Thinking of visiting Mudgee with kids? Of course you are, who wouldn’t love a country escape to this village famous for its wine and food and beautiful outdoor places?
In this article Orange mum Kirsten Karbowiak shows you the great fun her family and some friends had in Mudgee, with very young children in tow.
When planning a weekend away with the family and friends we’re looking to make it enjoyable for the kids and parents – it isn’t always easy though, is it?
Well, I gotta say, I think we nailed it in our recent weekend away to Mudgee so if you’re looking for a short break for everyone then read on…
Getting To Mudgee
Looking for some of that fresh country air? Cross the Blue Mountains and venture into the Central West. Mudgee (pop 12,500) is a 3 ½ hr drive from Sydney and attracts foodies and families alike.
Note: Mudgee is a very popular destination at the moment, and rightly so as it’s a beautiful town. Accommodation books out weeks in advance. Book wine tastings and meals ahead of time too so you’re not disappointed.
A Mudgee Farm Stay
With four adults and two kids aged two and four years, the Orchard Cottage at Mudgee’s Getaway Cottages was perfect for us.
Mudgee Getaway Cottages is really more of a farm stay than a simple cottage set up.
The animals are friendly and so are the staff: ‘Now over there’s our camel, oh and Farmer Joe collects the eggs with the kids every afternoon if you’re interested…the table tennis table is down there… there are plenty of bikes for the kids to ride and the bunnies and guinea pigs over there for them to pat… oh and help yourself to veggies from the garden.”
As well as the animals, there is plenty of green grass for the kids to run around on, and it won’t take them long to find the sandpit or one of the three play equipment setups.
Walking to the cottage from the carpark, there is a flat level footpath and ramp to the door, making accessibility with the pram super easy.
The 2-bedroom cottage we have isn’t massive, however the layout works well for two small families. Bedroom 1 has a queen bed and room for the supplied porta cot and bedroom 2 has a queen bed and a single fold-out bed.
Both rooms have ensuites; one of the bathrooms has a bath and the other a washing machine and dryer. Each of the rooms has a separate heater/cooler.
There are only a few cottages on the property so even with kids and animals around, it is very quiet and feels very spacious. We would have been quite comfortable there for a week.
The deck of the cottage is definitely the highlight, with rails around the perimeter and an external child-proof gate. A BBQ, lounge, and large table overlook the property, and the deck is in the perfect spot for a sun-downer while the kids play.
Mudgee Getaway Cottages has six different cottages, ranging from a one-bedroom cottage to a six-bedroom cottage. This accommodation is in town, an easy walk to everything, yet with nine acres of land.
Mudgee Cafe + Coffee
Alby and Esthers is very busy, but for good reason as the coffee is good. Set in a pretty courtyard, it certainly looks inviting for brunch but with a busy schedule of wine tasting ahead we must press on.
Address: 61 Market St, Mudgee 2850
Mudgee Wineries
Slow Fox Wines has cute little tables set up outside where you can enjoy a cheese platter and wine tasting under the cherry blossoms. They have kids play equipment there suitable for 1 – 4 yrs which worked rather well for us.
Logan Wines is perched up on the top of the hill, providing stunning views out over the vineyard. The tastings are done indoors and out, request the outdoor space for more room for the kids. A few steps down there is a hill of fresh green grass for them to run around on too.
Lowe Wine makes a great place to spend an afternoon. There is plenty of space outside by the lake or up on the hill to soak in the sun with a wine and a cheese platter while the kids play. They even have animals. We brought the bikes and gave the kids a ride before our tasting. They have a friendly dog on site too who keeps an eye on things. Lowe Wine comes in at my number 1.
Check out Baker Williams Distillery if you’re interested in liqueurs and schnapps.
Mudgee Food + Drink
The Oriental Hotel is a short 5-minute walk from Mudgee Getaway Cottages on a flat pram-friendly footpath. Dinner reservations start from 5:30pm.
When booking a table mention the kids – we were seated right next to a TV which included footage from the camera in the games room next door and the high chair set up for when we got there, so convenient. The games room has a couple of iPads set up, paid games, some bean bags and a large connect-4. Suitable for 4 yrs +.
The kid’s menu is mostly fried although there is a good old lamb chop, peas and mash combo. The servings are huge and they have a good range so if we go back we will probably just share a meal or two between the family.
The build your own gin bar was the icing on the cake for us, there is a great range and we discovered a delicious Aussie Gin called Ink Gin – I’m hooked!
Mudgee Brewing Co is a 10-minute walk from the cottages, also a very easy with the pram and a toddler. Dinner reservations start from 6pm and they serve a good range of pub food (no kids menu) and a great range of beer.
High Valley Mudgee Cheese Co which backs onto The Cellar by Gilbert give very generous tastings to adults and children alike. It’s an informal setting and takes 5-10 minutes. Their chilli and pesto feta is super tasty and worth the visit. It can get busy on a Saturday so best to go early.
Do you love honey? Mudgee Honey Haven stocks cute honey and bee-themed kids bowls, local honey, honey spirits and honey ice cream. It can get very busy on the weekend and with limited numbers allowed in the shop at once expect to wait.
A Mudgee Playground
Before getting back on the road, head to Roberston Park. Look to park on Lovejoy street – there’s plenty of parking and it’s a dead-end making entry and exit from the car very safe. The park includes swings, a fort and a slide. It’s fully fenced in and has an accessible ramp. There are conveniently placed clean bathrooms just beside the play area. Suitable for 1yr – 6 yrs.
Family Days Out From Mudgee
Check out Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp at Wollemi National Park near Rylstone for a day of walks, swimming and fishing.
The Visit Mudgee Region website, click here, has more ideas for places to visit around Mudgee.
Mudgee Family Accommodation
At the time of writing Mudgee is very busy and booked up, you need to plan a visit well ahead.
Mudgee Getaway Cottages website is here.
If you like to research using Booking.com, here is a Mudgee map with places to stay
Booking.comMore Mudgee Getaway Cottages Photos
We hope you’ve enjoyed this taste of Mudgee. Our weekend away with our young children worked really well and we would go again any time.
Have you ever stayed in Mudgee with the family?
Can you let us know of other good cafes, restaurants and places to visit?
