11 Brilliant Cafes in Mudgee for Brunching

Mudgee cafes have a lot to offer when it comes to places to enjoy breakfast and brunch thanks to the bounty of the Central West region of NSW.

There are no traffic lights in Mudgee town centre, which makes it the perfect place to take your foot off the pedal for a short break. And while it’s only right that attention is lavished on the Mudgee region’s cellar doors, the satisfaction level of visitors to Central NSW is also enhanced when they eat out for breakfast and brunch.

The cafe scene is thriving thanks in more recent years to a slew of openings that give everyone from the avocado-on-sourdough set from Sydney to boujee Bathurst types more places to breakfast and brunch. Here are some of the best cafes in Mudgee for brunch and coffee.

Streetscapes and Cafes in Mudgee, NSW, Australia — The café scene in Mudgee is thriving. (Image: Destination NSW)

1. Althea by Zin

Although the cafes in Mudgee are somewhat of a sideshow to the main draw – its world-class wines – the region is becoming a go-to getaway for those who want to indulge in great food and wine and enjoy a change of scene. Althea by Zin is the love child of Lowe Wines and the Zin House and named in honour of chef Kim Currie’s mum, Althea.

Althea by Zin, Cafe in Mudgee, NSW, Australia — Althea by Zin is the love child of Lowe Wines and the Zin House.

The cupboard-sized bakery and patisserie pumps out treats such as fresh berry tarts, canelé and Deluca coffee. The cafe also morphs into a pop-up Roman pizzeria every Monday from 5.30pm-7.30pm.

Pasttries at Althea by Zin in Mudgee — Indulge in fresh berry tarts, canelé and Deluca coffee at Althea by Zin.

Address: Cnr Church & Horatio St, Mudgee

2. Cade Kitchen + Bar

From the minute you walk through the cobbled courtyard that was once an old horse stable and upstairs to the charming dining room housed in this 1850s building, it’s clear that Cade Kitchen + Bar has a foot in both the past and present.

The artfully scuffed space has had a costume change, and while the history and heritage are still evident, the menu is up to the minute. Shazam the playlist while you wait for your Cattleman’s Plate to arrive and pick up flatbread pizza to go. It’s enough to edge Mudgee ahead in the Orange versus Mudgee stakes.

Address: 97 Market St, Mudgee

3. Butcher Shop Cafe

Mooch down to the Butcher Shop Café in the main street of Mudgee and you’re sure to run into that local couple you met at the De Beaurepaire cellar door, one of the best winery experiences in the area.

Facade of Butcher Shop Cafe in Mudgee, NSW, Australia — The café is housed in an old butchery built in the late 1800s. (Image: Destination NSW)

The café is housed in an old butchery built in the late 1800s that must have had, ahem, good bones, and it remains a hub for the local community. The Butcher Shop Cafe is also a popular place for coffee (it’s roasted in-house).

Address: 49 Church St, Mudgee

4. Alby & Esthers

Alby & Esthers turns on the charm in a little cobblestoned corner of Mudgee. The courtyard cafe is tucked away down an alley outside an 1873 stone terrace and it’s this backdrop of heritage buildings that grounds you in the heart of historic Mudgee.

Women enter Alby&Esthers in Mudgee — The inviting courtyard at Alby&Esthers is the perfect introduction to the charms of Mudgee. (Image: Mudgee Tourism)

It’s the perfect spot to spend the morning sipping coffee or kombucha and eating the famous Esthers Jaffle with smoked leg ham, free-range eggs, Swiss cheese and tomato relish. Locals come for breakfast but they don’t leave until after lunch: do as they do and order the lamb burger with greens, beetroot relish and tzatziki on Turkish bread.

Ham and cheese jaffles Alby & Esthers — Order up the famous jaffles at Alby & Esthers. (Image: Amber Hooper/ @ambercreative and Amy Walker/ @thewifecreative)

Address: 61 Market St, Mudgee

5. The Coffee House at Parkview

Breakfast in the country should always be like this: a sun-dappled table overlooking the garden and the option to start your day right with cold brew or fresh-squeezed juice at the Coffee House at Parkview, the heritage-listed hotel believed to have been built in 1870-71.

