Ruwenzori is a secluded bush retreat just outside Mudgee in the central-west of New South Wales. Named after a remote mountainous area on the Uganda-Zaire border, it is full of surprises for visitors.
Owned by television DIY personality and rail enthusiast Scott McGregor, you will be living and sleeping in a 100-year-old railway carriage. Decorated in the grand Orient Express style, there is accommodation for up to 12 people.
Perched high on the Great Dividing Range, you are rewarded with sweeping views across the property's 25 hectares — it's peaceful and private.
The teak and cedar Dining Car was built in 1890 and is the hub of food and entertainment at Ruwenzori. It has a full kitchen, grand dining setting and cosy seating. Guests go there to enjoy a hearty breakfast, delicious dinner, or to curl up for a movie and glass of Mudgee red.
The Dining Car connects to the State Car by a covered verandah. It provides large living and sleeping spaces and has a queen bedroom, an original sleeping compartment with double bunk, marble bathroom and separate toilet. The lounge area can double as an additional bedroom.
An original 1920s TAM Sleeping Car which was craned in to the property has exquisite original features including polished cedar panelling, pressed metal ceilings and brass and silver fittings.
The Pullman was built in 1899 as a premiere passenger for main intercity routes. It has been remodelled and sleeps up to six.
All linen, basic toiletries and kitchen consumables are supplied. Ruwenzori has a gas barbecue, wood and electric heaters, telescope — and visitors receive a bottle of local Mudgee wine.
It's not just all carriages — there are signals, tracks and plenty of railway memorabilia from a variety of sources.
There are lots of bush trails to explore and there is a wide variety of flora and wildlife. There are huge granite boulders adding some drama to the scenery.
The increasingly popular Mudgee is certainly worth visiting. It is becoming well-known as a wine and food town.
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