Sleep in a restored Orient-Express railway carriage, take a helicopter ride over the widest canyon in the world, learn the ancient art of spinning, and photograph foxes in the wild - add these to your bucket-list of must-do unique experiences in 2011 in the Mudgee Region of NSW.
Mudgee Region Tourism Inc has compiled a list of its 'Top 10 Unique Experiences for 2011', proving it is far from your predictable wine region. It includes a mix of new touring, accommodation, dining and adventure ideas.
"Our top 10 unique experiences are all off the tourist track, a little bit quirky or simply lesser-known. Perfect for independent and adventurous travellers, they will leave a memorable imprint on a holiday in the Mudgee Region," said Lucy White, CEO of Mudgee Region Tourism Inc.
"The list reflects how unique the Mudgee Region is and how we cater to all kinds of interests - food and wine, extraordinary places to stay, or taking an unforgettable nature and adventure tour." said Lucy.
'Top 10 Unique Experiences for 2011' in the Mudgee Region is as follows:
1. Sleep in Orient-Express Railway Carriages at Ruwenzori Retreat - stay in 100-year old restored railway carriages set on a mountain top with its own dining carriage, outdoor fire pit and accommodating 12 people
2. Helicopter over widest canyon in the world - Capertee Valley helicopters will fly you over the Capertee Valley, the widest canyon in the world, with breathtaking scenery at dizzying heights
3. Photograph Foxes in the Wild - a wildlife photographers dream a new 'Tour Now and Then' takes visitors up close and personal to whistle-down foxes and see them under moonlight in the wild
4. Discover what's inside at Rylstone's Bridge View Inn - enjoy unexpected surprises at this newly restored historic building - 29 Nine 99 is a Chinese treasure trove for shopping with great yum cha; a tasting room for Debeaurepaire Wines; the Cottage Museum; and a quaint community garden
5. Learn to Spin - learn the ancient craft of spinning wool, felt and fleeces in a variety of colours and styles at Spun Out in Gulgong, classes start from $15pp with Patricia Bennet
6. Eat at Deebs Kitchen - carve your dinner off a pig-roasting carcass and eat at shared long tables at Mudgee's most authentic Lebanese restaurant, located 8km outside of town, for $55pp and its BYO
7. Walk Gulgong's Symbol Trail - take a walking tour of 70 tiles on the footpaths of historic Gulgong which used symbols as a secret language during the Great Depression
8. Learn to Fly over the Vineyards - take the controls and learn to fly in a light aircraft over Mudgee's vineyards with Airwest Flight Training, introductory flights cost just $88
9. The Drip at Goulburn River National Park - walk through a cathedral-like atmosphere at The Drip, a towering sandstone cliff-face dripping clear spring water into the rocky river bed
10. Sleep in an old Church - stay in a converted catholic church which sleeps two people and is nestled in 150 acres just outside Mudgee, aptly named 'The Church'
The Mudgee Region is a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney in the Central West of NSW.
To book any of these experiences, and for more information and ideas on things to see and do, go to www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au or contact the Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6372 1020.
