About the Region

General Overview

The prosperous Mid-Western Region is located just 3½ hours (or 250km) from Sydney and offers quality lifestyle in a dynamic economic environment.  Located in the Central West of NSW, the area covers over 9,000 square kilometres. 

This vibrant Region offers a wealth of opportunity for visitors and residents alike, combining a country feel with a city's worth of things to do.  As more and more people explore and understand the secrets of this marvellous area, they will help fuel the Region's continuing growth.

We are proud to call this progressive and prosperous community our home and to extend a warm welcome to our visitors.

Major towns and centres

The Mid-Western Region includes the towns of Gulgong, Kandos, Mudgee and Rylstone in addition to many rural villages.

Population

Approximately 23,000.

Climate

  • Summer temperatures average from 15 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius.
  • Winter temperatures average from 2 degrees to 15 degrees Celsius.

Mid-Western Region at a glance

From the grandeur of the Wollemi National Park in the east to the gold field heritage of Hargaves and Gulgong in the west, the Mid-Western Region offers a wealth of attractions for residents and visitors alike.

The towns of Rylstone and Kandos anchor the eastern part of the Region, describing themselves as “Two Towns – One Community”. The Kandos museum preserves the history of this town which produced the cement for the Sydney Harbour Bridge, while Rylstone with its charming stone buildings serves as gateway to the nature paradise of Dunns Swamp and the Wollemi.

The bustling regional centre of Mudgee, the second oldest municipality west of the Blue Mountains, is renowned for its wines, olives and cheese, heritage architecture, roses, picturesque parks and broad streets. Outdoor cafés add a cosmopolitan feel to the footpaths of the Mudgee CBD, while the sports grounds of Mudgee from the historic Victoria Oval to the modern Glen Willow complex can cater to major competitions as well as local games.

To the north of Mudgee lies Gulgong, the town on Australia's original $10 note. Gulgong’s CBD echos with memories of frontier life and the gold rush days uniquely preserved in the Pioneers Museum; the Prince of Wales Opera House; the famed Henry Lawson Centre and the narrow streets themselves which evolved from bullock tracks that wound between tents from one major mining claim to the next during the 1870s gold rush.

To the south and west, the picturesque highlands of the Mid-Western Region produce some of the world’s finest Merino wool.

Economy

The Mid-Western Region prides itself on being business-friendly, with a diverse economic base.  Mid-Western Regional Council can assist existing and new businesses to identify and pursue opportunities to generate economic and employment activity. 

The Region’s key economic sectors include:

  • Agriculture – a wide range of agricultural products is produced in the Mid-Western Region including super fine wool, honey and thoroughbred horses 
  • Viticulture – the region has approximately 4,500 hectares under vine and some 40 cellar doors 
  • Mining – there are four major coal mines operating in the region
  • Tourism – more than 280,000 people visit the region annually to experience the cellar doors, museums, historic areas, local produce tastings, art and craft galleries, major events, markets, locally brewed beers and a wide range of cafes and restaurants
  • Retail – there are more than 300 retail establishments in the Mudgee, a growing regional shopping centre.  Gulgong, Rylstone and Kandos have smaller but nonetheless busy CBD areas.

Transport

The Mid-Western region can be accessed by air, rail and road.  Coach services link with the Sydney rail network at Lithgow.

Key Advantages

  • Food, wine and a coffee culture
  • Great outdoor activities and experiences
  • Diverse, growing economic base 
  • Central geographical location suitable for serving NSW, Victoria and Queensland
  • Skilled labour force of approximately 9,000 people