We depart Sydney and travel into the beautiful Blue Mountains, stopping at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah, where we enjoy morning tea surrounded by spectacular cool-climate gardens and sweeping mountain views. Continuing to the charming heritage village of Rylstone, we savour a delicious yum cha lunch before visiting the Olive Press for a fascinating tour of the processing facility and a tasting of their award-winning olive products. We then continue to Mudgee, where we settle into our accommodation before gathering together for dinner.

Overnight: Parklands Resort, Mudgee Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Today we discover the flavours that have helped make Mudgee one of New South Wales’ premier food and wine destinations. We begin with a sightseeing tour of Mudgee aboard our coach, taking in the town’s historic streets and local landmarks before enjoying tastings at Mudgee Honey Haven and the High Valley Cheese Company. Following free time to browse the boutiques and enjoy lunch in the heart of town, we visit Spencer Cocoa for a behind-the-scenes tour and chocolate tasting. Returning to Parklands Resort, we gather together for dinner this evening.

Overnight: Parklands Resort, Mudgee Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we travel to the historic gold rush town of Gulgong. We explore the fascinating Henry Lawson Centre before visiting the Holtermann Museum, home to one of Australia’s finest collections celebrating the region’s rich heritage. We then continue to picturesque Gooree Park, where we enjoy a guided tour of the renowned thoroughbred stud, followed by a delicious lunch and wine tasting. After an early dinner, we return to Gulgong for an entertaining evening with Des Kelly’s much-loved Songs of the Bush show.

Overnight: Parklands Resort, Mudgee Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we step back in time with a visit to the beautifully preserved gold mining village of Hill End. Our day begins at History Hill Museum, where a guided tour reveals the remarkable stories, artefacts and machinery from the gold rush era, followed by morning tea. We then enjoy a picnic lunch before joining a guided tour of the historic township, discovering the buildings and landscapes that have changed little since the 1870s. Travelling home via the picturesque village of Sofala, we return to Mudgee for our final dinner together.

Overnight: Parklands Resort, Mudgee Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we farewell Mudgee and begin our journey towards Sydney. Travelling through Merriwa, we pause for morning tea and admire the impressive silo artwork before continuing through the Upper Hunter to the vineyards of Pokolbin. Here we enjoy a leisurely lunch showcasing local country flavours, with time for an optional wine tasting before commencing the final leg of our journey home, taking with us wonderful memories of Mudgee’s heritage, hospitality and outstanding regional produce.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch