Although Mudgee NSW has long been known for its excellent wines, there’s a lot more to this beautiful little town than that. Here are 5 things to do in Mudgee that aren’t wine-tasting.
We’ve always maintained that Mudgee is a friendly town. We’ve also been enjoying the fruits of its winemakers’ labours for many years too.
Until recently, we only ever thought of those two things when we think of Mudgee. And the amazing food there of course. And its stunning landscapes…
But before I go into some kind of ‘what have the Romans ever done for us’ style digression, let’s talk more about the other things you can do in Mudgee besides enjoying its wine scene.
5 things to do in Mudgee that aren’t wine-tasting
Check out our quick video montage of all the things you can get up to in Mudgee here:
1. Cheese tasting
Quite possibly the number one gateway substance to a wine session, cheese is always a good idea.
High Valley Cheese is the best-known cheese maker in the area and for good reason. This stuff is excellent—especially the pesto fetta. If fact there aren’t many menus in Mudgee that don’t include this one somewhere.
The stall in front of High Valley’s cheese factory on Ulan Road can give you a tasting (as well as sell you your favourites) and they also have a pitch at the Mudgee Farmers’ Market on the third weekend of the month.
2. Mudgee Art Trail
There’s a lot of art in and around Mudgee, harnessing the creative talents of its locals and of artists from around the country.
The best place to start your art odyssey is at the Mudgee Visitor Information Centre, which has a beautiful gallery space connected. Installations on the ground floor take up a huge room, but don’t forget to go upstairs as well and explore the rooms up there.
From the visitor centre, head down Douro Street towards the river and stroll along the banks of the Cudgegong River.
The town has commissioned sculptors and purchased other works to create an art trail that travels right along the waterway.
I know it sounds like I’m still pushing wine-tasting here, but make sure you also get to Rosby Wines. Apart from an excellent drop, Rosby is home to some superb artwork.
Some is by the lady of the house Kay Norton-Knight, while others are from the annual Sculptures in the Garden the Norton-Knights put on each year. In fact, some of the art purchased for the art trail comes from this yearly display.
3. Get around in Sabrina the split-screen Kombi
Well known to the locals, this mint condition classic VW Kombi is a regular sight puttering along the roads of Mudgee.
You can hire it out for the day and because it comes with a driver, it’s the perfect option for a day of wine tasting.
Oops. There I go again!
In all seriousness though, this is a brilliant option, especially if you’re travelling with a group of friends. Much easier than trying to organise a lot of taxis and so much more fun.
4. Roth’s Wine Bar Pub Quiz
Even if you’re not much of a factoid fan, the pub quiz at Roth’s is so much fun. It brings in a crowd every Thursday night and the vast majority are locals, which is always a good sign.
It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a tasty pizza, enjoy a glass of wine or two (don’t say a word!) and enjoy the show. Owner Jordan Rowelands hosts the quiz and everyone gets very excited.
Roth’s is a beautiful venue anyway, looking more like a little wine shop from the outside. But it’s one of those places that goes back for miles—a beautiful old building that’s been a wine bar or shop for over 100 years.
If you’re not in town for a Thursday, still head to Roth’s. Friday and Saturday nights have live music, and the food, drink and atmosphere here shouldn’t be missed. Just make sure you book yourself a table.
5. Pick your own cherries
If you’re in Mudgee in November, make sure you head to 10’s Estate. Primarily a winery (I know, I know), 10’s Estate is also home to some 3,000 cherry trees that are sagging under the weight of fresh fruit.
While you’re here, make sure you check out the cellar door too. It’s a beautiful spot.
Bonus: Wine tasting!
You didn’t honestly think I’d not mention wine tasting, did you?
With so many wineries on your doorstop, you’d be missing out on an integral part of Mudgee. Even if you don’t like wine, the settings many of these cellar doors are in provide unique views of the landscape.
And if you do like wine, you’re in for a treat!
The thing that sets the Mudgee wine scene apart from many of the others is how compact it is. And many of the wineries are close , making the town a central hub. Taxis or even just cycling is an ideal way of getting from one winery to the next and then back into town.
And if you want to know more about what what we love about Mudgee, check out some of our other stories on this beautiful little country town here.
