By Ben Harris – Co-founder and Director, FleetCrew
Some of Australia’s best road trips are found inland, away from major cities and highways along quiet country roads, where every historic pub has a story to tell, every café knows the locals by name, and award-winning wineries sit just minutes from charming heritage towns.
Recently, my wife Karen and I spent four days exploring the Central West of New South Wales, using Dubbo as our starting point before winding our way through Mudgee and Gulgong.
Travelling in a FleetCrew Toyota Prado 250 Series, we enjoyed great food, country hospitality, scenic drives and some of the region’s best attractions—all without rushing from one destination to the next. We had such a great time that I thought I’d share our itinerary, along with a few of our favourite places to eat, stay and explore. Hopefully it gives you a few ideas for your own Central West road trip.
Conveniently located in the heart of Western New South Wales, Dubbo is the perfect starting point for exploring the Central West. Whether you’re flying in or driving from elsewhere in NSW, everything is within easy reach.
We flew from Brisbane via Sydney before collecting our Toyota Prado 250 Series hire vehicle from FleetCrew Dubbo, where branch managers and Dubbo local business owners Tom and Alana had everything ready to go. While Qantas suited this trip, we’ll probably give Link Airways a go next time as they now offer direct flights from Brisbane.
The Prado was perfect for our trip, I really appreciated having a modern, comfortable 4WD. Knowing we had plenty of luggage space, modern safety features and a vehicle capable of handling whatever roads we found made the whole trip feel relaxed from the start.
Rather than heading straight for Mudgee, we decided to spend our first afternoon exploring Dubbo.
We checked into The Westbury, a beautifully restored heritage bed and breakfast full of character. We’ve also stayed at the RSL Motel previously and found it excellent as well, but we enjoy trying somewhere different each visit.
That evening we wandered down to the Commercial Hotel, grabbed a table with the NRL playing on the big screens and settled in for dinner. I ordered the crumbed lamb cutlets with local vegetables and can honestly say they were one of the highlights of the trip. Sometimes it’s the hearty country pub meals that are the most memorable.
The Westbury Hotel accommodation in Dubbo.
Dubbo has a surprisingly large list of attractions to offer visitors, and I highly recommend building in the time to check them out:
Every good country town seems to have its own favourite coffee shop, and for us that was Press Café.
Press Cafe
We grabbed takeaway coffees before heading down to the Macquarie River. After crossing a couple of the pedestrian bridges and taking our time along the river walk, we stumbled across Goldies, tucked inside one of Dubbo’s beautiful old heritage buildings.
The avocado toast was outstanding.
It was the perfect way to start the morning before checking out and loading the Prado for the drive to Mudgee.
If you’ve got another hour to spare before leaving Dubbo, I’d recommend visiting the Regional Botanic Garden, particularly the beautiful Shoyoen Japanese Garden, or continuing further along the Tracker Riley Cycleway beside the Macquarie River.
Although Mudgee isn’t far away, we quickly remembered why people say “half the fun is getting there.”
A fortuitous Google Maps re-route took us away from the main highway through Geurie and Goolma. Some of the roads were narrower than we’d expected, but the reward was rolling farmland, open green paddocks and almost no traffic.
Had Google not sent us that way, we’d have missed some of the prettiest countryside of the entire trip.
If you’ve got the time, I’d also recommend stopping in Wellington. The Wellington Caves are fascinating, with ancient cave systems, megafauna fossils and interactive displays that are ideal for families travelling through the region.
Welcome to Mudgee.
We rolled into Mudgee just before lunch and timed it perfectly.
Australia was playing Paraguay in the World Cup, so we settled into Kelly’s Irish Pub to watch the match.
The game finished nil-all, but with a roaring fireplace, a Guinness pie and a pint of Guinness in front of me, I really didn’t mind. We made it out of the group after all.
Kelly’s Irish Pub, Mudgee.
Ben enjoying a Guinness at Kelly’s Irish Pub, Mudgee.
After lunch we wandered around town before checking into Evanslea Luxury Boutique Accommodation.
Our cabin was tucked away behind beautifully maintained gardens and featured its own fireplace. It was private, peaceful and only a short walk into town. I’d happily stay there again, although Mudgee certainly isn’t short of great accommodation options.
Evanslea Luxury Boutique Accommodation
Our private cottage at Evanslea Luxury Boutique Accommodation
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That evening we had booked dinner at Blue Wren Farm.
The meal was exceptional, but the standout for me was a glass of Robert Stein Chardonnay.
It was so good that Karen and I looked at each other and decided we’d be visiting Robert Stein Winery the very next day.
That’s one of the things I loved about Mudgee.
One recommendation naturally leads to another and before you know it, your itinerary has completely changed—for the better.
Ben and Karen talk an early morning walk through Riverside Park
We started another relaxed morning with a walk into town.
