Mendooran, a quaint town located halfway between Dunedoo and Gilgandra, is experiencing a delightful renaissance as entrepreneurs breathe new life into once-vacant storefronts. When visiting Mendooran from Sydney, you have two primary routes to consider. The most common is a five hour drive via Katoomba (or Bilpin, if you opt for Bell's Line of Road), Lithgow, and Mudgee. However, if you prefer a traffic light free route, you can extend your drive by half an hour by taking the Hume Highway north toward Newcastle, then heading inland via the Hunter Expressway and Dunedoo.

For those seeking a quicker travel option, there’s a one-hour flight to Dubbo, serviced by Qantas or Rex, followed by a rental car for the 75 kilometre journey northeast to Mendooran. Alternatively, you can choose the train by catching the XPT from Sydney to Dubbo, which takes approximately six and a half hours, followed by a bus ride to Mendooran.

If you have the time, consider a must-stop on the way via the Hunter Expressway, in Denman. A brand new adventure playground awaits, not far from cafes serving delicious coffee. Just a half-hour further along, the Merriwa Bakery beckons with its irresistible pies and cheese and bacon sausage rolls. Of course, if you travel over the Blue Mountains, a visit to the picturesque food and wine town of Mudgee is an essential addition to your itinerary.

When you arrive in town, you’ll want to head to the historic Royal Hotel for dinner. The Royal Hotel's storied history dates back to the 1860s, with its original location situated on the western bank of the Castlereagh River. The next pub was constructed from ironbark slabs at the site where the current hotel stands. In January 1872, a third Royal Hotel was unveiled, adjacent to the present building, but this structure was eventually demolished in the 1940s.

In 1925, plans for a larger and more modern hotel were drafted and by late 1926, the fully realised new Royal Hotel had opened its doors, offering an impressive array of 26 rooms for accommodation. 97 years on, this historic establishment stands as a testament to the town's enduring legacy, continuing to serve both locals and visitors. Take in its history while enjoying a tasty counter meal, served seven days a week and a cold drink in the beer garden.

Grab a coffee and breakfast in town at Crackerz Bakery. The bakery is known for its bacon and egg rolls or pies and sausage rolls. You can also grab some fresh bread here as well. Once you’ve had a relaxing breakfast, embrace the charm of Mendooran as you wander through the village, where captivating murals adorn the township, many of them crafted by renowned former resident artist, Karen Duce. Be sure not to miss the remarkable bullock scene adorning the corner of the pub, a vivid depiction of a dray laden with wool bales, pulled by a team of sturdy bullocks.

After you have enjoyed a stroll around Mendooran, look for a little blue and white shop front at the end of the main street, a remarkable cheese-making venture known as Blue Sky Cheese. Founded by Deb Kiem, a seasoned teacher with a lifelong passion for cheesemaking, this artisanal operation has become a popular tourist attraction. Using fresh milk from The Little Big Dairy in Dubbo and a hands-on approach, Deb, along with her partner Pip Archer, produces exquisite cheeses such as Castlereagh Camembert and Peppa Gouda. Pick up some cheese for lunch. They also stock seasonal local produce and smoked meats should you wish to build your own charcuterie platter for dinner instead of going back to the pub.

Now that you have your esky full of cheese, what better way to finish the afternoon than a whisky flight at Mendooran’s very own distillery. This hidden gem is known as Black Gate Distillery. The boutique distillery is a labor of love, founded by a dedicated husband and wife team Brian and Genise Hollingworth in 2009.

Embracing a picturesque rural backdrop and benefiting from a climate ideal for nurturing bold spirit aging, Black Gate Distillery is renowned for crafting exquisite Australian Single Malt Whisky and Dark Rum, all meticulously brewed and distilled on-site. Visitors are warmly welcomed to explore their craft and taste the results of their unwavering dedication to the art of distillation. The cellar door is open by appointment only so make sure you book ahead.

Finish your day in Mendooran with two delightful options: you can either head back to the Royal Pub for a relaxing evening or retreat to your accommodation, armed with a selection of delectable ingredients from Blue Sky Cheese, perfect for assembling an epic charcuterie board. Top off your night with a delightful wee dram from Black Gate Distillery.

Jen grew up in Bathurst in central west NSW but now calls Gilgandra home. She lives on a mixed enterprise farm with her husband and two young children.