Looking for outdoor adventure and want to get active?
You’ll want to look past the wine tasting and cafes for some of the best things to do in Mudgee.
Mudgee is a small Central West town, full of wine and food. But it’s also a hidden gem for serious outdoor recreation. From hiking and mountain biking to unique adventure sports, there’s no shortage of things to keep you active.
Here’s the thing… Many visitors come for the cellar doors and shopping, without realising what’s on their doorstep. That’s a mistake.
Rolling hills, pristine rivers, national parks and World Heritage wilderness are just a short drive from Mudgee. So the region is seriously underrated when it comes to hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures.
Here’s what you’ll find here:
- Epic Hiking Trails Around Mudgee
- Mountain Biking Adventures in Mudgee
- Water Sports & River Activities in Mudgee
- Rock Climbing & Abseiling Spots
- Stargazing & Observatory Experiences
Why Is Mudgee Great for Outdoor Adventures
Mudgee is one of the best places in Australia for outdoor activities. It’s also just 45 minutes from Sydney, making it a great Central West destination.
Why? You’ve got World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park on your doorsteps, the beautiful Cudgegong River running through town, and some of the best hiking trails in NSW.
Plus the best part? You can combine all these fun activities with some of Australia’s best wine, cheese, and gourmet food. How about a hard mountain bike ride finished off with a cold local beer and a delicious gourmet meal…
To me that’s the best day out.
There’s an outdoor recreation boom going on around the country right now. 3.7 million Australian adults participated in bushwalking during 2023–24 – the latest AusPlay survey results show just how popular it’s become.
Epic Hiking Trails Around Mudgee
Ok let’s get outdoors…
Whether you’re into long distance hiking, steep mountains or just like walking on a weekend, you’ll find something in Mudgee.
Drip Gorge Walking Track
This might be my all-time favourite hike in the region.
The walking track follows the Goulburn River all the way to the world-famous ‘Great Dripping Wall’ where water drips through the sandstone to create this natural water feature. The walk itself is relatively easy, so this is great for families or those easing into Mudgee’s hiking culture.
What makes it special:
- Incredible rock formations
- Fun swimming spots on the way
- Great for photography
- Dog-friendly walking tracks
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Trail
This track is within World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park.
The range of natural features here are incredible. You’ll walk through ancient bushland, past pristine swimming holes, to lookout points with panoramic views.
But the cool part… It’s also a popular camping destination, so you can easily make this day hike into a multi-day wilderness escape.
Windamere Dam Circuit
Need something a bit easier, but still satisfying?
Windamere Dam and its surrounding area has some nice short walks with great water views. This is only a 20-minute drive from the Mudgee town center, so it’s also super easy to access if you want a quick dose of nature.
Walking tracks at Windamere Dam connect to picnic areas and swimming holes, so you can easily spend a whole day exploring.
Mountain Biking Adventures
Mountain biking in Mudgee? Seriously underrated.
Mudgee Common has 35 mountain bike trails for all ability levels, from easy routes for beginners to technical single track that expert riders will love.
Mudgee Common Trail Network
The place to go for mountain bikers.
Mudgee Common is growing all the time, with a community of local riders and the Mid-Western Regional Mountain Bike Club adding and maintaining new trails all the time.
You’ll find:
- Green tracks for beginners
- Blue intermediate trails with some technical features
- Black advanced trails for thrill seekers
- Breathtaking rural views all along the way
Hargraves Historic Goldfields
Something a bit different…
The old gold mining town of Hargraves is a great place to mountain bike on actual goldfield sites. The trails weave through historic mining areas, around old mining equipment and undergrowth reclaiming the sites.
It’s a bit like getting a history lesson while getting fit.
Water Sports & River Activities
Get wet and wild at Mudgee’s main waterway, the Cudgegong River.
Kayaking on the Cudgegong River is a totally different perspective of the Mudgee region. The river winds through paddocks and bushland and you’ll spot native wildlife you didn’t even know were local. Maybe even a platypus if you’re lucky and silent!
Swimming Holes
There’s nothing like a refreshing dip after a long hike or bike ride.
The Mudgee region has long been home to lots of swimming spots, passed down through generations of locals. Some are easy to access via a walking track, while others require more adventure to get to.
Top swimming spots:
- Swimming pools at Drip Gorge
- Beaches at Windamere Dam
- Hidden spots on the Cudgegong River
- Rock pools in Wollemi National Park
Rock Climbing & Abseiling Spots
Got a taste for adventure at higher altitudes?
Sandstone rock formations around Mudgee provide some fantastic places to climb. The rock is good quality and there are routes for a variety of different skill levels.
But here’s the thing…
Most of the best climbing spots are on private property or well off-grid and require some local knowledge to access. It’s worth speaking to local climbing groups or hiring a guide for your first forays into this side of the region.
Stargazing & Observatory Experiences
Finish the day admiring the Mudgee night sky.
The Mudgee Observatory provides stargazing experiences which are the perfect end to an active day outdoors. The observatory is home to high powered telescopes which reveal the Milky Way in all its glory.
Minimal light pollution means stargazing here is second to none.
They offer:
- Night time tours with expert guides
- Day tours to learn about our sun
- Events during meteor showers
- Planetarium shows
Adventure Planning Tips
Planning your Mudgee adventure? Insider tips…
Best time to visit:
- Autumn (March-May) for hiking season
- Spring (Sept-Nov) for wildflowers and mild temps
- Winter for clear, crisp days for climbing
Essentials to pack:
- Loads of water (more than you think you’ll need)
- Sun protection – the Aussie sun is harsh
- Good hiking boots
- Camera for Instagram posts
Local knowledge:
- Check the weather before heading into NPWS lands
- Tell someone your route and expected return time
- Download maps to use offline – mobile phone reception can be patchy
Wrapping It All Up
Mudgee is an outdoor adventure mecca and it’s seriously underrated.
The fact is: Visitors come for the wine and gourmet food (both of which are world-class) but they often don’t know what’s on their doorstep.
Mountain bike, hike, swim, abseil and more. Mudgee can rival any region in NSW when it comes to outdoor activities.
Here’s what I love:
- Activities for all fitness levels
- World Heritage wilderness right there
- Perfect mix of adventure and comfort
- Growing trail networks and facilities
The outdoor recreation boom in Australia is only going to continue. Mudgee is well-positioned to be one of Australia’s best destinations for active travelers.
So next time you plan your Mudgee getaway, make sure it’s not all wine tasting and gourmet food. Bring your hiking boots and your mountain bike and discover the reasons this region is so popular with adventure tourists.
