MUDGEE Mudgee (another interesting name) is the total surprise package. The traveler will love this quite large town. Be prepared to stay a few days. The name Mudgee is derived from the Wiradjuri term Moothi meaning "Nest in the Hills" or "mou-gee" meaning "contented". James Blackman was the first European settler to cross the Cudgegong River in 1821. The first European settlers were soon in conflict with the Wiradjuri over a range of issues including killing of livestock and animals such as kangaroos and possums which were major food sources for the Wiradjuri. Martial Law was declared in 1824 leading to a significant reduction in the population of the Wiradjuri. The Mudgee district is now well-known for its fine wine. Mudgee has developed as a wine producing region and is a popular destination for tourists, who visit the forty vineyards operating in the Mudgee district. Other rural produce includes cattle, sheep, wheat, lucerne, olives, fruit, tomatoes, corn, honey and dairy products. Mudgee has numerous old and century plus buildings and clearly heritage is important. This interesting retail concept is also worth a linger. The Catholic Church is one of a number of magnificent century plus classic design churches; check out the stencil artwork..The Anglican is aslo a century classic Likewise all of the Mudgee Hotels are over 100 years old. A number of really nice pubs in the town. The Mudgee War Memorial is acknowledged at two sites. One in the ANZAC Gardens. The Mudgee Museum is located at the northern approach to the town. The temptation to stay awhile should not be resisted.