Mudgee
Something about celebrating end of pandemic lockdown restrictions calls for wine. Many, many bottles of wine. You could head to the Hunter Valley of course but try something different and take the 3.5-hour trip northwest of Sydney (through the Blue Mountains) to Mudgee, New South Wales’ other wine country.

Set on the banks of the pretty Cudgegong River, Mudgee offers a quintessential country getaway for travellers dreaming of browsing farmers’ markets, exploring tree-lined streets dotted with colonial buildings and enjoying endless dining and drinking experiences in some of the country’s most scenic spots.

Families with young children will enjoy a stay at Big 4 Mudgee Holiday Park and a frolic through UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park. Adults can take in tours of Mudgee’s cellar doors (as well as the shopping in town) before signing up for a hot air balloon experience.

Mudgee Fine Foods Farmers’ Market is held on the third Saturday of the month in the grounds of St Mary’s.