Rylstone

Explore local heritage

One of the oldest villages west of the Great Dividing Range, Rylstone dates back to the 1840s and is steeped in colonial heritage. A great way to discover its treasures is on the self-guided Rylstone Heritage Walk. You can pick up a brochure at the Cottage Museum, housed in an 1890s blacksmith's cottage, and filled with treasures of its own.

Streetscapes, Rylstone - Credit: Amber Hooper

Stroll along Rylstone's historic main street, and explore heritage sandstone public houses, shopfronts and cottages, all made from local sandstone. See the historic Bridge View Inn, St Malachy's Church and the Globe Hotel as well as the 1875 Highfield Cottage, one of the early slab cottages built in Rylstone still standing. Inside another lovely heritage building, the Convent and Chapel Wool Shop offers artisan yarns sourced from hand dyers and small mills.

Convent and Chapel Wool Shop, Rylstone

Outdoor adventures

A short drive north of Rylstone, Ferntree Gully Reserve is a beautiful rainforest area with walking trails, giant fig trees and rare rock orchids. Follow the loop track through lush ferns, unique plant communities and sandstone rock formations. Home to plentiful bird and wildlife, keep an eye out for lyrebirds and echidnas.

Ferntree Gully Reserve, Rylstone

Nearby is the World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park, a beautiful setting for scenic walks, swimming, canoeing and camping. Go fishing or camping at the picturesque Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp on the Cudgegong River, where picturesque rock formations flank the still waters. Hire kayaks or join a tour with Southern Cross Kayaking to paddle along the river, marvel at its beauty and learn about its rich Indigenous history.

Southern Cross Kayaking, Wollemi National Park

Eat & drink

Part of the Mudgee wine region, an area renowned for its fine food and wine, Rylstone has plenty of delicious dining options. Enjoy yum cha and dumplings at 29 Nine 99, an authentic Chinese teahouse tucked into a laneway. Dine on hearty pub meals at the historic Globe Hotel built in 1885 and the 1857 Bowles-Inn Family Hotel.

29 Nine 99 Yum Cha and Tea House, Rylstone

There are a handful of boutique wineries close to Rylstone itself, including the French-inspired De Beaurepaire Wines and Naked Lady Wines, which also serves woodfired pizza. Take a tour of Rylstone Olive Press, maker of award-winning olive oils that are pressed just six hours after the fruit comes off the tree. In spring, the annual Rylstone StreetFeast showcases the best of local wines, produce and artworks. Settle in for the sumptuous four-course Long Lunch, worth the visit in itself.

De Beaurepaire Wines, Rylstone

Where to stay

Accommodation options in Rylstone will take you off grid into untouched bushland or onto quiet farms. Relax in the outdoor bathtubs of tiny home Into The Wild Escapes – Tiny Maggie or pitch a tent at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp campground. There are also motels and pub rooms available in town.

Into The Wild Escapes - Tiny Maggie, Rylstone - Credit: Into The Wild Escapes

Getting there

Rylstone is a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney and just under an hour from Mudgee. The Great Western Highway is currently closed between Mount Victoria and Hartley, so you will need to travel via the Bells Line of Road and alternative routes. Another scenic route is via the Upper Hunter and along Bylong Valley Way, winding through the Goulburn River and Wollemi National Park. You can also fly into Mudgee Airport or take a train and coach to Mudgee, which takes around six hours.