The name Mudgee is derived from the Wiradjuri tribal term 'Moothi', meaning 'nest in the hills'.
Since the days of the first European settlement of the area in the early 1820's, Mudgee has seen many changes with production of marble, pottery clays, shale and dolomite in the 19th century. Mining has been a topic of local environmental concerns however.
Tourism is also a growing industry largely based on the wineries. There are a number of heritage listed sites and buildings around the town, as well as walking trails and sculptures around the trails and parks.
Kangaroos and other wildlife can be seen on the perimeters of the town as the population encroaches into their native habitat.