When it comes to weekend destinations, Mudgee is on the top of our list. With its laid-back country charm, gastronomic offerings, markets, wineries and other outdoor adventure options. There’s literally something for fun to do for everyone.
Here’s our recommendation for a not so usual weekend wandering in Mudgee.
Conquer the high grounds
Take your Mudgee adventure to new heights with either a helicopter ride or a hot air balloon.
Jump on board a chopper to explore the region from a bird’s eye view. Appreciate the beauty of the region from above. Watch the spectacular views of the vineyards, the breathtaking hills over Cudgegong Valley and be mesmerized by the stunning Lake Windamere from the sky.
The helicopter tour comes in 3 different packages. One lets you go on sightseeing with the 30-minute or 60-minute helicopter tour which allow you to see Mudgee from the different angle. And because majority of guests would visit Mudgee for its wines, there’s also a winery helicopter tour which takes you on a ride and a visit to one or two partner vineyard, sample their wines at the cellar door and enjoy the spectacular experience. The third tour takes you to the country pubs. Experience true friendly Australian country pub and local character filled iconic watering holes. These tours focus on out of the way places and fantastic country views on your flight.
All helicopter tours include return helicopter transfers from Mudgee airport, photo opportunity with the pilot and helicopter for the day, 1 to 2 hours at each winery or pub depending on the tour.
Mudgee is made for ballooning! With its rolling hills, surrounding mountains and beautiful valley, conditions are perfectly suited for hot air ballooning. Mudgee hot air ballooning adventures begin at sunrise and are generally scheduled from Thursday through to Monday each week. Meeting centrally at Cade Kitchen in Mudgee, balloon flights are approximately one hour in flight duration and are followed by a delicious breakfast after the flight.
If you want to take it up a notch, enjoy the VIP Treatment with a balloon flight for two! The tour comes with an exclusive ride with champagne and chocolates during your flight, a complimentary digital photo album after you arrive softly back on terra firma and concluded with a gourmet breakfast at Parkland Resort.
Wine O’clock
Not fond of heights? Take the wheels instead with the wine tours. Mudgee has various wine tour operators offering both whole day and halft day tours. Full day tours take about 7 hours covering 6 wineries. While half day tours explore between 2-3 wineries depending on whether you go for a morning or an afternoon tour.
The tours take you to visit and get a taste of wines produced from the most prominent wineries in the region but also to a few of the less-discovered wineries which are off-the-beaten-track – but certainly not to be missed. Most tours include pick-up from accommodation, transportation and some snacks. Some cellar-doors may charge minimal tasting fee which may not be covered by the tour fee. Check out Mudgee Wine and Country Tours or Mudgee Wine Adventures to uncork a wonderful wine discovery tour and sip on Mudgee’s finest drops.
Join Classes
Yes! You read it right. Mudgee will make you rediscover the fun in learning and it’s always accompanied by good wines! There are a myriad of interactive learning classes and activities in the region from wine school, cooking lessons, art classes and pottery making.
Hone your palate for wine appreciation, distinguish tasting notes and the different layers there is in to the art of wine making (and drinking)! Learn a few new recipes along with other guests and prepare for a festive lunch as you share a filling lunch. Up to learn a new skill? Try pottery or art classes and learn new techniques to create beautiful crafts.
For more activity inspirations on interactive activities visit check-out the Experiences & Tours section and the Accommodation options available if you still have not decided on where to camp during the stay.