish nature’s playground on the doorstep of each cottage. “The kids can walk freely through the gardens, pick their own vegetables and taste things fresh”, says Elizabeth. The property is home to a whole host of farm animals too, including a large friendly camel! It’s easy to see why families flock here time and time again.
Loved for: adorable lambs and countryside serenity
Sharing a passion for nature, food and wine is a recurring theme in the Mudgee region. For Mick and Alina Azar, Wallinga Farmstay was created to share their laid-back countryside lifestyle with visitors. On the private farm sits three self-contained abodes: one family studio and two two-bedroom cottages.
The farm is enveloped by the region’s undulating hills, neighbouring some of the most picturesque vineyards in the area. When you’re not enjoying the peacefulness, feeding farm animals or sipping wine by your outdoor private fire pit, you can be tasting wines overlooking the vines at First Ridge Estate or Moothi Wines. Back at the Farmstay, be sure to book a 30-minute farm tour with Farmer Mick to meet adorable hand-raised lambs, sheep and the odd grazing alpaca. Food supplies can be booked in advance too, from warm breakfast hampers to generous grazing platters, homemade damper and farm-fresh eggs. Wallinga Farmstay blends the best of Mudgee in one luxurious escape.
Loved for: its secluded off-grid experience
Perched on the hillside amid the Mudgee region’s mountainous landscape, the off-grid Kundalini Lodge exudes contemporary eco-luxury. Here, guests are invited to experience a rejuvenating escape away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you're seeking solitude, a romantic getaway with your significant other, or an adventure with friends, Kundalini Lodge’s eco-cabins offer a unique getaway, imbued with romance and wonder.
The word ‘Kundalini’ is derived from Hinduism, and means a form of divine feminine energy believed to be a life force. The eco-cabins, which blend modern comforts with rustic country charm, are named after healing stones – Amethyst, Amethyst, Celestine, Rose Quartz, and Sunstone – intended to rejuvenate guests with the healing powers of nature.
From the stunning sunrises that paint the sky with hues of gold to the serene sunsets casting a warm glow over the landscape, the vistas from Kundalini Lodge are hard to compete with. Feel the revitalising crisp air meet the steamy outdoor bathtub water on your private balcony overlooking the valley, cook up a barbeque with a view, or release your inner child in the games room. Who needs the internet, anyway?
Loved for: tasting wines and olive oil grown onsite
At Grattai Grove, you’ll find much more than a cosy bed to rest your head. Try two thousand olive trees, vines that produce award-winning wines, sheep, cows, donkeys, goats, chooks, cats, dogs and of course, two beautiful farm stays: The Cottage and The Retreat.
Located 15 minutes from Mudgee, at 650 metres altitude, Grattai Grove sits with the highest vineyards in the region. This secluded farm stay, boutique vineyard and exceptional olive grove boasts a rich heritage dating back to the late 19th century when gold fever swept through the Mudgee region. Over the years, different families have left their mark on the landscape and structures that now define Grattai Grove.
In 1978, the core of the homestead took shape, and the first vineyard block was planted in 1983. Fast forward to 2021, current owners Anna and Norbert embarked on their journey to turn their dream of running a family-owned wine business into reality. Renamed Grattai Grove in homage to the land's heritage, the farm became a labour of love for the couple.
Today, Grattai Grove stands as a testament to resilience and perseverance. It's more than just a place to stay; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the serenity of the countryside, taste the fruits of the land, and become part of the ongoing narrative of this remarkable place. Choose from the three-bedroom cottage or for couples, the one-bedroom retreat.
Loved for: unique architecture and stargazing from your bed
Perhaps the most unique of all stays in and around the Mudgee region is Bubbletent Australia. It really is what the name suggests – a clear, bubble-shaped inflatable tent. But make it luxury.
The concept – a first in Australia – aims to offer a romantic getaway that’s never been experienced before. Three tents, named after star signs after the mind-boggling celestial skies on show, are situated on a private and secluded working farm, between Lithgow and Mudgee. Try not to say “wow” as your eyes scan the horizon, filled with the world’s second-largest canyon and one of the 50 Important Bird Area sanctuaries around the world for bird watching. It’s a vista blended with blues, greens and the soft yellows of the sun. In the evening, it only gets better. Open your eyes from the comfort of your plush bed to gaze at a sky illuminated with stars. There’s nothing quite like it.
Each tent is just as luxurious as the next, complete with an outdoor wood-fired bathtub and running shower, a fire pit, an indoor ensuite and a telescope. You’ll also find a ‘unique feature’ at each, from a floating bed to a hammock, or a love swing.
Loved for: spacious grandeur primed for groups
Neighbouring the historic Forgandenny Bed & Breakfast is another of Mudgee’s heritage buildings fringing the leafy Lawson Park. Stay on the Park, otherwise known as Cawarra Cottage, is primed for big groups seeking a luxury, unique guesthouse in the centre of Mudgee. The cottage was named Cawarra after the Aboriginal word meaning ‘beside running water’, denoting its close proximity to the flowing Cudgegong River.
This circa 1866 Victorian home has been restored using its original bones and filled with modern touches that complement the beauty of the house and its surroundings. Inside, five large bedrooms contain sumptuous king-sized beds. The house also contains the original fireplaces, cedar doors and ornate mantelpieces.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway with friends, a wedding party stay or a family escape, Cawarra’s spacious interiors – notably the long refectory table and the timeless courtyard – are designed to bring guests together.
Loved for: its rural setting minutes from central Mudgee
Bandalong Cottages offers guests the best of both worlds. The large rural property, home to the Sykes family, is only a six-minute drive from the heart of Mudgee’s town. Yet, waking up to the tweeting birds, mobs of grazing kangaroos and your own patch of countryside serenity, you’d never know it. Bandalong owns three self-contained cottages, all hidden among the property for guests’ privacy. Each feels like a little home away from home with a library of books (stocked with all of the classics), a collection of CDs and DVDs and board games for when you want to switch off from technology. There’s even a popcorn machine in the fully-stocked kitchen, and for those warm summer evenings, a barbecue on the scenic balcony.
When you’re not enjoying Mudgee’s wineries, restaurants and quaint shops, Bandalong invites you to unwind and reconnect with nature – and each other. The small touches are never missed here; don’t be surprised to find a little nightcap tipple or a bottle of wine waiting on your kitchen table.
Image supplied by Amy Fraser
Loved for: the historic country pub
The Mudgee region isn't short of a historic country pub to sink a cold one, have a yarn or a hearty feed. What’s more quintessential to country New South Wales than staying at an old-world pub, with the option to book the pub exclusively for your group?
Gulgong, just 30 minutes from Mudgee, feels like a town trapped in time. Its streetscape is peppered with heritage buildings, many of which have maintained their beautiful iron-lace balconies. One of the most historic is the Commercial Travellers House. Formerly known as The Sportsman’s Arms and then Powells Commercial Hotel (or to locals, “Widow Powells”), this heritage pub hotel is one of the town’s most historic institutions. Established in 1870, The Commercial Travellers House served as a vital stopover for travelling salespeople, offering respite and hospitality along their journey. Today, guests can relive this sense of hospitality in beautifully restored rooms that blend bygone architecture with modern amenities.
Sign up to Mudgee Region we'll send you our latest events and deals in the region. No spam, promise!
