Mudgee, Rylstone & Wollemi National Park
20 - 23 April
Overview
Date: Tuesday 20th - Friday 23rd April, 2021
Please join me for an inspiring visit to Mudgee, Rylstone and Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp in the Wollemi National Park.
We depart Sydney by train from Central Station to Mt. Victoria, then private coach transfer to our accommodation at Mudgee’s Getaway Cottages.
We’ll explore, paint and draw around the areas surrounding Rylstone, Fern Tree Gully Walk and Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp with time to explore Mudgee later in the day and for evening meals (or self cater in your cottage if you prefer). We return to Sydney by private coach from Mudgee and then mid afternoon train from Lithgow.
About the Area
Mudgee
A population close to 11,000 in the fertile Cudgegon River Valley. Mudgee is known for colonial buildings, wineries, sheep, cattle, dairy and mining. The name Mudgee is derived from the Wiradjuri term Moothi meaning “Nest in the Hills” or “mou-gee” meaning “contented”.
Rylstone
A small town in the Central Tablelands region located on the Bylong Valley Way Road route. A population of almost 650 people at the 2016 census. Early explorers travelled this area in the early 1800s including Samuel Marsden, Macquarie, Edward Cox, James Blackman Jr., Jamison, FitzGerald, John Nevell and James Vincent.
Local indigenous Aboriginals were the Dabee tribe; part of the Wiradjuri group of people.
The area is rich in natural mineral resources including coal, which extends from near Lithgow to Rylstone. It is an undeveloped coal resource and one of the last to be exploited.
Fern Tree Gully Walk
A highly scenic rainforest area 17 kms north of Rylstone with walking tracks into the cool, narrow fern tree studded valley floor. Also around the top edge of the rocks with views of the valley and unusual rock formations on either side.
Allow a minimum of one hour to do the loop walk or longer to enjoy the rock formations, ferns and orchids along the way. Plants include large fig trees, the Pandora pandoreana with its entangled maze of roots and rock orchids, some of which are unique.
Keep an eye out for lyre bird, rare powerful owl, scrub turkey, glossy black cockatoo, echidnas, marsupial mice, grey kangaroos, wombats and wallabies. A reasonable degree of fitness is required for the walk through the gully and returning via the top track. Take food and water.
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
Ganguddy (also known as Dunn’s Swamp) is a small water storage on the upper Cudgegong River built in 1930 to supply water for Kandos Cement Works. The land around the waterway is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service as it is part of Wollemi National Park. It’s stunningly beautiful!
Tour Info
What to Bring
hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
casual clothing and covered shoes
toiletries and nightwear
light jacket
umbrella / rainjacket (just in case!)
Art Materials
any easily portable materials and surfaces you wish to use (no oils)
lightweight portable seat (optional)
Accommodation
Mudgee Getaway Cottages are 7 beautiful and fully self-contained homes and cottages on 9 acres of gardens & rural parkland. A short walk to town for restaurants and to explore this historic destination.
Close to some of the best wineries in Australia! Our reservation includes Farmhouse / Bloome / Orchard and the Garden Cottages
Included
3 nights accommodation with breakfast at Mudgee’s Getaway Cottages
private coach/driver for all excursions and transfer from Mt. Victoria Station to Mudgee/return
1 Yum Cha lunch
3 picnic lunches
welcome dinner
Not Included
train fare Sydney-Mt. Vic / return ($2.50 senior one way)
alcohol
2 dinners
Itinerary
Tues / 20 April
Depart Sydney by Blue Mountains train from Central Station ($2.50 senior) approx 8.50am
Arrive Mt. Victoria approx mid day
Lunch and private coach transfer to Mudgee
Welcome dinner
Wed / 21 April
Leisurely breakfast at our accommodation
Full day en plein air exploration to Rylstone and Fern Tree Gully Walk
Lunch at Yum Cha & Tea House, Rylstone
Return to Mudgee late afternoon
Free choice for dinner in town or self cater
Thur / 22 April
Leisurely breakfast at our accommodation
Full day en plein air exploration to Ganguddy-Dunn’s Swamp in the Wollemi National Park
Return to Mudgee late afternoon
Free choice for dinner in town or self cater
Fri / 23 April
Leisurely breakfast before departing by private coach for the mid afternoon train to Sydney from Lithgow or Mt. Victoria.
Lunch en route.
