There is plenty to celebrate at the Cooyal Hotel, with the popular country pub named a finalist in not one, but two categories at the 2026 AHA NSW Awards for Excellence.
The Cooyal Hotel is a finalist for Best Bush Pub, while the hotel’s Adair Stewart has also earned individual recognition as a finalist for Chef of the Year – a terrific result for Dave Miller and the entire Cooyal team.
Located on Wollar Road, around 20 minutes from Mudgee, the historic hotel has built a strong following among locals and visitors for its good food, genuine country hospitality and relaxed rural setting.
The hotel itself has been part of the Cooyal landscape for well over a century. The mudbrick building dates back to the 1870s, originally providing accommodation for travellers journeying between Wollar and Mudgee during the horse and buggy days, before becoming a licensed hotel in 1901.
Today, Dave and the team are continuing that long tradition of hospitality, while creating a destination that is very much part of the modern Mudgee Region.
Set on 25 acres alongside Cooyal Creek, it is the kind of country pub where visitors can settle in for a meal, enjoy the surroundings and stay a little longer. Free camping is also available for patrons travelling with self-contained caravans and RVs.
The two AHA NSW Awards for Excellence finalist positions are a great acknowledgement of what the team has been building at Cooyal – particularly the recognition of Adair and the work coming out of the hotel’s kitchen.
And it seems that kitchen is getting busier.
With business continuing to grow, Cooyal Hotel is now looking for another qualified chef to join Adair and the team, with hours negotiable.
Qualified chefs interested in joining this award-recognised country pub can send their résumé directly to Dave at dave@cooyalhotel.com.au.
