Mudgee-Gulgong Weekend
Join us for a fabulous three-day tour to Mudgee. Our route will take in the Tablelands Way from Goulburn to Bathurst. Enjoy amazing sights, superb food and wine, and rich heritage of the region.
Day One - Friday 10 October
Our tour begins at Bean Roasted Espresso Bar - arrive early if you'd like to join your hosts for an amazing breakkie roll and coffee! We will venture up Macquarie Pass and along the Highland Way to Goulburn, before turning north onto the Tablelands Way, a tourist route through some of the most spectacular scenery in New South Wales. Our lunch destination is the Taralga Hotel, offering an excellent range of well-priced pub meals.
In the afternoon, we continue north crossing the Abercrombie River and the amazing driving roads to Bathurst for an afternoon tea stop. The final leg to Mudgee is via Sofala.
Accommodation
For something different, we will be staying in the cabins at BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park, 71 Lions Dr, Mudgee. They offer a wide variety of well-appointed cabins, suiting singles and couples. Large cabins suitable for two couples are also available if you're prepared to share a cabin. The facilities include a swimming pool, community barbecue area, clean amenities, and a generous country welcome. Book your accommodation directly with the Park via their website or (02) 6372 1090, and mention that you are with the "MX-5 Club" so they can try to group us together.
Friday and Saturday night dinner will be DIY using the excellent facilities in the BBQ area and camp kitchen. Stock up on supplies at the local Woolies before gathering for fivesies.
Day Two - Saturday 11 October
After a big driving day, now it's time to relax and explore what the region has to offer.
Breakfast will be either at a local cafe or stick around to DIY in the BBQ area (I can almost smell the bacon and eggs grilling already!).
We will then explore the Lawson Park Markets, held by the river in the picturesque Lawson Park. Discover a range of stallholders to grab some local produce, arts, crafts, knick-knacks, vintage clothing and more.
We then drive a short distance to di Lusso Estate to taste some local wines, enjoy a superb Italian-style lunch, and maybe some exercise with a little bocce. Di Lusso specialise in Italian varietal wines and they are definitely something to savour. Crikey, if you buy half a case of wine, they'll throw in a free wood-fired pizza!
In the afternoon, we'll take a scenic drive via Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, to Gulgong, one of the best preserved towns of the gold rush period. Wander the narrow streets and explore the historic buildings. Take in the optional visit to the Gulgong Holtermann Museum, with their impressive range of photographs taken in the height of the gold rush in 1872 (Entry Cost Adult $10, Concession $8).
After a quick stop at Mudgee Honey Haven, we return to the Park for another evening meal in the BBQ area, accompanied by a bottle or two of delicious local wine. Or for those so inclined, you are welcome to try one of the many cafes, restaurants or pubs in town.
Day Three - Sunday 12 October
After another group breakfast in the BBQ Area, we head for home via the Blue Mountains along Bells Line of Road. We'll stop for a stroll and lunch at Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens. The final leg home will be down the Northern Road, Hume Motorway and Picton Road.
