Orange - The Australian Traveller Guide
A city of more than 40,000 residents, Orange is steeped in history, having been on the Cobb & Co route from the goldfields in the mid-1800s, the birthplace of poets Banjo Paterson and Kenneth Slessor, and a key centre in the growth of the rural industry in the central west of NSW.
Primary industries include fruit growing, vineyards, mining, health services and education, but it’s the growth of the wine industry that has had a major impact on the region, establishing Orange as a gourmands’ Mecca. Nearby stands Mount Canobolas with its 1395m summit allowing commanding views of the district. The region is temperate, suitable for growing cool-climate wines, and is one of the few cities in Australia to receive reasonably frequent snowfalls in winter.
Where to Stay
In town there are some decent country pubs but De Russie's is probably the most upmarket hotel style solution. But for a weekend away make sure you try something a little more agrarian and take up one of the many farm cottages in the area at places like Mount Conobalas.
What to Do
If your like food then the timing of your visit is going to be important, try and bet there for mid April for the F.O.O.D Week event. There are other events throughout the year, a wine week in October is also a highlight.
The cellar doors are many and the quality is mostly superb cool climate wines. The restaurants throughout the region are also superb with many leading the regional charge in being awarded the coveted SMH Good Food Guide "hats". Lolli Redinin, Sisters Rock., Bistro Ceello, Racine Restaurant at La Colline Winery, Mayfield Winery Restaurant and Tonic in Millthorpe are just a few. For a lazy wine tasting and afternoon meal the Union Bank is the pick in Orange.
When to Travel
The best times to travel is around those significant food events as the providores and producers throw open their doors and you get access to some of the best food producers in Australia. Plus the food is bountiful, loads of events and the town at its best. Try and avoid the heights of summer or winter - its either very hot or very cold.
Primary industries include fruit growing, vineyards, mining, health services and education, but it’s the growth of the wine industry that has had a major impact on the region, establishing Orange as a gourmands’ Mecca. Nearby stands Mount Canobolas with its 1395m summit allowing commanding views of the district. The region is temperate, suitable for growing cool-climate wines, and is one of the few cities in Australia to receive reasonably frequent snowfalls in winter.
Where to Stay
In town there are some decent country pubs but De Russie's is probably the most upmarket hotel style solution. But for a weekend away make sure you try something a little more agrarian and take up one of the many farm cottages in the area at places like Mount Conobalas.
What to Do
If your like food then the timing of your visit is going to be important, try and bet there for mid April for the F.O.O.D Week event. There are other events throughout the year, a wine week in October is also a highlight.
The cellar doors are many and the quality is mostly superb cool climate wines. The restaurants throughout the region are also superb with many leading the regional charge in being awarded the coveted SMH Good Food Guide "hats". Lolli Redinin, Sisters Rock., Bistro Ceello, Racine Restaurant at La Colline Winery, Mayfield Winery Restaurant and Tonic in Millthorpe are just a few. For a lazy wine tasting and afternoon meal the Union Bank is the pick in Orange.
When to Travel
The best times to travel is around those significant food events as the providores and producers throw open their doors and you get access to some of the best food producers in Australia. Plus the food is bountiful, loads of events and the town at its best. Try and avoid the heights of summer or winter - its either very hot or very cold.
Transport
Regional Express connects Orange with Sydney. Taxis ($15, 13 10 08) cover the 15km trip to town. Avis, Budget, Thrifty and Hertz offer rental car services, while daily Countrylink express trains run from Sydney ($127.38 first class return, www.countrylink.info)
Area Highlights
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Great Articles on Orange from
Australian Traveller Magazine
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Out & About in Orange If your idea of a great getaway involves food, wine and a romantic rural setting, Tatyana Leonov recommends you set your GPS for one of the most fertile food zones in NSW. 
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