Food and drink are pretty integral to any visit to beautiful Mudgee, but there are plenty of family friendly experiences to help you bribe the kids to behave while you visit the odd winery. Here are just a few of our favourites:
Located only 20 minutes from Mudgee, the Pioneer Museum is a great sprawling place filled with all kinds of bric-a-brac. Walk through the museum’s cottage and marvel at old toy cards, vintage children’s bedrooms, kitchens, farming equipment and clothing all from the Gold Rush in the 1870s. The labyrinth of cottages open up to a huge warehouse full of old modes of transport, including coaches and carts.
Cherry Picking at Roth Family Orchard
Who doesn’t love a juicy cherry? Visit Mudgee in cherry season (Nov – Feb) and pick your own cherries for a great morning out. Bring your own bucket or bags to take your spoils home, or they also have boxes for sale. An esky to keep your cherries fresh is a great idea if you are travelling far or plan to stop on the way home. Fun for the whole family!
Venture into the dark to see how the skies really should be viewed! Actually, the Mudgee Observatory is only15 minutes from Mudgee, but this means that the skies are free from light pollution and perfect for star (and sun) gazing. Booking is essential, but the Observatory is perfect for anyone who is interested in what is going on beyond the clouds. A visit promises to entertain and educate, and is best suited to children over the age of 6. The theatre and flat screen planetarium run several features on the night sky and the sun as well as many programs on space missions.
Toot Toot! Thomas The Tank Engine lovers unite! This railway operates on the second Sunday of every month (subject to weather) and allows children to sit on either a steam, petrol or electric powered miniature train. Wear enclosed shoes and check their facebook page to make sure the train is operational. All aboard!
2 April 1870, Tom Saunders discovered gold on Red Hill. Follow in his footsteps and get swirling and washing in the exact location that Tom found the gold. Weds – Sun, 1pm – 2.45pm.
Still uninspired? Check out this list of ideas from Visit Mudgee.
