They say the key to a happy relationship is finding someone who continually surprises you. Someone who keeps the mystery going, even after decades together.
We’re firm believers that you should apply the same thinking to your holiday plans.
Look for somewhere that still feels new after years (and kilometres!) of road trips.
Somewhere that screams “cosy weekend in a country hideaway.”
Somewhere that takes you out of town and off the beaten track.
Somewhere that keeps it fun and fresh, that takes your breath away and gives you the holiday break you didn’t know you needed.
Do you have “somewhere” in your mind?
We do.
It’s Rylstone and Kandos.
That’s right, Rylstone and Kandos, in the Mudgee Region.
Two small neigbouring country towns, just 7 kilometres apart, just 2,100 people, home to historic sandstone buildings and surrounded by rich farmland.
Always charming, always surprising, full of twists and turns – and that’s just the main street!
Settle into your new favourite “somewhere” stay at Wandarra Homestead.
Inside this meticulously curated country home, every piece of furniture, decor and crockery has been hand-picked to give you the stylish country getaway you deserve.
Relax on the wrap-around verandah together, looking out over the rolling hills, or get cosy inside.
Oh, and speaking of surprises, open the trapdoor (do it!) to climb down into a basement bar – your private subterranean speakeasy for two.
Roll into Kandos and drop into the Kandos Hotel for a classic country pub experience.
Kandos is a former industrial concrete town that is now an artists’ paradise with its own contemporary art festival.
The Kandos Hotel has been part of the town since the beginning, and it’s still the place to go for a bistro meal and a cold beer.
This is where the Kandos locals come for live music and a relaxing atmosphere.
Good news - there are plenty more surprises across Rylstone and Kandos.
It’s home to award-winning olive oils, hand-dyed yarn from around the world, and French style wine grown right here in the Mudgee Region.
Who knew!?
Of course, there’s wine.
De Beaurepaire Wines is a family vineyard in the Rylstone hills founded on one extraordinary discovery – its soil has all the best qualities of the countryside in Burgundy and Champagne. The French call it “terroir” – the way the character of the vineyard comes through in the flavour of the finished wine. Ooo, fancy.
Drive through the vine-covered hills to the cottage cellar door and let the team guide you through a uniquely Australian French wine experience.
On the other side of town at Rylstone Olive Press, try home-grown olive oils that have won international awards - oh hello New York and Paris!
Maybe you’ve never paid attention to the flavour of olive oil before, but trust us, you’ve never tasted oil this fresh – the olives are grown on the hill beside the press, crushed and bottled on-site, and poured into a tasting dish just for you.
The fresh natural flavour pops on your tongue, and there are eight varieties to try from Spain, Italy, and the Middle East.
Rylstone’s Convent and Chapel Wool Shop might not be internationally renowned, but it’s very famous among knitters.
Whether you’re looking for a kit to help you knit for the first time, or specialised wool from the Shetland Islands, you’ll find it at Convent and Chapel.
Stepping into the wool shop, you’ll be surrounded by a rainbow of coloured yarns, cosy knitted pieces, and every accessory you’ll need to become a knitter yourself.
Explore, discover, and let the experienced knitters behind the counter introduce you to a world of wool.
Rylstone and Kandos are also the gateway to some of the Mudgee Region’s most incredible natural experiences. From the broad majestic rock formations of the Capertee Valley, the lush beauty of Ferntree Gully to the beautiful waterway of Ganguddy-Dunn’s Swamp, there are stunning landscapes to explore. The best way to see Ganguddy is with Southern Cross Kayaking. Paddle out into the beautiful blue water for an uninterrupted view of the sandstone cliffs and bushland. Let your guide share the stories with you – the Lady Bushranger, the long history of the local Dabee people, and the mammoth human effort that built the dam itself, all while you’re out on the water, peacefully paddling, far from every interruption. Bliss.
After a day of exploring, finish up in Rylstone at The Globe for the classic 'local pub' experience.
The kind of country pub that’s a hub for every community group and activity, from karaoke night to the poetry open mic. The bistro has room for families and a seasonal menu with everything made in-house.
Pull up a chair, settle in and soak up the atmosphere. It’s the perfect conclusion to an endlessly surprising long weekend at your new favourite “somewhere…”
