Sierra Escape, PiambongCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a morning coffee from their luxury glamping tent at Sierra Escape, Piambong near Mudgee.
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Make your downtime as memorable as your gastronomic experiences in the Mudgee wine region, a 3.5-hour drive or 45-minute flight from Sydney, by choosing one of these unique places to stay. Nest in repurposed heritage buildings in the pretty namesake town, pamper yourself with a luxury escape, or relax at a winery stay in the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Lap up subtle luxury
After a glorious day of wine tastings, retreat to the urban oasis of Perry Street Hotel, in the heart of town, to recharge before a night of more gourmet reveries. Revitalise with a soak in the bathtub in your suite in the beautifully renovated 19th-century Mechanics Institute building and feel yourself unwind amid the serene and textured interiors.
After a great night’s sleep, take the five-minute drive to The Cellar by Gilbert, where you’ll be inspired by the passion of fifth-generation winemaker Simon Gilbert and his son Will to create beautifully crafted modern wines with a nod to their heritage. Book ahead to indulge in a wine flight in the elegant tasting room or settle in for a leisurely afternoon in the backyard with some tasty snacks.
Travel back in time
Soak up the atmosphere in the centre of town at the 160-year-old Cobb & Co Court Boutique Hotel, a surviving treasure from Mudgee’s early settlement. Picture the arrival of a stagecoach as you glance down from your balcony at the cobbled courtyard, before admiring the vintage fixtures adorning your room. Cobb & Co is mere steps away from some of the town’s excellent dining options, from breakfast pastries at Market Street Café to dinner at Eltons wine bar.
Rest up in a worker’s cottage
Imagine town life in the late 1850s at The Tannery, a two-bedroom bungalow in the heart of Mudgee. The early Victorian home retains much of the natural charm of its former life as cosy accommodation for local workers. Stoke the open fire, take a seat on the back verandah with a cup of tea and admire the garden, or head straight to Alby & Esthers to mingle with locals over breakfast. Tucked down a laneway in a welcoming courtyard, this popular cafe is renowned for its tasty jaffles.
Hide away in a vineyard
Rekindle your romance just steps away from a cellar door in the quaint two-bedroom Winemaker’s Cottage, which was the Burnbrae winemaking family’s home in the 1960s and has been carefully restored in country minimalist style. Revel in the peaceful surroundings with your loved one before strolling over to the Burnbrae Wines cellar door to maintain the magical spell with the winery’s storybook-inspired labels and glorious blends. Vinestay by Yeats Wines is another local accommodation, set among the Yeates Wines vines.
Lowe Wines, Mudgee Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to Lowe Wines, Mudgee.
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Lowe Wines, Mudgee Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to Lowe Wines, Mudgee.
Burnbrae Wines, Mudgee Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over the scenic grounds of Burnbrae Wines, Mudgee.
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Burnbrae Wines, Mudgee Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over the scenic grounds of Burnbrae Wines, Mudgee.
Take over a big country home
Reconnect with family and friends in the comfort of a renovated 1916 stone house at Leaning Oak, on the fringes of Mudgee. The restoration has stayed true to the soul of the building while adding modern luxury across four bedrooms and a study sleeping up to 12 guests. Kids will love the outdoor saltwater pool and pizza oven, while creative cooks will adore the large French-style kitchen of this authentic country home – time your visit with the Mudgee Farmers’ Market to stock up on fresh produce.
Combine luxury with a farm stay
Light the wood fire and snuggle up in a welcoming cottage with stylish interiors and local art on the walls or step out of your oversized homestead to meet fellow travellers around communal fire pits at Peppertree Hill, a collection of self-contained luxury accommodation options on the outskirts of Mudgee.
You won’t have to travel far to feast on seasonal local dishes. At nearby Pipeclay Pumphouse, on the estate of family-run Robert Stein Vineyard & Farm, treat yourself to a delicious lunch or dinner that places local meat, herbs and vegetables front and centre.
Indulge in an ultra-glamping experience
Lose yourself in the views of rolling hills deep in Mudgee wine country at the adults-only Sierra Escape, a breathtaking property on 280 acres with five-star tents to help you escape from the world for a while. Soak up the serenity in your glamping hut’s freestanding bathtub and be sure to order a local meats and cheese platter ahead of your booking – it’ll be waiting for you in your tent when you arrive.
Savour a five-star country estate
Celebrate your big family event — a wedding, perhaps? — at Evanslea, located along the Cudgegong River. Surround yourself with pretty, landscaped gardens as you gather your favourite people in a four-bedroom house with a shared swimming pool and fire pit. Or hide away from the world in one of Evanslea’s romantic cottages, after picking up some organic and biodynamic wine and delicious takeaway platters from the nearby Lowe Family Wine Co.
Take your time heading home
On your way back to Sydney, stop in at the heritage village of Rylstone, a 45-minute drive east of Mudgee, to feast on dumplings and sip Chinese tea at 29 Nine 99 yum cha restaurant, or taste French-style wines at De Beaurepaire Wines while soaking up sweeping vineyard views. Linger at The Little Lady at Naked Lady Wines, an minimalist tiny cabin for two on a boutique vineyard, or gather a group of friends for a memory-making reunion at Wollemi Retreat, a thoughtfully designed haven that sleeps up to 10 in luxury across a house and two cabins.
Sierra Escape, Mudgee Credit: Sierra Escape Mudgee
Elouera, a luxury tiny house at Sierra Escape in Mudgee. Meticulously crafted from a shipping container and offering unparalleled views.
