Mudgee - an aboriginal word meaning "Nest in the Hills" - is located in a picturesque valley. Surrounded by rolling hills, you will be awed by spectacular views no matter from which direction you are approching.

Mudgee was settled in the 1820s, making it the second oldest town west of the Great Dividing Range (and 12 years older than Melbourne). Mudgee town centre beautifully showcases a great many historic buildings, as do the surrounding towns and villages.

The Region is most famous for its excellent wines, with the first grape vines having been planted over 150 years ago. Mudgee was, in fact, the location of the first Australian plantings of both Chardonnay and Merlot. Although probably best known for its robust reds, the Mudgee Region now produces an extensive range of wine varieties, both red and white, as well as fortifieds, French, Italian & Spanish varietals. And with over 40 cellar doors, you are sure to discover your very own personal favourite. Mudgee wineries are boutique by nature and unique in style - most labels are not available through retail outlets, making your discovery even more exciting. And yes, there is a good chance you will even be able to meet the winemaker!

Apart from wine, there a countless other producers of gourmet foods, such as honey, mead, olives and oils, hazelnuts, tapenades, sauces, jams, relishes and mustards - the list goes on and on. There is something to tempt and satisfy every palate. And not to forget about the local cheese factory - enjoy tasting your way through the numerous varieties, before deciding which one to take home for further study.

With all this along with the many excellent cafes, art studios and galleries, which include exhibits ranging from ceramics through woodcraft and textiles to paintings, you will fill in your days easily.

Nearby Gulgong boomed in the late 1800s, after gold was discovered. It is well worth a visit, as the main streetscape is an excellent display of many heritage buildings from the gold rush times. In addition, there is the fascinating Pioneers Museum, which boasts over 1 acre of exhibits, as well as the Henry Lawson Centre, which showcases the history, life and times of the region's most famous resident. Gulgong is also home to some outstanding ceramic displays.

The Rylstone/Kandos area, located to the south-east of Mudgee and bordering on the famous Wollemi National Park, is renowned for its spectacular scenery and quality produce, including a growing wine and olive industry. It is also the gateway to the Wollemi National Park, with its camping and bushwalking site at Dunns Swamp, a beautiful wetland area perfect for taking a picnic, fishing or bird watching.

And if that's not enough to fill your time here, a leisurely day trip will take you to the historical gold villages of Hill End and Sofala, with spectacular views along the way. Or if you fancy a wildlife encounter instead, the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo is only about 1½ hrs drive away.

The Mudgee Region - a great place to visit for a leisurely weekend or an activity filled holiday, the choice is yours. In either case, you're sure to experience "sensory perfection".