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Our secluded bush retreat, perched high on the Great Dividing Range, commands spectacular panoramic views and is one of Australia's most unique retreats. Beautifully restored century-old vintage railway carriages decorated in Orient Express style luxury are the feature of your stay, providing self-contained accommodation for up to 12 people - ideal for couples, families, friends and groups. The retreat is single-hire, which means you'll have this hideaway all to yourselves. Surrounding the carriages are beautiful gardens, water features and an extraordinary assortment of station buildings, railway memorabilia and objets d'art. Spend your time wandering the network of bush tracks and lookouts, party around the large outdoor fire place, explore the museum and games room, head off to nearby award-winning wineries and restaurants, or just relax with a good book, sipping wine on the verandah, gazing out to the distant ranges and soak up the tranquility and character of this magical place.
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This place is world class. The accommodation is completely unique. We had 4 families stay - all connected by the kids school. The kids loved it. Adults loved it, spending time by the fire drinking red wine we had purchased at wineries that day after going on a solid bushwalk around the property in the morning. Kids loved the games room, playing spotlight at night and gebnerally just enjoying the bush setting. The carriages are all heated so winter is the perfect time to go there but could even be better in spring.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
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Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:The kids love spotlight on the front paddock!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott McGregor, Owner at Ruwenzori Retreat
Responded 17 Aug 2023
Thank you so much! We loved having you stay and just loved all your beautiful children - watching them soaking up everything Ruwenzori has to offer was heartwarming. We hope to see you back!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruwenzori Retreat is simply amazing! It is obviously a labour of love and it really shows. From the hilltop location with views around the Mudgee area, to the excellent set up to make your stay comfortable, everything is just beautifully complete. And that is not to mention the trains. The train memorabilia is extensive but you don't need to be an avid fan of trains to appreciate this place. Every corner you walk around has something new to see, the entire hilltop is set up with little special areas to explore, all based on or using train related items. The Games Rooms is a very special place and our group spent many hours enjoying the facilities there. Bedding accomodation is exceptional, set in carriages of yore and the photos simply do not do them justice. I thoroughly recommend Ruwenzori and we'll be back!!
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Cleanliness
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Room Tip:All bedrooms are beautiful.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott McGregor, Owner at Ruwenzori Retreat
Responded 10 Oct 2022
We are thrilled you enjoyed Ruwenzori! We think it is a rather magical place and love sharing it with others. We would love to see you back!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Such a unique experience staying in luxuriously appointed train carriages with seriously good amenities - inside and out - plus 19th/early 20th century railway ambience.
Ruwenzori can cater for 13 but even though we were only 4 we had the entire site to ourselves. Everything about Ruwenzori is good - the beds, furnishings, bathroom products, outdoor settings, fire pit and chess set. The dining car/kitchen was well stocked and the Station had games a fabulous library, a pool table and a table tennis table. Children are catered for and the bush walks are well sign posted.
The railway memorabilia, furniture and fittings are the highlight of course and were much appreciated and admired by our group.
I thoroughly recommend Ruwenzori. There is plenty of space for both gathering and quiet contemplation, even for a large party of family/friends. And did I mention the view?!
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ruwenzori Retreat, Owner at Ruwenzori Retreat
Responded 24 Oct 2022
Thank you! We are so pleased you had such an enjoyable time. Our single-hire policy certainly does make for a special experience. Hopefully you'll be back!
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Having received a confirmed booking, 4 loads of cars, loaded with our self-catered delicacies and lots of champagne, we travelled the five hours from Canberra, for what was to be a special dual birthday celebration. Unfortunately, another group who had also received a confirmed booking arrived shortly after us.
As they had booked earlier, Scott arranged (and paid) for our party to stay in a perfectly fine hotel in Mudgee, but not one for which we would have embarked on a ten-hour return journey. While he covered the accommodation, oddly, he declined to cover the $150 drinks bill.
So for a pointless 10 hour return journey, a ruined long weekend without the birthday celebration (we had all taken leave from work on the Friday), hundreds of dollars in petrol, what was his offer of compensation? A 30% reduction on our next booking!
I understand that errors can happen. However, Ruwenzori’s paltry offer doesn’t even come close to compensating for a ruined weekend for nine people. The ‘compensation’
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Just because you have a confirmed booking, don’t think that you will enjoy the privilege of...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott McGregor, Owner at Ruwenzori Retreat
Responded 10 Oct 2022
We understand how deeply disappointing the experience was for you and your friends. It was heartbreaking to have found ourselves with a double booking for the first time in 20 years due to an error in the online booking system we use. It was even more heartbreaking that we had to relocate your group. It is an accommodation owner's worst nightmare. As you witnessed, we did everything we could to find commensurate alternative accommodation for you at our cost. Unfortunately, due to heavy bookings in the Mudgee region that weekend we were unable to secure a self-catering property for a group of 10, despite our calls to dozens of properties. We were however, able to secure the last available rooms at Mudgee's premier hotel, Parklands Resort at our cost, provided you with a full refund and a generous discount on any further booking you may wish to make. I'm so sorry you see all that as paltry.
