Our time in Mudgee, New South Wales, began with setting up camp at the local showgrounds. Not exactly glamping, but practical, and close to town. A walk was definitely in order after that.
The architecture here is simply striking; the former Council Chambers building is a prime example of the town's preserved heritage. Mudgee makes no secret of its history.
Wandering through the town, we were struck by the number of beautifully maintained heritage buildings.
The old banks, hotels, and public buildings tell tales of a prosperous past. We seem to have a knack for finding towns with well-preserved histories, and Mudgee certainly fits the bill.
It wasn’t long before we stumbled upon the Mudgee Art Trail in the town centre.
A gleaming, modern sculpture stands in front of the Gallery and Visitor Information centre, a stark contrast to the historical buildings surrounding it. You can't miss it.
Nearby, an interesting art installation, an easel and chair, invites onlookers to partake in the creative process.
The art trail eventually led us to Lawson Park.
It's a well-maintained green space that offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of town.
The rotunda in the park is a beautiful centrepiece amongst the lush lawns and manicured gardens. It's the kind of place where one could easily spend an afternoon reading or simply watching the world go by, provided one doesn't mind the occasional duck. We even spotted a very yellow flower bed in bloom.
It seems the residents take pride in their green spaces, and so they should. As we wandered, we spotted the bronze statue of Louisa Lawson
.
Even in Lawson Park, art remained close by.
A modern sculpture called "Cube Stack" made of rusty metal blocks challenges observers to find their own meaning in the geometric display. It certainly adds another dimension to the park's charm. Mudgee is a town that clearly appreciates both its past and its present, and it does well to display them both.
Although we appreciated the public art, we were also drawn to the impressive architecture of the various churches within Mudgee.
The spire of St. Mary's Parish is a sight to behold; the tall church and wrought iron gate draw the eye and invite visitors to stop and admire.