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Sierra Escape, Mudgee Credit: Sierra Escape Mudgee
Elouera, a luxury tiny house at Sierra Escape in Mudgee. Meticulously crafted from a shipping container and offering unparalleled views.
De Beaurepaire Wines, Rylstone Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to De Beaurepaire Wines, Rylstone.
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De Beaurepaire Wines, Rylstone Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to De Beaurepaire Wines, Rylstone.
More Inspirational Stories
Sydney Harbour in SummerCredit: Destination NSW
Your dog will enjoy seeing the sights of Sydney as much as you do.
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Planning a sojourn to Sydney and don’t want to leave your beloved pooch behind? With hotels increasingly willing to cater to pets, there’s no reason you have to. From beachside to the inner city, these luxury escapes not only welcome four-legged friends, they also provide special inclusions tailored for dogs. Just be sure to book in early, as not every room in these properties can house pets.
Pier One Sydney Harbour, city centre
Nestled below Sydney Harbour Bridge in historic Walsh Bay, Pier One Sydney Harbour is one of the city’s more memorable stays. The hotel sits on a former working wharf over the water, and has devoted some of its ground-level rooms to furry family members. Stay here and your dog will have direct access to the boardwalk that wraps around the sides of the hotel facing the water, with plenty of seagulls to keep it entertained. Pier One’s Puppy Package comes with all the extras: an eco-friendly dog bed, food and water bowls, and a mini bar stocked with treats. Keen to really amp up the spoils? Check out the dog-friendly in-room dining menu, or book an outdoor spot at the hotel’s ground-level The Gantry Restaurant, which offers a Doggy Degustation menu with such treats as beef bone broth and Doglato (a gelato equivalent for pooches) for dessert.
QT Bondi, Bondi Beach
Right on the esplanade facing Sydney’s most famous city beach, QT Bondi welcomes guests trailing sand and their beloved pets. With its chic, contemporary style and energetic vibe, the hotel mirrors Bondi’s laid-back beach lifestyle and allows easy access to its café, bar and restaurant scene. The hotel offers a pet-friendly room that features a special mini bar filled with doggie treats and a pooch-friendly vegan in-room dining menu. Although dogs aren’t permitted on Bondi Beach itself, you’ll be in good company joining the parade of dog-walkers on the promenade, or head to the nearby Rose Bay Foreshore, where pets are free to frolic off-leash.
Little Albion, Surry Hills
The Little Albion boutique hotel occupies a charming former convent in Surry Hills, a leafy inner-city hub populated by creative types and dog lovers. There are two pet-friendly rooms at the hotel, both at ground level, with a bed, bowl and blanket included, but if it’s an over-the-top spoil session you’re after, the Plush Pup Package can’t be beat. Pets are welcomed with Mimi & Munch baked doggie treats on arrival; gifted with a The Daily Edited personalised name tag to look their fashionable best; booked in for a fitting with Dogue doggie stylist; assigned a butler, in case you need to dash out solo; and even receive a turndown service with Doglato.
Doggy Degustation, Pier One Sydney Harbour Credit: Anna Kucera
Chowing down on the Doggy Degustation menu at Pier One Sydney Harbour hotel.
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Doggy Degustation, Pier One Sydney Harbour Credit: Anna Kucera
Chowing down on the Doggy Degustation menu at Pier One Sydney Harbour hotel.
QT Bondi, Sydney Credit: QT Bondi
Your dog will love a fur-friendly stay at QT Bondi.
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QT Bondi, Sydney Credit: QT Bondi
Your dog will love a fur-friendly stay at QT Bondi.
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
Despite occupying prime real estate in one of Sydney’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is not too posh to pooch. Suitably elegant and opulent in its well-to-do setting, the hotel invites dog owners to book its Pet Stay Package. Your room will be set up with a stylish pet bed and bowls, and you can order a meal from the dog-friendly in-room dining menu, which includes options such as Banjo’s Delight, a feast of Angus beef, pumpkin, carrots and sweet potato. Double Bay is conveniently close to the city and the Eastern Suburbs beaches, yet has a peaceful village feel and is the ideal idyll for people- and dog-watching.
Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour
Sydney’s sister Ovolo hotels, Ovolo Woolloomooloo to the east of the city centre and Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour in inner-city Pyrmont, are both dog-friendly and are equally luxurious and immaculately designed. But the Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour earns pooch preference points for being close to Pyrmont’s off-leash Waterfront Park. While all Ovolo hotels indulge human guests with complimentary munchies from the mini bar and drinks at social hour, pets also get the star treatment. The V.I.Pooch Package at each Sydney Ovolo includes a comfy dog bed, food bowl, and the never more aptly named doggy bag ꟷ packed with treats and toys they’ll drool over.
The Langham, Sydney
Pet-friendly may not be a description you’d first associate with the ultra-regal The Langham, Sydney, near Barangaroo in the city centre. Yet along with its plush interiors, a private tennis court, an indoor pool with an amazing painted dome and the serene The Day Spa by Chuan, it happily allows you and your furry charge to co-habit during your stay. Rooms are set up with a dog bed and eating bowls, there’s an in-house dog-friendly menu, and if you fancy letting yourself off the lead to hit the town, dog-sitting services can also be requested.
Pup Package, Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel Credit: Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel
Bedding down at the Little Albion hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
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Pup Package, Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel Credit: Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel
Bedding down at the Little Albion hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
The Langham, Sydney Credit: The Langham
Your dog will feel like canine royalty at The Langham, Sydney.
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The Langham, Sydney Credit: The Langham
Your dog will feel like canine royalty at The Langham, Sydney.