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Our family had such an amazing stay at the retreat, everything was just as nice as the pictures, actually it was probably better in real life. The care taker Martin was there to greet us on arrival and show us around, he was even nice enough to give us a jar of his personal honey stash from his hives when he realised we were honey fans! Everything was clean and tidy and there was plenty to do to entertain ourselves with the games room, bushwalking, or relaxing by the fire at night. Such a convenient location to explore the areas around mudgee too. The kids loved how unique it was and spent hours running around playing and exploring everything to see - there is so much attention to detail. It was hard to leave this magical place, but we'll be back!!
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Date of stay: June 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This a great weekend to have with friends. The accommodation on the trains is amazing. The carriages are well equipped with comfortable warm bedding and all carriages are heated, The attention to details of each carriage is also amazing. With a fully equipped kitchen/dining cart and ample room to have your dinner parties. We and our friends absolutely loved our experience and would not hesitate to return. Great for a group of friends and would highly recommend a weekend here
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Enjoy. Take plenty of food ie milk and bread so you don't have to leave
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott McGregor, Owner at Ruwenzori Retreat
Responded 17 Aug 2023
Thanks so much for your kind comments Wayne. It warms our hearts when we know people have appreciated the wonder that is Ruwenzori. Your group were amazing guests and we'd love to see you back!
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Ruwenzori is not just accommodation, it is an experience. We went with a group of families, and true to form I did no research of my own and expected to be staying in some dingy old red rattlers. Nothing prepared me for the beautiful and comfortable accommodation that greeted us. The attention to detail in the restoration of the carriages is incredible and they have so many points of interest. The beds are so comfortable and the under-floor heating was a nice surprised. And the view over the valley from our carriage….WOW!!! The sheer volume and quality of the train relics on the site is extraordinary from old station signage and seating to a rebuilt section of rail and numerous other items. We had such a great time drinking wine purchased in Mudgee around the fire and hiking the property. We especially enjoyed playing giant chess with the kids and they were kept busy for hours in the games room and out exploring. We were lucky enough to have owners Scotty and Bernie pop in while we were on site. They are such welcoming hosts and clearly passionate about the rail industry. This is a must for anyone who has an interest in Australian rail history, or anyone who likes comfortable accommodation in a breathtaking environment with a quirky point of difference. We will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott McGregor, Owner at Ruwenzori Retreat
Responded 17 Aug 2023
Thank you so much for your wonderful praise! But it should be us praising you - you were such fabulous guests and it means so much to us when guests "get" what we're doing up here - the Orient Express in the Mudgee mountains! We would love to see you you up here again :-)
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This beautiful retreat in the hilltops of Mudgee is one of the most unique and magical places to relax. it has so many things to see and do, or you can just sit back and do nothing at all. When my husband asked what I would like for my special birthday I knew I wanted to spend it with family and friends at Ruwenzori. This was I think my 4th visit here and I knew how impressed my party would be, you just can't explain to anyone what it is about, but I think they know now. Staying in beautifully appointed and detailed carriages is something special, as is the surrounding scenery, sunrises, sunsets, many beautiful bush walks and visits from the local wildlife. Scott and his exceptionally talented team created something truly wonderful here and we are so happy he has shared it with us. Even though this was my 4th visit, Ruwenzori never fails to impress me and is more enjoyable each time and we are looking so forward to our next visit. My rating is 12/10
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Enjoy the tranquility and beautiful carriages
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ruwenzori Retreat, Owner at Ruwenzori Retreat
Responded 24 Oct 2022
Wow! What a great review - thank you! We are so pleased you had such an enjoyable time. We are proud of what we've achieved up here and just love sharing it with others. We look forward to you coming back!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beautiful views, comfortable beds and the best night's sleep ever. Helpful manager, well appointed dining car. Short hop to Gulgong, Mudgee and Rylstone for day trips. Highly recommend for up to 6 ladies - more if you're willing to bunk ;-)
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ruwenzori Retreat, Owner at Ruwenzori Retreat
Responded 7 Dec 2022
Thank you so much ladies! We couldn't agree more about it being a great spot for a group getaway. And it certainly is a popular spot for Girlie Getaways :-) Had a brilliant blokes group here recently, so something for everyone! Hope to see you again soon.
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Ruwenzori was a fantastic place for a girls weekend away. So thoughtfully restored and also fitted out with modern conveniences. 20min away from Mudgee and the wineries, perfectly situated, with spectacular views and lovely walking tracks. It was a bit wet so we didn’t light the fire pit, but kept cosy playing games and drinking and eating local produce. The beds were very comfortable. We were met by Colin to show us around and communication with the owner was terrific. I wish we’d known about Ruwenzori when our kids were younger, they’d have had a ball in the games room and on the walking tracks.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tania,
Thanks for the enquiry. The little doggie would be ok at this stage as long as you understand we have a wild bush setting, unfenced and lots of native animals around. Can't take any responsibility for your pet.
You can see the availability and cost by entering your request on our booking page on the web site, just google Ruwenzori Retreat
Hope that's ok and please call if you need any other assistance on 0413 753 269
regards, Scott
There are more places to choose from in the Mudgee area.
LOCATION
AustraliaNew South WalesMudgee
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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