The exterior of Coffee House At Parkview in Mudgee — Enjoy breakfast overlooking the garden at Coffee House at Parkview in Mudgee. (Image: Mudgee Tourism)

Enjoy the Mexican breakfast bowl, which will whisk you straight to Baja or the cinnamon waffles drenched in maple syrup with blueberries, peach compote and ice cream.

A woman enjoys a bowl of food at Coffee House At Parkview in Mudgee — There are plenty of delicious options on the breakfast menu at Coffee House. (Image: Mudgee Tourism)

The window for orders at Coffee House At Parkview in Mudgee — Start our day with a cold brew or fresh-squeezed juice. (Image: Mudgee Tourism)

Address: 99 Market St, Mudgee

6. Mudgee Corner Store

The baristas at Mudgee Corner Store serve coffee and food to go from the kiosk window of this charming country café cum corner store between 7 and 8 am. But we recommend taking a seat at one of the communal tables inside when the café space is open so you can linger over the locavore menu.

Woman drinks a coffee at Mudgee Corner Store — Take your time to stop and enjoy the start of the day at Mudgee Corner Store. (Image: Mudgee Tourism)

Inhale an unctuous ham and cheese toastie and follow it up with a petite piccolo and slice of chunky fruit loaf. Those staying in luxury accommodation in Mudgee should order a breakfast hamper to go to enjoy the next day.

Interiors of Mudgee Corner Store, Mudgee, NSW, Australia — Take a seat at one of the communal tables inside. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 72 Lewis St, Mudgee

7. The Little Cooking School and Commissary

Cooking classes seem to be a magnetic lure for visitors to the country. Benefit from the passion, skill and experience of passionate foodie Tamara who utilises a basket of local grown ingredients bursting with flavour to inspire a fun and educational cooking experience.

Learn the basics of pulling together an Italian feast at the intimate cooking school and then get the opportunity to enjoy the meal you have prepared with your new-found friends. BYO eco bag to stock with hard-to-find ingredients and utensils from the adjacent commissary.

Address: Shop 7, 69 Market St, Mudgee.

8. Our Chow Cafe

An unhurried coffee (by Mudgee Catering Co) on the verandah is best followed by brunch at Our Chow Cafe located two kilometres from Mudgee CBD. Graze over buttermilk pancakes, brekky bruschetta and bloody Marys for brunch at the rustic cafe, all corrugated tin and worn wood, overlooking the idyllic vineyard at Burrundulla Wines. Mudgee Catering Co. also offers heat-and-serve meals to visitors staying in luxury guesthouses dotted around the region.

Address: 234 Castlereagh Highway, Mudgee

9. 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha and Tea House

Yum Cha is the Cantonese tradition of brunch involving Chinese tea and dim sum. And the cash-only 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha and Tea House (named after the auspicious date owners Reg Buckland and Shaanxi-born Na Lan were married), does a cracking version of it in nearby Rylstone, a 40-minute drive from Mudgee. Yum cha purists travel from all over NSW to visit this colourful tea house so do book ahead.

29 Nine 99 Yum Cha and Tea House, Mudgee, NSW, Australia — Yum cha purists travel from all over NSW to visit this colourful tea house. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 28 Louee St, Rylstone

10. Mudgee Honey Haven Cafe

Go to Mudgee Honey Haven to stock up on picnic provisions such as sparkling mead, blueberry jam and yellowbox honey before settling in at this rustic cafe for raisin toast, scones, jam and cream or corn beef toasties. Top tip: when the sun is shining, make a day of it and take the kids for a game of putt putt on the property’s 18-hole golf course. You can also spy on the bees hard at work through a glass window that shows a cross-section of a working hive.

Honey Haven Cafe, Mudgee, NSW, Australia — Honey enjoyed fresh from the source. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 2 Hill End Road, Mudgee

11. Byron Perry

Byron Perry is the new informal Mudgee cafe offering a wide range of brekkie and lunch options for those who are gluten-free. The menu here is 100 per cent certified gluten-free which is a big factor for those who are highly sensitive to gluten.

Walk through the farmers’ market in Mudgee to get an idea of what you might find on the Byron Perry menu. Head to the deliberately low-key restaurant for bacon and egg rolls and gluten-free pancakes and to get a sense of Mudgee’s cherished country spirit. The menu also includes handmade gelato, which is getting a good rap from GF customers.

Address: 13 Perry St, Mudgee

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

11 brilliant cafes in Mudgee for brunching