A morning spent browsing clothing racks, vintage wares and artwork.
A lengthy conversation with a winemaker.
This is slow travel at its finest - when the itinerary is flexible, the plans are loose and the schedule is, well, no schedule at all.
In the Mudgee Region, we’re all about making experiences last longer.
There’s no rushing to appointments, no navigating through gridlock traffic, no meals hurriedly eaten in front of the TV - we’ve embraced a style of living that rewards slowing down and doing less. Much less.
Not great at giving yourself permission to pause?
Here’s a few ways you can embrace the slow life in the Mudgee Region…
The coffee break: it’s called a coffee break for a reason. Here, coffee isn’t something you grab on the go - it’s an invitation to slow down. We love our coffee served with a side of stillness (hold the stress!), so start your day with a slow coffee at one of Mudgee Region’s cafes. Grab a spot in the sunshine, a newspaper and linger over a flat white. Let breakfast stretch into brunch. Order a second coffee. Do the crossword. No cheating please…
The road less travelled: we’re big fans of going off the beaten track. Take the scenic route to uncover some of Mudgee Region’s hidden gems - that secret waterhole, that local village with its character-filled shops, that bushwalk that’s a little harder to access. Let country roads take you home - this journey is all about the drive, not the destination. Stop whenever and wherever you want - there’s no rules here. Oh, unless it’s for wee breaks, and then stop immediately!
The chat: something you quickly realise about Mudgee Region locals? They’re always on for a chat. This is the town where the winemaker waxes lyrical about his grapes. The olive grower shares the secrets behind his award-winning olive oil. The providore gives you samples of every jam, conserve and spread in their collection. You’ll want to spend a little longer with our producers, learning, tasting and sipping the best the region has to offer.
The long lunch: we take our long lunches seriously. You know the type. When you arrive at 12pm, order a round of drinks at 12.30pm, graze and nibble on multiple courses and dishes, and roll out of the venue at 4.30pm - and that’s only because they’ve turned off the lights. Live your best long lunch life at The Barn at Blue Wren, Pipeclay Pumphouse or zin food and wine house, or grab a picnic blanket and make a day of it at one of the region’s cellar doors.
The amble: embrace the lost art of a good amble. That slow, relaxed, unhurried walk, where you’re not worried about getting from A to B and are simply enjoying a leisurely stroll. The Lawson Park sculpture walk is just made for a good meander - stop to appreciate all the artwork along the trail, spot the bird life or turtles in the Cudgegong River and look for fish on the footbridge. No power walking allowed!
The core memories: this is about creating those forever memories. The ones the kids will remind you of in 10 years’ time. The ones that will get you through the never-ending cycle of work/life/school run/washing. Step outside your comfort zone and get ready to make your time in the region last a little longer: join a farm tour, try your hand at kayaking, race the kids on the pump track, or take in some of the region’s history. You never know - you might just discover a hidden talent!
The browsing: oh, the joy of a weekend holiday when you’ve made time to really get your browse on. You’ve got hours to peruse the region’s best boutiques and shops, and to wander through the galleries, appreciating all the local artwork. Lush. Don’t forget to head to the vintage shops and sift through the antiques - there’s nothing better than finding that truly unique piece.
The full day: we’re firm believers that the best days are the ones that stretch from dusk until dawn. Start with a sunrise walk as the town slowly waits, then ease into a leisurely breakfast. Wander the leafy streets, linger over a local wine tasting or long lunch, or pull up a seat at a country pub - because this is a place where another drink is always a good idea. As evening arrives, find a spot to watch the sunset with a glass of wine in hand, and then settle into an evening of good food and good fun.
Take a Mudgee Monday: Stay an extra night, travel home on Monday and make it a long weekend away - and a true mini-break. An overnighter that becomes a many-nighter. You’re going to love it here.
The ‘nothing’ plan: our favourite holiday? The one where the ultimate luxury is simply doing nothing. THE DREAM. Sleep in. And then have a nap. Spend the afternoon in bed with a book. Take in the view. Soak in the bath or hot tub. Take time to (literally!) stop and smell the roses. Savour every moment. And then rinse and repeat…
