Rylstone

Explore local history 

One of the oldest villages west of the Great Dividing Range, Rylstone 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.  

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. 

Convent and Chapel Wool Shop, Rylstone

Things to do

Visit Guluu Gallery, an Aboriginal-owned gallery featuring works by local Wiradjuri artists. Browse paintings, sculptures and cultural artefacts as well as a range of Aboriginal gifts, cards and books. The Convent and Chapel Wool Shop offers artisan yarns sourced from hand dyers and small mills. 

Nearby is the World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park, a beautiful setting for scenic walks, swimming, canoeing and camping. Go fishing at the picturesque Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp  or you can hire kayaks from Southern Cross Kayaking and explore the quiet waters of the Cudgegong River. 

Man hiking in Dunns Swamp, Rylstone - Credit: Mudgee Region Tourism

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

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 authentic yum cha and dumplings at 29 Nine 99, and tuck into hearty pub meals at the historic Globe Hotel built in 1885 and the 1857 Rylstone Hotel.  

29 Nine 99 Yum Cha and Tea House, Rylstone

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. Take a tour of Rylstone Olive Press, maker of award-winning olive oils, or visit the cellar door of French-style De Beaurepaire Wines.  

De Beaurepaire Wines, Rylstone

Getting there  

Rylstone is a 3hr 30min drive from Sydney and just under an hour from Mudgee. Another scenic route is via the Upper Hunter and along Bylong Valley Way, winding through the Goulburn River and Wollemi National Park.