Mudgee Weekender

After breakfast this morning, we’ll make the short journey to the historic town of Gulgong, a charming, 19th-century gold rush town renowned for its well-preserved historic streetscape. With over 130 National Trust-listed buildings featuring wide verandahs and intricate iron lacework, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time. The birthplace of Louisa Lawson, Australia’s first published feminist and the mother of suffrage in New South Wales, and the childhood home of her firstborn, the iconic bush poet Henry Lawson, it was featured on the original Australian $10 note that stayed in circulation until 1993. 

After visiting Flirtation Hill lookout to take in the local views you’ll have some time for a wander around town and a coffee break. In addition to the marvellous streetscape, Gulgong is home to a rich collection of museums, including the magnificent Holtermann photographic collection and the vast Gulgong Pioneer’s Museum. There’ll be plenty of time to explore and discover.

It’s then back to Mudgee to relax over a delicious meal at the Mudgee Brewing Company where you’ll also have the opportunity to sample some of their local brews before exploring the town a little bit more on a quick tour and drop in to the local Museum. 

Later in the afternoon, we’ll take a short journey north to Cooks Gap on the Great Dividing Range for a sunset soiree at Scott McGregor’s private and unique railway themed retreat, Ruwenzori. Perched high on the mountains overlooking the valleys below to both the east and west, Ruwenzori is a collection of vintage railway carriages, restored in the Orient-express style, set amongst themed gardens and railway memorabilia. Featured in many travel articles and TV shows, it is a place he loves to share with family and special friends. Here, on top of the mountain, you’ll enjoy a Mudgee sunset with canapes and local beer and wine. 

Overnight: Parklands Resort, Mudgee (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast we embark on a day that showcases local produce at its best. Our first visit is Gooree Park – a renowned thoroughbred stud and winery. Gooree’s origins date back some 40-plus years when Filipino businessman Eduardo Cojuangco realised his agricultural dreams, purchasing three historic local properties as a place to call home in Australia, creating the agglomeration known as “Gooree Park”. Our fascinating behind the scenes tour will be with one of the horse breeders, providing an amazing insight into an important local industry. As the stud has its own winery, we couldn’t possibly depart without stopping for a wine tasting, complemented by a High Valley Cheese platter, as we enjoy views of the surrounding hills.

Our next stop is the award-winning Robert Stein Winery, Vineyard and Farm, which traces its winemaking roots back to 1838, when the Macarthur family (of sheep-breeding fame) sponsored Johann Stein to emigrate from Germany to Australia, bringing the first surviving cuttings of Rhine Riesling. Under his supervision, the Macarthur family’s Camden Park vineyard became one of Australia’s earliest wineries, and the Stein name became synonymous with quality wine from vineyards around Sydney. 

In 1976 the family established their vineyard in Mudgee, starting with just 2 hectares of Shiraz. Now spearheaded by the third generation, winemaker Jacob Stein, the vineyard and winery has grown to span 202 hectares, including a much expanded vineyard, a working farm with livestock and crops, a state-of-the-art winery, a cellar door, restaurant, and the original family homestead. The property emphasizes regenerative farming, sustainability, and a farm-to-plate philosophy, producing award-winning single-vineyard wines from nine grape varieties. It’s rated as a 5 Red Star winery by James Halliday’s Wine Companion. 

We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the winery to learn about its operations and production, sample some wines and – for those who love vehicles of the two wheel variety, tour the vintage motorcycle display. We don’t have to go too far for lunch. The winery’s Pipeclay Pumphouse restaurant is a relaxed, shared-plate dining experience inspired by the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Set against the stunning backdrop of the vineyard, our lunch will feature a menu designed for connection – perfect for grazing with our new friends.

Later this afternoon, after a bit of a rest back at the hotel, it’s off to the certified organic and biodynamic farm, vineyard, winery and food gardens at another award-winning winery, the Lowe Family Wine Co. Headed up by David Lowe and his partner, the award-winning Chef, Kim Currie, their passion is producing exceptional food and wine that reflects the place it is grown and the people who care for it. 

Our venue this evening, the Pavilion at Lowe, is something to behold – a magnificent marquee-like structure featuring vintage glass doors, chandeliers, persian rugs and antique furnishings, all framed by clear side opening walls leading to sloping lawns and the surrounding vineyards. We’ll enjoy drinks and a seasonal set menu designed to showcase the organic and biodynamic produce from the gardens and farm, accompanied by quality produce from other local growers. And of course, the wines will be all Lowe, with tasting hosted by David himself. 

Our leisurely dining experience will make the most of the surrounding gardens and vineyards, while enjoying entertainment by guitar and violin duo, Skerrett & Watts.

Overnight: Parklands Resort, Mudgee (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll travel by private coach back to Rylstone and the old railway station where our train will be waiting to take us back down the valley with lunch on board as we take in the magnificent views on the journey back to Sydney. 

(B, L)