Mudgee

Local tourism had suggested some must do things for the next two days we were going to be there.

On the third Sunday they have Mudgee Farm Walks, which vary depending on the time of year.

We enjoyed the visits to di Lusso Wine and Figs, followed by Ormiston Free Range Pork Farm.

A little easy walking, but worth the effort as the operations of each property were enjoyably explained.

The next day we were invited to the Mudgee Brewing Company, not only to sample the extraordinary beers they brew, but also to enjoy some of the great food they have become known for.

Tourism had arranged our accommodation at Parklands Quality Resort, and as we discussed the amount of things we still hadn't seen, we decide to stay on for a few more days. Alas, Parklands was booked out, so we explored other motels.

The first one was the Horatio and such was the welcome from the managers, we immediately produced the plastic and booked for another two nights. We even got a Senior's discount.

The four nights became an eye opener, the more we explored, the more interesting things we found.

Mudgee has a lot to offer, from arts & crafts, to wine & dine, from history to progress, from festivals to farmers markets, from local produce to farm walks. All we can say is, 'keep looking, it is not hard to find.'

Gulgong and the Prince of Wales Hotel.
Back in the 1960s, a good friend whom we shall call Stella and her late husband Reg, were the publicans at the Prince of Wales. Stella has many stories of life in this very historic town - after all, it is the town on the $10 bill – but the one we wanted to check-out was the time the police came to arrest the local SP bookie, but he had a secret hide-away, he climbed up the chimney in the old parlour and hid until the coast was clear. These days it has been built in... See photo.

Gulgong developed after gold was found in 1870. It grew up on the words of  the famous bush poet, Henry Lawson. The sense of history is still very evident, the narrow roads are surrounded by classic period hotels, shops, restaurants, a wide variety of accommodation and museums. Don't miss the Gulgong Pioneers Museum

Gulgong is a scenic 30-minute easy drive from Mudgee.

As mentioned Mudgee is an easy drive from Sydney and with plenty of opportunities to breaks your journey. We chose to go via the highway and pass through the lovely towns and villages that adorn the Blue Mountains. Great restaurants and coffee shops abound, as well as no shortage of gift and souvenir outlets.
Sometimes, when you live in a large city, we forget the great rural destinations that are really on our doorstep. So check out the links below and enjoy rural New South Wales.