If you have ever wanted to see and taste what free-range, organic and home-grown is, head to Mudgee for the new monthly Farm Walks. The Walks are designed to educate and get people back to their grass roots - to visit and experience a working farm - from olive oil and vegetables to sheep and dairy.

Launched by Mudgee Fine Foods the Walks commence this June (calendar below) and will run on the third Sunday of every month, the day after the Mudgee Farmers Markets. There will be a choice of three different Farm Walks each month at 9am, 10.30am and 12.00, and tickets cost $5/person or $10/family (includes any or all three farms on the day).

“Mudgee is renowned for ‘quality produce made by real people’, and these Walks are a chance for visitors to meet the farmers, be shown the different stages of production, learn about seasons, get their hands dirty and buy direct from the farm gate.” said Liz Mayberry, Mudgee Fine Foods.

A variety of farms are taking part in this exciting initiative and it is a unique opportunity for people of all ages to understand the seasonality of growing produce. For example at SarJay’s farm there are a variety of different vegetables growing throughout the year, and a trip to the Mudgee Gourmet Hazelnut farm in August will see the trees with their catkins and female flowers.

Producers taking part in the Walks include Native Fish and Yabbie Farm, Ormiston Free Range Pork*, SarJay Vegetables, Guneemooroo Olive Oil, Top Shed Olives, Mudgee Gourmet Hazelnuts, Lowe Family Organic and Wine, Deebs Kitchen and Leaning Oak Wine & Cheese.

v      Tours start at each farm at the designated time, and participants must provide their own transport. Please wear covered shoes, don’t bring any pets, and be prepared to learn and enjoy yourself.

v      Tickets need to be purchased at the Mudgee Visitor Information Centre, 84 Market Street Mudgee. Phone (02) 6372 1020 or go to www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au.  

v      More details on each farm and directions are available on the website www.mudgeefinefoods.com.au

Mudgee Farm Walks Calendar 2009

The Mudgee Region is a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney in the Central West of NSW. A food and wine lover's paradise, there are also a range of arts, culture, history, nature and wilderness experiences to be enjoyed.

Mudgee Fine Foods is an association of food producers, food retailers and hospitality service providers from the Mudgee Region. They promote quality local produce through the monthly Farmers Market held on the third Saturday of every month from 8.30am to 12.30pm at the St Mary’s Church Grounds, Church Street, Mudgee.

* Following advice from the Dept of Primary Industries, tours to the Free Range Pig Farm will not be available yet due to concerns regarding Swine Flu. Tours will recommence as soon as restrictions are lifted.