Guys, it’s been a long, wet winter.
You’ve been stuck at home scrolling Instagram, living through influencers, thinking: ‘when is it my turn to stroll through a local market, with a baguette poking out of my bag? When do I get to wander through boutiques dressed like Carrie Bradshaw? Where is my hot Italian chef to drizzle something golden over a plate of local produce?”
The good news - the answer is closer than you think. Simply pack your weekender, jump in the car and hit the road to the Mudgee Region.
Nestled in a welcoming valley, Mudgee is a country town with ‘everything’ you’ve been pining for through winter. Here, you can slow down, cool off, and enjoy the best of what you’ve been missing - without needing your passport.
Add an extra night and take a ‘Mudgee Monday’ with a long-long weekend stay - enjoy a delicious pub meal on Friday night, wander through local boutiques and markets on Saturday morning, and book a long lunch and a wine tour for Sunday. Avoid the weekend traffic and have extra time to explore the region’s incredible local food and wine offering - it’s a god-damn win-win.
But first, you need to find your home-away-from home - and you’ll find everything you need for a luxe stay at The Clairfield.
This former motel has undergone a serious make-over to become an Instagrammable accommodation moment, where relaxation meets absolute luxury. This boutique hotel is heavy on modern, yet warm, style - and with the colour palette drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings, you’ll need time to bask in the spotted gum joinery, sandstone paving, brass details, pink marble bar (hold me please) and olive trees.
When you’re not photographing every corner of the place, take a dip in the Palm Springs-inspired pool, enjoy a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant, Gigi’s, or soak weightlessly in the float tank in the Jila Wellness studio. Reset yourself, let the winter wash off you, and start your getaway off right - ahh, we can smell the relaxation from here...
From the Clairfield, you can stroll a few streets to Althea by Zin for a fresh pastry, paired with a perfect coffee. It’s the French patisserie experience you’ve been looking for - without the plane trip. At Althea by Zin, you can play Amelie right in the heart of country Australia. There’s no rushing here - sun yourself in the courtyard and plan your day, croissant in hand.
Don’t miss the local markets - and Mudgee’s clever community of crafters, creators and collectors come together at the monthly Farmers’ Markets and Makers’ Markets in Robertson Park. Offering the best the region can grow, bake, or brew on the third Saturday and first Sunday of each month, you’ll pick up everything from fresh flowers, to local honey, wine, sourdough, cheese and jams at this produce hub. Don’t forget your basket for proper #marketvibes
Your next stop has to be a local winery or two - or three. The locals’ tip? Gooree Park Wines. It’s the only Mudgee Region winery located in the middle of a thoroughbred stud, and their stunning new cellar door has just opened in the former racehorse stables. Break up your day with a lunch of delicious dumplings or Wagyu burgers, made from cattle raised right on the property. Save a seat for us please…
Indulge in a long lunch or wrap up your day with the perfect combination of simple comfort and complex flavours at Pipeclay Pumphouse. Graze on seasonal produce, fresh from the farm, served with a Mediterranean flair and get yourself a colourful cocktail while the sun sets over the grapevines.
Winter is over - Mudgee awaits!
