Day Trips and Bushwalks

A few favourites beyond the cellar door

When you feel like stretching the day beyond Mudgee, there are beautiful waterways, wildlife encounters and historic country towns within easy reach of Frog Hill.

Ganguddy / Dunn's Swamp
WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK1 HOUR DRIVE FROM FROG HILL Southern Cross Kayaking: 0439 936 480.southerncrosskayaking.com.au Don’t let the name fool you - this is a stunning, pristine stretch of the Cudgegong River, framed by sandstone escarpments, rock pagodas and native bushland. Book a kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour, or simply visit for a swim and the Pagoda Walking Track. Bring your own drinking water; pit toilets, wood-fired BBQs and picnic tables are available. Kayak tours generally run on weekends and school holidays from September to April.
Raising Baby Moos
590 RIDGE RD, COOKS GAPPHONE 0425 239 600 35 MINUTE DRIVE FROM FROG HILL Spend a couple of wonderfully wholesome hours with Dawn as she cares for dairy calves and a much-loved collection of animals. Bottle-feed newborn calves, meet cows of all ages, and say hello to the resident pig, goats and sheep - all very happy to pose for a cuddle and photo.
Rylstone
APPROX. 45-50 MINUTES DRIVE FROM FROG HILLBOOK BOTH STOPS AHEAD Make a day of Rylstone with yum cha at 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha & Tea House, followed by a visit to De Beaurepaire Wines. Both are popular, so book first; cash is handy for yum cha.
Gulgong
APPROX. 20 MINUTES DRIVE FROM FROG HILLGULGONG PIONEERS MUSEUM • 73 HERBERT ST Museum hours: daily 9am-5pm. Phone 02 6374 1513.Wander Gulgong’s heritage cobblestone streets and step into the Pioneers Museum for an extensive collection of local memorabilia, historic houses, machinery, vehicles and a Cobb & Co coach.
Hill End
APPROX. 1 HOURHISTORY HILL MUSEUM • 3458 HILL END RD ph 0428 378 222. Take the picturesque drive to this former gold-rush town, then explore History Hill Museum and its underground mine. The collection is extensive, quirky and full of gold-rush history. Usually open weekends, school holidays and public holidays 10am-4pm - check first. For gold panning, book Jhob’s Gold Panning Tour on 0421 729 955.
Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
APPROX 90 MINUTE DRIVE FROM FROG HILL OBLEY RD DUBBO A longer drive away but well worth the trip is a visit to Western Plains Zoo where you can drive or ride a bike around the 300 hectare property and see more than 500 animals! It's a big day, but one you won't forget.
Rocky gorges, fern-filled gullies and big views. These are our favourite longer walks when you want a proper dose of the Mudgee landscape. Distances and conditions vary, so take water and choose a walk that suits the weather.
The Drip Walking Track
APPROX. 40-MINUTE DRIVE FROM FROG HILL2.8KM RETURN • ALLOW 60-90 MIN A beautiful gorge walk beside the Goulburn River. It’s especially lovely after rainfall, and on a warm day you may be able to wade or swim in the rock pools at the end. We usually take swimmers and a towel but water level is rain-dependent. Go in the morning and stop for lunch at The Barn on your way back.
Ferntree Gully Loop
APPROX. 50-MINUTE DRIVE FROM FROG HILL2.5KM LOOP • ALLOW 60-90 MIN From the Ferntree Gully Reserve car park, descend through a rocky, fern-filled canyon to the valley floor. There are plenty of steps and uneven sections, but the lush scenery is worth the effort. It’s particularly refreshing on a hot day. Bring your own water and snacks.
Castle Rocks
MUNGHORN GAP NATURE RESERVE, Access via Wollar Rd APPROX 30 MINUTE DRIVE FROM FROG HILL8.5KM RETURN • ALLOW 3-3.5 HR This moderately difficult walk passes through pine and gum woodland, with excellent birdlife and striking sandstone pagodas. Much of the route follows a broad fire trail, but the final climb involves scrambling over uneven rock before rewarding you with panoramic views. No drinking water is available; toilets and picnic facilities are at nearby Moolarben Picnic Area.

Waterworks Gully Track

AVISFORD NATURE RESERVE8KM OUT & BACK • ALLOW APPROX. 2.5 HR Although Frog Hill backs onto another section of Avisford Nature Reserve, this walk begins on the far side of Mudgee via Waterworks Rd. Follow Waterworks Gully Stream past the old Mudgee dam walls and keep an eye out for kangaroos, echidnas and abundant birdlife. Mostly easy walking along an old dirt road, with a few steeper sections.
Gentler local walks, wetlands and sculpture.
For something closer to town - or a lighter day between winery visits - these are easy, relaxed ways to spend an hour or two outdoors.
Lawson Park Sculpture Walk
APPROX 10 MINUTE DRIVE FROM FROG HILL MUDGEE TOWNFLAT RIVERSIDE WALK Stroll beside the Cudgegong River with sculptures dotted along the path. Start near Church and Short Streets, then continue toward the Mudgee Arts Precinct - or cross the bridge and head toward Glen Willow Stadium. An easy option when you want fresh air without committing to a full bushwalk.
Putta Bucca Wetlands
APPROX 5 MINUTE DRIVE FROM FROG HILLAROUND 2KM OF WALKING TRACKS A lovely nearby option for bird spotting and a quiet wander through the wetlands on Putta Bucca Rd. It’s easy to fit into a morning or late afternoon and is especially rewarding if you enjoy native birdlife.
Sculptures In The Garden
ROSBY WINES 20 MINUTE DRIVE FROM FROG HILLANNUAL EVENT • USUALLY 2 WEEKS IN OCTOBER If you’re lucky enough to be in Mudgee during October, Sculptures in the Garden is well worth a visit. Wander through hundreds of works displayed around Rosby Estate and enjoy a glass of wine as you explore. Check the event website for the current year’s dates and opening details.sculpturesinthegarden.com.au