Let’s face it, life gets busy.
Suddenly it’s Friday, and you realise you’ve barely spoken to your partner all week between the endless loads of washing, rounds of kids’ homework, after-school activities, work calls and just, well, lifeeeee.
You find yourself missing the person you see the most. Your days off just don’t line up. You keep postponing date night (because you’re tired, okay!?). Every time you’re together, you’re both getting ready to rush off somewhere else, usually ferrying a child to a play date or sporting event.
The good news? You’ve finally found a few days in the diary that you’re carving out for some much-needed alone time.
And where best to spend it? The Mudgee Region, of course. Think rolling hills, evening drinks, the country life and NO INTERRUPTIONS. For a few days, everything else can wait.
Looking for a spot where you feel like you’re the only two people in the world, without being miles from civilisation? You need Wilgowrah. Located just minutes from Mudgee CBD, Wilgowrah’s three homestays, spread across a stunning farming property, will have you feeling like you’ve escaped to the country – without needing to take a packed lunch. Stay in the lovingly restored Wilgowrah Church, a cosy retreat where historic architecture (a literal converted church!) meets modern comfort, or settle into Tom’s Cottage, a classic country home with views of Mudgee’s hills. For accommodation in a class of its own, stay at Gawthorne’s Hut – an award-winning, off-grid eco hut. Contemporary and chic, but far from the city lights, Gawthorne’s Hut is a romantic hideaway just made for you two lovebirds. Awww, so cute.
If you prefer to be amongst the action, you’ll love The Horatio Mudgee – a place where you can stretch out, get comfortable, and enjoy the time and space together that’s *so* hard to find at home. Book into the Horatio’s Luxury King Spa Suite to soak in your own private spa (bliss!) when you’re done exploring for the day. Take a drink out to the terrace, or dive into the pool and let the stress (literally!) wash off you, all within minutes of Mudgee’s best restaurants, cafes, pubs and boutiques.
Speaking of boutiques, every Mudgee shopping trip should start with a wardrobe upgrade, courtesy of KRYSTIE’S Boutique. At KRYSTIE’S, located in a former bank building in the centre of Mudgee, you’ll find a gorgeous collection of women’s clothing, accessories and giftware, all handpicked by the store’s namesake. No need to hit the big smoke for all your favourite brands – KRYSTIE’S Boutique is home to beloved labels like Country Road, Mimco, Staple the Label and Levi’s, along with unique and local finds that are just right for you. We dare you not to leave with a heaving shopping bag of goodies, and plans to hit the online store on your return home!
Shopping can work up an appetite, so it’s time to sit down and enjoy lunch at di Lusso Estate – Mudgee’s own Italian winery, complete with rustic charm and traditional flavours. No need for your passport, darl – winemaker Alexander Lowe is pouring Italian wines, grown right here in Mudgee. Expect the liveliness and flavour of Italy, with the earthiness of Mudgee grapes. This is wine made to be enjoyed with food, and di Lusso has you covered, with a tasty Italian-inspired menu. Find a table on the terrace, overlooking the dam. Open a bottle. Order a traditional pizza on a fermented dough base and let the springtime sun wash over you. Si, grazie!
Pull yourself away from your Italian feast and shake things up (pun intended!) with a cocktail at Baker Williams Distillery. That’s right, Mudgee makes gin too! Oh, and Butterscotch Schnapps, Café Liqueur, and a delicious Orancello – that’s an orange liqueur made from the zest of local fruit that’s going to change your life. Grab a table in Baker Williams’ new bright and airy cellar door and taste your way through the gins and liqueurs made onsite. The distiller is also behind the bar, so you’re going to get an expert’s guide to gin and the art of spirits. Let him mix you a signature Baker Williams cocktail for the total experience – so bloody good!
Every memorable night in a country town should end at a classic country pub, and tonight, you’re headed to the beloved Prince of Wales Hotel, located in the heart of Gulgong. This historic village is preserved in time, with winding streets and shopfronts that have hardly changed since the gold rush era. At the Prince of Wales, you’ll get a genuine country pub experience. Share a drink with the locals, put a song on the jukebox, and order dinner from the kitchen. Whether you want a mixed grill or beef nachos, you’ll find something wholesome and hearty that’s sure to satisfy. And at the end of the night? You’ll step out into the quiet, moonlit streets, and know what it felt like to strike gold in Gulgong 100 years ago.
No matter where you visit in the Mudgee Region, you’ll find friendly faces, great flavour, and unique experiences. And at every stop, you’ll find somewhere the two of you can (finally!) settle in, slow down, and reconnect. Phones down please!