Along the way we even spotted a couple of FleetCrew hire vehicles, which was nice to see.
Coffee came from Sam’s Sourdough Bagels, where the bagels looked almost too good to resist, before wandering Mudgee’s beautifully preserved streets lined with sandstone churches, historic pubs and boutique shops.
Sam’s Sourdough Bagels, Mudgee
A walk through the riverside park completed another relaxed country morning.
Back in town, the local markets provided everything we needed for dinner later that evening—artisan breads, cheeses, local produce and regional delicacies that make country holidays so memorable.
Lunch, naturally, was at Robert Stein Winery.
The day’s special was soup made using produce grown on the property itself, perfectly matched with their wines.
Before leaving we took a few photos of the vineyards before heading back to our cabin.
We chilled for the rest of the afternoon, watching the footy and preparing dinner using the local produce we’d collected throughout the day.
Vegetable soup from Robert Stein Winery, Mudgee. The perfect winter lunch
Ben and Karen exploring the town of Gulgong
On our way back to Dubbo we decided to take a slight detour through Gulgong.
I’m glad we did.
Walking through Gulgong feels like stepping back into Australia’s gold rush era.
The streets are beautifully preserved and there’s history everywhere you look.
We stopped at the Silver Fox Café for a pot of tea before continuing on our way.
If you’re interested in Australian history, I’d definitely allow yourself an extra hour or two here.
The heritage buildings, museums and connections to poet Henry Lawson make it one of the most authentic historic towns in regional New South Wales.
FleetCrew Prado 250 Series parked in the main street of Gulgong
Silver Fox Coffee, Gulgong
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Before flying home, we made one final stop back at Press Café for lunch.
Afterwards we met Tom at the airport, handed back the Prado and caught our flight home.
Looking back, four days felt like the perfect introduction to the region—but it also left us with a list of places we’ll come back to explore next time.
Picturesque country roads make for a pleasant driving experience
Given the time we had, we only scratched the surface of what Dubbo has to offer. Before we left, FleetCrew Dubbo managers Tom and Alana—both long-time Dubbo locals—shared some of their favourite places to visit on our next trip. If you’ve got an extra day or two, these would be at the top of my list.
History lovers should explore the immersive exhibits and after-dark tours at Old Dubbo Gaol, visit Dundullimal Homestead, or browse the exhibitions at the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
Families will easily spend a full day at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, cycling or driving the five-kilometre circuit while getting up close to giraffes, rhinos, elephants and countless other species.
Those interested in the Australian Outback shouldn’t miss the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience, where interactive displays tell the remarkable story of one of Australia’s most important services.
Nature lovers can explore the Macquarie River Loop, Tracker Riley Cycleway, Bunglegumbie Reserve, Mugga Hill Reserve or simply enjoy a picnic in one of Dubbo’s beautifully maintained parks.
One thing we never really had to think about was the vehicle.
The Prado was comfortable on the highway, easy to park in town, handled the quieter country roads without fuss and had plenty of room for our luggage, purchases from the markets and, of course, a few bottles from Mudgee’s cellar doors.
There’s something nice about heading away knowing you’re driving a modern, reliable vehicle and not adding hundreds of kilometres to your own car.
Return to Brisbane via the Burnett Highway.
Looking back, what surprised me most was just how different each town felt. Dubbo, Wellington, Mudgee and Gulgong all have their own personality, and none of them felt like somewhere you simply drive through. what made this trip memorable wasn’t one single attraction.
It was the coffee beside the Macquarie River.
The country roads winding through farmland.
The recommendation that led us to another winery.
The conversations with locals.
The heritage buildings that seemed to appear on every corner.
And the freedom to take one more detour simply because it looked interesting.
If you’re looking for a relaxed country escape filled with great food, fantastic wine, fascinating history and genuine country hospitality, I’d have no hesitation recommending this Dubbo to Mudgee road trip.
As we flew home, Karen and I were already talking about what we’d do differently next time. Spend another day at the zoo. Explore Wellington properly. Visit more cellar doors. Stay an extra night in Mudgee.
The best road trips leave you wanting to come back—and this one certainly did.
Start/Finish: FleetCrew Dubbo
Ideal Duration: 4 Days (3–5 Days Recommended)
Distance: Approx. 320–380 km depending on detours
Best For: Couples, food lovers, wine enthusiasts, history buffs
Highlights: Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Mudgee Wineries, Gulgong, Wellington Caves, Macquarie River Walk
Best Time to Visit: Autumn and Spring, although enjoyable year-round
A late-model, well-maintained vehicle will make the trip significantly more enjoyable and safer. FleetCrew offers a range of 4WD touring vehicles perfectly set up for a family trip to the outback. With pleanty of luggage space and the peace of mind of having 4WD capability and a large fuel tank, The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and the LandCruiser Prado 250 are both ideal vehicles that make long days on the road a comfortable experience.
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