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Things to do at RUWENZORI
Relax – whether it be indoors or out, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a nice place to unwind. Libraries, TVs and DVD players with an extensive video library, Apple TV facilities, board games galore and of course stunning outdoor dining options.
Play games – head down to the Station Building and play a bit of pool, win at table tennis, indulge in a board game or two, listen to a range of music or even put on your own variety show, it’s been done before!
Go for a walk – there’s over 5 km’s of formed trails to magical places like the ‘Top of the World’, ‘The Picnic Ground’, ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Poss’ Plunge’. See what native critters are out there and what you can spot on the unique Sculpture Walk. Download the walking trails map here
Railway Memorabilia – The industrial history of the Railways is on show wherever you turn here at Ruwenzori - starting with the collection in the Station Building, the sculpture walk, the railway ’Junk Yard’, and the decorations in the gardens and carriages, we share thousands of items from our railway past.
The Mudgee region is a major destination for wine, food, history, and exploring our magnificent natural treasures and encompasses the towns of Gulgong, Rylstone and Kandos along with national parks, great water sports options, and wonderfully preserved landmarks celebrating our indigenous history..
Within 30 mins from Ruwenzori
Mudgee
Mudgee is on Wiradjuri land and was first settled by Colonial settlers in 1822 when George and Henry Cox drove 500 livestock and established Menah, Mudgee’s oldest grazing property.
Gulgong
A 19th-century gold rush town, the name “Gulgong” is derived from the word used by the traditional inhabitants, the Wiradjuri, for “deep waterhole”.
But if you’re a more ‘outdoorsy type’
In addition to your private 20 ha of nature at Ruwenzori, there are many other great outdoor activities you can enjoy.
Go to the National Parks website or their office in the main street of Mudgee for more information.
We particularly love:
The Drip - The Drip walking track, in Goulburn River State Conservation Area, meanders beside Goulburn River to The Drip, or 'the Great Dripping Wall’. Rain water trickling through the porous rock wall makes it a cool oasis.
Hands on Rock - a great walk up to a cave of indigenous stencil art a short drive from The Drip. The reserve is culturally significant to the Wiradjuri people, and was traditionally a place for only women and children. The rock art consists of over 100 hand stencils of women
The Mudgee Miniature Railway - on the main road between Ruwenzori and Mudgee, the three and a half, and five inch gauge miniature railway gives rides behind steam, petrol and electric powered miniature trains. The railway is a non-profit co-operative and operates on the second Sunday of every month (weather dependent). Call (02) 6373 3626 for details.
The Mudgee Observatory located just outside of Mudgee is the work of John Vetter, an astronomer with 45 years experience. The theatre and flat screen planetarium means the night skies can be viewed as they were meant to be viewed. Bookings are essential and the experience is weather dependent.
Within 1 hour of Ruwenzori
Rylstone
Laid out in 1846, Rylstone was a well established town with post office, hotels, school, mills, and a police lock-up by 1854. Very little has changed since then in terms of the buildings and streetscape.
Kandos
Just 6kms from Rylstone, Kandos is famous for being the place from which all the cement for the Sydney Harbour Bridge (amongst other things) came.
Attractions Slightly Further Afield
Hill End is another fascinating Gold Mining village that has been beautifully kept as a celebration of its history. Now, a famous artist’s colony, see their website for details. If you like Australian history the History Hill museum is definitely worth a look.
The Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo is just under 2 hours drive from Ruwenzori. A completely immersive experience and not a cage in sight, the Western Plains Zoo has tried to replicate natural habitats as closely as possible, enabling you to drive, cycle or walk in nature to commune with a large variety of animals. As the centre of much of the research and conservationism initiatives conducted by the Taronga Park Zoo and various Universities, this is truly a great day out.
The Wellington Caves are a group of limestone caves dated at around 400 million years located 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south of the little town of Wellington situated on the Castlereagh River. Well worth a visit if you’re into geology, history or the wonders of nature.
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