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A serene, calm Castlereagh river winds through dense green foliage and tall eucalyptus trees under a clear blue sky with light clouds. The water reflects the sky and surrounding trees, with a few birds flying overhead and power lines faintly visible in the distance.

MENDOORAN
The oldest town on the Castlereagh River

Mendooran is a small town located in the central west region of New South Wales. It's situated approximately 385 kilometres northwest of Sydney and about 75 kilometers northeast of Dubbo. The town is known for its rural setting, friendly community, and the picturesque surroundings.

While Mendooran is a small town, in addition to our distillery, there are several attractions and activities in and around the area that visitors can explore:


In Mendooran

Blue Sky Cheese - Handmade in Mendooran:
A providore store showcasing an array of locally crafted delights, from artisanal cheeses and handcrafted condiments to a diverse selection of handmade products.

Mendooran Arts & Craft shop:
A treasure trove of unique creations and artistic endeavours. Discover one-of-a-kind pieces and support local artists while immersing yourself in the creative spirit of our community. Opening hours are Mon/Wed/Frid 10am-2pm.

CWA Op Shop:
This charming shop, run by the dedicated members of the CWA, offers a unique shopping experience. Whether you're searching for a special vintage find, a practical household item, or just enjoy browsing through unique treasures, the CWA op shop is sure to captivate and offer something special for every visitor. Open Wednesday and Friday 10am-12pm.

Mendooran Show:

Showcasing a variety of equestrian events, pavilions, sheep and cattle displays, shearing demonstrations, tractor pulls, and entertaining novelty events for both adults and children—such as the Iron Man or Woman challenge and tug-of-war—the event offers something for everyone. Cap off the show by unwinding at the bar, reconnecting with old friends, family, and mates. Typically taking place in March, this event promises a delightful day filled with fun and camaraderie.

Mendooran Races:

Racing since 1856, Mendooran sure knows how to put on a great race meeting. Fun for the whole family, including entertainment for the kids. Full bar and TAB facilities available on the day. Usually the first or second weekend in September.

Mendooran Art Preview:
The Mendooran Art Preview, held in October, offers a vibrant showcase of diverse artworks. Featuring local talents and captivating creations, this event invites visitors to immerse themselves in a tapestry of artistic expression, celebrating culture and creativity in a captivating display.

Fishing and outdoor activities:
The nearby Castlereagh River offers opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful day by the river, fishing for local species such as silverperch, yellow belly & catfish.

Where to eat and stay:

Indulge in delightful treats available at Crackerz Bakery, where you can find an array of delicious goodies. If you're in the mood for a satisfying meal or seeking a tranquil overnight stay, Mendooran presents a variety of dining choices and accommodations to suit your preferences. 

Savour a delicious meal at the Royal Hotel or experience the culinary delights served at Cathy's Country Dining within the Memorial Club. Alternatively, visit the Bowling Club for another excellent dining option. Embrace the charm and warm hospitality of this town while making the most of your visit to Mendooran.

Royal Hotel Mendooran     - 02 6886 2043     (1.3km from Black Gate) 

Manusu House                    - 0428 400 010    (1.6km from Black Gate) 

Mendooran Cottages         - 0429 855 096    (1.4km and 1.6km from Black Gate)

Little Farm Cabins               - 0427 861 319    (1km from Black Gate)

BnB at Old Hotel                 - 02 6886 1044    (1.8km from Black Gate)

Free camp ground in Mendooran  (1.5km from Black Gate) 

Camp at the distillery -        Hipcamp.com.au  (click on link for availability)  

 

Further afield

Coonabarabran:
Just under an hour away, the neighboring countryside unveils stunning landscapes and picturesque vistas. Within reach lies Warrumbungle National Park, a significant milestone as Australia's first Dark Sky Park and the foremost in the southern hemisphere. This renowned park stands out for its exceptional stargazing prospects owing to its exceptionally clear night skies, minimal humidity, elevated altitude, and the presence of a leading astronomy research center, the Siding Spring Observatory, nearby. Warrumbungle National Park also offers visitors the opportunity for serene drives or invigorating hikes to immerse themselves in the captivating natural allure of the area.

Dubbo:
Dubbo is a larger regional city nearby and offers various attractions such as the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, and Dubbo Observatory. It's worth visiting if you're in the area.

Reserve your tasting session now and take advantage of our free pick-up and drop-off service, perfect for those looking to savor a drink! Make the most of your trip to Mendooran, an enchanting town brimming with boundless opportunities. Situated just a short distance from Dubbo, Western Plains Zoo, and the picturesque Warrumbungle National Park, there's a wealth of experiences waiting for you to explore!

A two-story, peach-colored brick pub with black wrought-iron railings and a wrap-around veranda stands on a street corner under a clear blue sky. The building features multiple doors and windows, a chimney, and signage reading "McKECHNIE'S ROYAL HOTEL" above the entrance and "THE ROYAL HOTEL" on the roof. Murals and posters adorn the ground-floor walls.
A rounded rectangular badge with a dark green background featuring a white silhouette of a tent topped with a glowing yellow star. Below the icon, white text reads "HIPCAMP STAR HOST AWARD" in uppercase sans-serif font.
A wide, open grassy paddock with patches of green and brown under an overcast sky. Tall eucalyptus trees line the background, and a single metal fence post stands in the foreground. A small white building is partially visible on the left edge.
A camping scene at dusk in a wooded area. In the foreground, a green swag tent is set up on a tarp on the ground. Nearby, a campfire burns with a kettle on it, and a blue camping chair is placed next to a small table with camping gear. A black off-road vehicle, possibly a Jeep, is parked to the right. In the background, other tents and vehicles are visible among tall trees, with the sun setting through the branches, casting an orange glow. The ground is dirt with scattered leaves and twigs.
A thrilling horse race in progress on a dirt track surrounded by green grass. A group of jockeys, wearing colorful helmets and racing silks in shades of red, pink, blue, yellow, and white, ride closely packed horses galloping at full speed. Dust kicks up behind them, creating a hazy cloud. The horses, in various shades of brown, gray, and white, are in mid-stride, with jockeys leaning forward and some raising whips. Trees are visible in the blurred background, and a red railing marks the inner edge of the track. The scene captures intense competition and motion.
A charming light-gray cottage with white trim features a covered front porch supported by white posts. A short white staircase leads up to the porch, flanked by two potted plants in red ceramic pots. The porch has white railings and a wooden floor, with a chair visible near the glass-paneled door. The house has horizontal siding and a sloped roof with a translucent awning. In the front yard, a brick pathway leads to the steps, bordered by green grass, low shrubs, and a large tree with drooping branches. The scene is peaceful and well-maintained, set against an overcast sky.
A quaint, cream-colored shop named "Blue Sky Cheese" with blue trim stands on a grassy lot. The building features a mural of cheese wedges on a platter and prominent signage reading "BLUE SKY CHEESE" in large blue letters. An awning over the entrance displays "Cheese" in cursive and "HAND MADE IN MENDOORAN" in smaller text. String lights and bunting decorate the porch, where a blue bench sits. In front, two blue metal chairs and a small round table are placed on the lawn near blooming rose bushes. A large green tree looms behind the shop, and the sky is partly cloudy. The shop advertises local products and appears inviting and rustic.
Bold white text on a black background reading "Australian Distillers" in a modern sans-serif font, with "Australian" on top and "Distillers" below.
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©2017 Black Gate Distillery 

PH: 0427 436 473 / 0429 978 822

ABN: 98 988 097 039  Licence Number: LIQW880010300

No alcohol can be sold or supplied to anyone under 18. It's against the law.

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