Family holidays to Mudgee - top tips for travelling with kids

SOOO many people we met at the recent Good Food and Wine Show said they were visiting Pebbly Path’s beautiful hometown of Mudgee these coming school holidays, so I thought it would be a great time to write up a little guide for anyone visiting, or planning a trip - especially those coming with kidlets!

Where to Eat

Let’s start with a daytime picnic-vibe and head over to Burnbrae Wines where you can enjoy delicious woodfired pizzas, wine, and live music at their "Tunes at Burnbrae" events. Their Twinkle Toes sparkling is a favourite of mine.

For another daytime venue, Our Chow offers fantastic food by local caterer Rachel McCarthy and there’s plenty of space for kids to run around and play, with bikes and balls and a good kids menu. Adults - the chicken katsu burger has been on their menu since inception, and happens to be the reason we visit at least once a month 11/10 would recommend.

For an elevated dining experience that’s also kid friendly (rare, so rare), head to The Barn at Blue Wren Winery, known for its outstanding food and service. There's a large grassy area for kids to play, including free-range chooks and a sandpit, while you savour their incredible seasonal menu (top pick - the confit roasted potatoes - to die for).  This place was MADE for long-lunches, but dinner is available too.

If pub food is more your style, Lawson Park Hotel offers the best pub food in town, and a good local wine selection, and is fitted out with a play area featuring two old boats for the kids. Don't miss my fave - their Thai beef salad.

Additionally, Three Tails Brewery has partnered with smoked meat legends Smoking Bro & Co.  They have a really great gin selection, and of course an extensive beer menu, making it a great spot for both food and drinks.  It hasn’t got a play area as such, but my kids love playing the games they provide like Connect 4 and Uno.

little fingers stealing a couple of hot chippies from the plate, positioned next to a delicious chicken katsu burger from our chow mudgee

Other fun ideas
When it comes to fun, Mudgee has plenty to offer. Adults will enjoy Baker Williams Distillery, which offers world-class gin, while Mudgee Brewing Co. is another great spot for local brews.  The BEST coffee in town is at either Millbrie or The Dancing Goat, and if you love hot cinnamon doughnuts as much as I do, don’t miss Old Wheels Grind out on Pipeclay Lane - tell them I sent you!
For outdoor activities, Mudgee boasts plenty of great parks for kids. The adventure playground in Gulgong, a 30-minute drive away, is incredible.
You can also find horse riding, kayaking, bushwalking and e-bikes for a more adventurous day out.

 

What to See
If you're visiting during a market weekend, make sure to check out the local farmers' markets or makers' markets - you can find the dates here.
September is huge for food and wine in Mudgee, so if you haven't booked already, get on it! The Flavours of Mudgee Street Festival on Saturday 28 September is amazing and not to be missed!  Here's a photo of our stall from the 2023 festival 🥳
Tash and her friend Courtenay smiling broadly handing over their chocolate products to some customers. their stall backdrop is huge paper flowers in blues and oranges
What to Buy
For shopping, Mudgee has some beautiful boutiques, especially for women. Check out Whatever Mudgee, Cherry Red, Mac and Co, Bespoke Boutique, Krysties Boutique, and there’s Gorjus for beautiful kids' stuff - all on the 2 main streets.
 
And of course, remember to order your Pebbly Path rocky roads! If you're visiting, you can order from us online, and we will deliver to your BnB or accommodation for FREE.
 
Alternatively, you can choose click and collect, to pick up your order at our office (on weekdays by appointment only). Just a heads up – we don't have a shop front, so no tours, but we're always happy to help with your rocky road needs 🍫
 
Enjoy your time in Mudgee and happy exploring!

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