This charming town just a few hours from Sydney is perfect for a long weekend getaway.

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When I moved to Australia, I promised myself I'd make the most of living in a place where there's so much to explore on your doorstep. So when the chance came to visit Mudgee — a regional NSW town I'd heard quietly recommended — I decided to go for it.

Even better, it was only a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney, making it the perfect long weekend getaway without any of the stress of long travel days. A weekend packed with vineyards, small-town charm, incredible dining and rolling countryside? Say no more.

What I didn't expect was just how much charm this town has to offer. Mudgee isn't just scenic; it has a warmth and friendliness you won't find everywhere. There's a quiet confidence here, a sense of care and craftsmanship in everything from the vineyards to the kitchen, and the result is food, wine, and experiences that feel uniquely Mudgee.

I'll admit it: I ate and drank far too much, but it was worth every sip and every mouthful. By the time I reluctantly packed my bags, I was already Googling rental listings in Mudgee, imagining what life would look like in this little patch of countryside.

Here's exactly how our trip went down.

Watch: Must-Pack Travel Essentials. Post continues below.

Day One:

Perry Street Hotel.

We spent the weekend at the boutique Perry Street Hotel, a beautifully converted 19th-century building. Our Perry Suite was spacious and stylish — perfect for relaxing.

Its central location made cafés, shops, bars, the market, and the park all easily walkable, making exploring Mudgee effortless and enjoyable.

The Perry Street Hotel is conveniently located in the centre of town. Image: Supplied.

Lunch at Pipeclay Pumphouse.

Set on the scenic grounds of Robert Stein Winery, Pipeclay Pumphouse is the perfect start to a Mudgee getaway. The chef's tasting menu was exceptional: starting with the best feta bread I've ever had, followed by lobster, octopus, and melt-in-your-mouth lamb shoulder, finishing with a light, delicious (and my personal fav) tiramisu.

The prawns and octopus served at Pipeclay Pumphouse. Image: Supplied.

The lamb and (my personal fav) the tiramisu. Image: Supplied.

Wine tasting at Robert Stein Winery.

Just a short walk from Pipeclay Pumphouse, Robert Stein Winery offers a wine tasting experience. The cellar door overlooks rolling vineyards, providing yet more stunning views to accompany the tasting.

Sipping and learning about the stories behind each bottle makes for a relaxed, immersive experience.

The stunning views from Robert Stein Winery. Image: Supplied.

Dinner at The Oriental Hotel.

Locals affectionately call it "The Ori," and it's easy to see why — this classic Mudgee pub is lively and welcoming. Even after a big day of eating, I couldn't resist the Cajun chicken burger, while Adam went for a classic parmy.

The food was excellent, the atmosphere buzzing, and the sweet treat fridge was too tempting to ignore — we managed to share a slice of banoffee pie, which was worth every bite.

Perfect for a relaxed dinner or a casual night out with friends.

Off out for more food and drink…Image: Supplied.

Can't beat pub grub. Image: Supplied.

Day Two:

Breakfast at Alby & Esthers.

Tucked down a vine-covered laneway, Alby & Esthers is a beautiful little café. The fairy-lit courtyard is charming and Instagram-worthy. With a tempting menu, I went for their famous Esthers Jaffle — smoked leg ham, free-range egg, Swiss cheese, and house-made tomato relish. Simple, delicious, and the perfect start to a day in Mudgee.

Eggs, avo and bacon (left) The famous Jaffle (right). Image: Supplied.

The perfect place for a coffee stop and brunch. Image: Supplied.

Wine tasting at 791 Estate.

This family-run vineyard feels like someone's sprawling backyard, complete with chickens, giant board games, and stunning views. The wines are equally delightful — perfect for a tasting or an afternoon sipping in the sun.

We couldn't resist trying their frozen rosé, which went down far too easily. We honestly could've stayed here all afternoon, sipping wine and chatting to the owners. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere make it a Mudgee highlight.

The garden area at 791 Estate. Image: Supplied.

In my element. Image: Supplied.

Mudgee Farmers Market.

