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Mudgee Road Trip Guide: Wineries, History & Local Experiences in NSW

Feb 17, 2021 | Sapphire Blue Travel Blog

A Couple’s Getaway to One of Australia’s Most Charming Wine Regions

Sapphire Blue Travel Mudgee

Great combination in Mudgee

Originally visited in January 2021 – this trip was such a gem that we’re still recommending it today. If you’re dreaming of a relaxed country escape with good wine, quaint towns, and a touch of history, Mudgee is a brilliant choice.

Why Mudgee Makes the Perfect Escape

Mudgee is located approximately 3.5 hours northwest of Sydney, making it an easy weekend getaway by road. With over 30 cellar doors, a growing food scene, and a welcoming local atmosphere, it’s ideal for couples wanting a slower-paced, fulfilling getaway.

We spent four nights in Mudgee and loved how varied the experiences were — from wine tastings and scenic e-bike rides to charming historic towns like Hill End and Gulgong.

Sapphire Blue Travel Mudgee

Our Top 3 Wineries in Mudgee

Lowe Family Wine Co
We pre-booked this tasting online ($ 10 per person) and enjoyed it outdoors under umbrellas with a view of the rolling vineyards. A picnic-style lunch from the store made it extra special.

Rosby Estate
We found this one by accident — drawn in by the sculpture-dotted paddocks. The estate owner chatted with us, and the wine was superb.

Small Winemakers Centre
A joint cellar door close to town, where the principal winemaker himself hosted us. Great storytelling and a warm, engaging tasting experience.

See these visits in our Mudgee Food and Wine video.

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trying schnapps… again

Other Experiences We Loved

Ezyride Mudgee (e-bike hire)
A fantastic way to explore the region. Brett was invaluable and even picked up our wine purchases and delivered them to our accommodation.
Watch our Ezyride bike adventure here.

Baker Williams Distillery
Known for locally made gin and liqueurs. Located next to Vinifera Wines – perfect for a tasting combo!

Mudgee Honey Haven
More than just honey – try mead, honey drinks (alcoholic and not), and mini-golf for a fun stop.

High Valley Cheeses
A small, local cheesemaker with a variety of soft and hard cheeses — great to pair with your wine purchases.

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Yum in Mudgee there is always lovely food

Food in Mudgee

Mudgee has a great local food scene. Many cellar doors offer platters or full meals. We enjoyed local produce and seasonal fruit at several wineries. Don’t miss the chance to build your own picnic from local shops and head to a scenic spot.

Charming Historic Towns Nearby

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️ Hill End (75 km from Mudgee)
A former gold rush town filled with stories, photos, and character. Visit:

Merlin Lookout for great views

History Hill Museum and the replica mine

Bald Hill Tourist Mine

Step back in time with us in our Hill End video.

Gulgong (33 km from Mudgee)
Once featured on the Australian $10 note, Gulgong is beautifully preserved. Explore:

The Holtermann Collection

The Pioneer Museum

Historic streetscapes and small galleries

See more in our Mudgee Town and Gulgong video.

A Quick Note from Us

While this trip was in 2021, the charm of Mudgee hasn’t changed — if anything, it’s grown. This remains one of our favourite regional getaways in Australia, especially for couples looking to reconnect, relax, and enjoy good wine in beautiful surroundings.

We’re also exploring more wine regions like the Hunter Valley — stay tuned for that series coming soon.



Watch the Full Mudgee Road Trip Series on YouTube

We’ve captured everything from wine tastings to historic towns in our 7-part video series:
Watch the playlist here

Until next time,
Travel brilliantly,
Kerryn (& Phil)

 

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