The best way to beat the cold? Warm up. Fast.
Because when you live in the country, you’ve got two choices: hibernate for the cooler months, or rug up, get outside and get your blood pumping.
Morning walks just hit different here. The crisp winter air. The chill on your face as you hit the walking track. Your breath in the air as you start to pick up speed.
Whether you’re after an easy riverside walk before your morning coffee, a wander down the (beaten) bush track, or a scenic nature loop, the Mudgee Region has something for every pair of walking shoes. Grab your beanie and your gloves and get ready to get warm up with these outdoor adventures.
Mudgee River Walk
An easy, flat, riverside path, surrounded by nature.
About one hour return.
Start your walk from the car park opposite the back of BIG W on Short Street and hit the paved track that runs alongside the Cudgegong River.
Say hello to the Jack Thompson kangaroo sculpture as you wind past the caravan park and towards Glen Willow Stadium.
Head over the bridge and turn left towards Putta Bucca for a longer walk; or go straight on for a shorter circuit.
Stop at the dog park for a play with the pups if you’ve brought your pooch, or take the kids to the pump track for a bike and a scoot.
When you’re ready, follow the loop back to Mudgee’s town centre and grab a coffee.
The Drip Walking Track
A bush walk set among the river gorge, with sandstone cliffs and rock pools.
About 1.5-2 hours return.
A bushwalk that’s definitely worth the drive.
Located about 45 minutes from Mudgee CBD, the Drip feels like a mini-canyon experience - without the abseiling.
You’ll be in awe of the stunning red-orange sandstone cliffs and the abundant plant life . See if you can spot the native apple gums, the tree violets and the rocky outcrops with orchids and moss.
After your walk, stop off at Hands on Rock, an important Aboriginal rock art site at Ulan.
Putta Bucca Wetland
A peaceful circuit around a rehabilitated wetland.
About one hour return.
Switch off and take in the flora and fauna at this easy circuit walk. Located on an old quarry site just minutes from Mudgee’s main streets, this wetland wander is packed with spaces to explore.
Listen for the bird calls, look out for turtles, frogs and fish, and take in the peaceful surroundings.
There’s bird hides, relics of the former quarry and boardwalk sections to investigate along the way; the kids will love the playground and outdoor boardgames.
Fern Gully
A short rainforest-style loop through a deep sandstone gully.
About one hour return
You’ll feel totally immersed in nature here.
Known for its ferns, sandstone edges and cool microclimate, Fern Gully just feels greener and damper - like wandering into a rainforest.
Boardwalk sections give way to more rugged rocky paths, where you’ll feel teeny tiny amid towering cliffs, giant fig trees and mossy rocks.
Expect to see lyrebirds, cockatoos and the odd wallaby or echidna - and very few people.
Wollemi National Park
This is walking for proper walkers.
There is wilderness here and the terrain can often be a little, well, um, rocky.
Head to Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp for the most accessible bush walks; outside Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, walks become much more serious. Definitely bring a packed lunch.
