Mudgee’s Getaway Cottages.
40 Mortimer Street, Mudgee.
Sharing the Joys of Country Living
The Etheringtons’ riverfront property was once open cow paddock. Over the past 30 years it has grown into nine acres of gardens, trees, water, and six self-contained cottages—a relaxed country setting for families, friends, and couples to enjoy space, nature, and simple living.
The gardens are informal and evolving, shaped by time and hands-on planting by Elizabeth. Many areas are self-seeded, producing seasonal vegetables, herbs, and flowers and leafy greens. Mature 200-year-old river gums remain from the original landscape, with additional trees, hedges, and garden spaces added gradually over the years.
The experience is interactive and grounded in country life. Guests are welcome to pick vegetables, collect eggs, feed animals, or spend time by the Cudgegong River fishing or relaxing by the water. The property offers a gentle, hands-on introduction to nature, animals, and food production.
Throughout the property are chickens, geese, turkeys, peacocks, rabbits, guinea pigs, pet mice, Dexter the macaw, and an ostrich known as Miss Olivia, along with Kamahl the camel. Fire pits, picnic areas, and open lawns provide space for guests to gather, unwind, and enjoy the outdoors.
Vintage farm machinery is featured, in remembrance of generations gone before. A special garden area has been set aside for family memorial stones and to commemorate family pets.
And centre stage is a bronze statue from Elizabeth’s family for her 80th birthday. Margot Stephens was commissioned to recreate “The Peregrine”, an original sculpture created in 1987 and purchased by Elizabeth in April 1988. Creating a bronze is a magic process that hasn’t changed much over 5,000 years.
In many ways, the experience reflects growing up in a simpler era—long days outdoors, backyard chickens, seasonal food from the garden, and time shared with family and friends.
A place to reconnect with nature and the rhythm of country life.
(Text by owner)