If your visit falls on a Saturday, the Mudgee Farmers Market is a must. Set in the beautiful Robertson Park, it's a chance to soak up the town's creative community and rural charm. With stalls offering food, drinks, sauces, and quirky local finds, there's something for everyone — and plenty of atmosphere to enjoy while you browse.

Best believe I made room to sample one of these donuts. Image: Supplied.

Wine tasting at Logan Wines.

One of Mudgee's most striking cellar doors, Logan Wines offers sweeping hillside views over rolling vineyards. Owned by Peter Logan, some wines are named after his daughter, with unique, illustrated labels.

We loved the Clementine de la Mer and paired it with a delicious charcuterie board.

Two beautiful views at Logan Wines. Image: Supplied.

Lunch at The Zin House.

If one meal defines Mudgee, it's lunch at The Zin House at Lowe Wines. The seasonal tasting menu showcases organic produce and biodynamic wines, often with optional pairings.

Like we hadn't eaten enough already, but this tasting menu was too good to resist.

Highlights included the Parmesan custard tart and smoked trout ravioli, all enjoyed alongside stunning vineyard views.

A beautiful pairing. Image: Supplied.

More delicious food. Image: Supplied.

Wine tasting at Lowe Family Wine Co.

At Tinja Farm, Lowe Family Wine Co. offers tastings of organic wines from unirrigated vines. We enjoyed a tasting ourselves, and during our visit, a lively wedding added a joyful, unexpected touch to the experience.

Always room to sample some more wine. Image: Supplied.

The beautiful view at Lowe Family Wine Co. Image: Supplied.

Getting around Mudgee.

One of the joys of visiting Mudgee is how easy it is to get around, especially with local operators like Mudgee Rides. Tracey chauffeured us for the day, navigating the back roads, wineries, and restaurants with ease.

Having a local guide on hand made the day feel effortless — we could focus entirely on eating and drinking our way around Mudgee.

Day Three:

Breakfast at Althea by Zin.

I loved starting the day at Althea, the newest addition to the Zin family. The bright, cheerful atmosphere paired perfectly with beautifully crafted breakfast dishes, delicious coffee, and one of the best almond croissants I've ever had.

Rylstone.

The 45-minute drive to Rylstone is wonderfully scenic, a calming introduction to Mudgee's countryside. Arriving in this quirky village on the Cudgegong River felt like stepping back in time.

I loved wandering the charming streets, exploring the unique shops and artisan stores. There were plenty of locally made produce and knick-knacks to buy.

Some of the unique shops in Rylstone. Image: Supplied.

Lunch at 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha & Tea House.

One of the biggest surprises of the weekend, 29 Nine 99 is a tiny yum cha spot that packs a lot of charm. I loved the cosy, colourful setting, the flavourful dumplings, and the authentic Chinese teas.

Little touches like local art on the walls and beautiful giftware made it feel special — a hidden gem that felt both welcoming and memorable.

29 Nine 99 Yum Cha & Tea House has a selection of art on display (left). A selection of dumplings (right). Image: Supplied.

Wine Tasting at De Beaurepaire.

Our final stop was De Beaurepaire, a family-run winery specialising in French-style wines. The tasting was delicious, with a friendly host who made us feel completely welcome.

The grounds are beautiful and family-friendly — kids could even meet Santa for a festive photoshoot among the vineyards, while adults relaxed with a glass of wine. It was the perfect way to round off our Mudgee weekend.

Down this winding road you'll find De Beaurepaire wineries. Image: Supplied.

Final thoughts.

Mudgee is the kind of destination you can't help but fall a little in love with. For me, it was the perfect introduction to regional NSW.

It's a place where three days somehow feel like a week's worth of restoration, where every meal seems to top the last, and where the wine flows almost as generously as the hospitality.

If you're looking for a long weekend escape full of good food, wonderful wine, natural beauty and country charm, Mudgee should be at the very top of your list. I arrived curious, indulged thoroughly, and left dreaming of a life here.

And honestly? I'm still dreaming.

Mamamia travelled as a guest of Mudgee Region. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.