Orange New South Wales: A Food Wine & Nature Escape

Orange, located in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, is a vibrant regional city known for its cool-climate wines, rich food scene, and beautiful seasonal landscapes. Famous for autumn foliage, cherry blossoms, and apple orchards, Orange is a year-round destination for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers.

Whether you’re exploring historic sites, hiking up Mount Canobolas, or sipping award-winning wines, Orange offers the perfect blend of country charm and cosmopolitan sophistication.

Top Attractions in Orange

1. Orange Wine Region 🍷🍇

• One of Australia’s best cool-climate wine regions, producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz.
• Over 60 vineyards, many offering wine tastings, long lunches, and guided tours.
• Must-visit wineries:
  • Philip Shaw Wines – Award-winning wines with a stylish tasting room.
  • Ross Hill Wines – Australia’s first carbon-neutral winery.
  • Heifer Station – A rustic cellar door on a historic cattle farm.
  • Printhie Wines – Famous for sparkling wines and incredible views.

2. Mount Canobolas & Federal Falls 🏞️🥾

• A dormant volcano standing at 1,395m, offering stunning panoramic views.
• Hike to Federal Falls, a hidden waterfall within the national park.
• Ideal for bushwalking, mountain biking, and birdwatching.

3. Orange Botanic Gardens 🌳🌷

• A beautiful park with themed gardens, walking trails, and picnic areas.
• Best time to visit: Spring (for cherry blossoms) and autumn (for golden leaves).

4. Lake Canobolas 🚣‍♂️🏊

• A popular spot for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking.
• Features walking trails, BBQ areas, and a café by the lake.

5. Cook Park 🍂🌼

• One of Orange’s most beautiful gardens, known for its heritage trees, rose garden, and duck ponds.
• A perfect place for a relaxing stroll or picnic.

6. Orange Regional Museum & Art Gallery 🏛️🎨

• Learn about Orange’s history, gold mining heritage, and Indigenous culture.
• The art gallery showcases local and contemporary Australian artists.

7. Ophir Goldfields ⛏️

• The site of Australia’s first gold discovery in 1851.
• Visitors can pan for gold, explore old mine shafts, and enjoy scenic bushwalks.

8. Borenore Caves 🕳️

• A network of limestone caves, perfect for exploring and picnicking.
• Located 15 minutes from Orange, with easy walking tracks.

9. The Agrestic Grocer 🍏🧀

• A farm-to-table café and produce store, offering local cheeses, organic veggies, and craft beer.

10. Small Acres Cyder 🍎🍾

• One of Australia’s top craft cider producers, using 100% fresh apples and pears.
• Try their award-winning méthode traditionnelle cider.

Outdoor Adventures & Day Trips from Orange 🚗🏕️

1. Wine & Food Trails 🍷🍽️

• Join a self-guided or private wine tour.
• Visit Orange Farmers Market (every second Saturday) for fresh produce.

2. Cycling & Mountain Biking 🚴‍♂️

• The Orange Heritage Trail is great for a leisurely bike ride through historic sites.
• Kinross Forest MTB Park – A popular mountain biking destination.

3. Scenic Drives & Lookouts 🚗🔭

• Pinnacle Lookout – Offers amazing sunset views over the vineyards.
• Towac Valley – A picturesque driving route through rolling hills and wineries.

Orange’s Food & Drink Scene 🍽️☕🍷

1. Must-Try Local Specialties

• Cool-climate wines – Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Sparkling Chardonnay.
• Fresh apples, cherries, and stone fruits from local orchards.
• Truffles (June–August) – Try truffle hunting at Borrodell Vineyard.
• Gourmet cheese and charcuterie platters from Orange producers.

2. Best Restaurants & Cafés

• Charred Kitchen & Bar – A hatted fine-dining restaurant with woodfire-grilled meats.
• Lolli Redini – One of NSW’s top fine-dining restaurants, offering seasonal local produce.
• The Union Bank – A casual eatery and wine bar in a heritage-listed building.
• Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est. – A trendy brunch café with local wines.
• Racine Bakery – Famous for artisan sourdough bread and pastries.

3. Best Wineries & Wine Bars

• Ferment – The Orange Wine Centre – A wine bar offering tastings from multiple local wineries.
• Swinging Bridge Wines – Known for elegant Chardonnay and Shiraz.
• Brangayne of Orange – A boutique winery with stunning vineyard views.

Where to Stay in Orange 🏨

Luxury & Boutique Retreats ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Byng Street Boutique Hotel – A heritage hotel with modern elegance.
• Borrodell Vineyard – Stay in a vineyard cottage with views of Mount Canobolas.
• Basalt Luxury Accommodation – A secluded farm stay with outdoor baths.

Mid-Range & Farm Stays ⭐⭐⭐

• Mercure Orange – A modern hotel in the heart of town.
• Nashdale Lane Glamping – Luxury glamping tents in a vineyard.
• Rowlee Wines – A romantic winery stay with a private tasting room.

Budget & Family-Friendly Stays 💰🏕️

• Canobolas Caravan Park – Affordable cabins and camping options.
• Quest Orange – Self-contained apartments in a great location.

Best Time to Visit Orange 🍂🌸

• Autumn (March–May) – Best for vineyard scenery, golden leaves, and wine festivals.
• Winter (June–August) – Cozy up by the fire with truffle dishes and rich red wines.
• Spring (September–November) – Blossoming orchards and fresh seasonal produce.
• Summer (December–February) – Great for outdoor dining, fruit picking, and lake picnics.

How to Get to Orange ✈️🚗🚆

• By Car 🚗
  • From Sydney: 3.5-hour drive via the Great Western Highway.
  • From Canberra: 3-hour drive.
• By Air ✈️
  • Fly into Orange Airport (OAG) from Sydney (Rex Airlines, QantasLink).
• By Train & Bus 🚆🚌
  • Daily NSW TrainLink services from Sydney to Orange.

Why Visit Orange?

Orange is a perfect blend of country charm, fine wine, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re exploring vineyards, hiking through national parks, or indulging in award-winning dining, this vibrant regional city is a must-visit for anyone who loves good food, great wine, and beautiful scenery.

🍷🏞️✨ Plan your trip to Orange and experience the best of NSW’s wine country