Cook Park in Orange

The ultimate guide toOrange

If your idea of a great getaway involves food, wine and romantic rural setting, head west to the Country NSW region of Orange.

The Orange region is renowned for its produce and cool climate wines, both of which are showcased in Australia’s longest running food festival, Orange F.O.O.D (Food of Orange District) Week held annually in April.

The birthplace of Banjo Paterson, with its rich agricultural land, undulating hills and inspiring setting is bound to bring out the poet in anyone. Soak up the rich heritage and culture of Orange with a self-guided heritage trail, ambling along country streets taking in local architecture and attractions.

Orange is the ideal place for food lovers to meet the maker, chat with a vigneron and discover the best places to eat and drink. You’ll also find plenty of places to stay from camping, charming B&B’s to luxury hotels for the perfect weekend getaway.

Here’s everything you need to know about Orange to make the most of your next Orange getaway.

Making your way to Orange

It’s easy to reach Orange, a comfortable 3 ½ hour drive west of Sydney or north of Canberra. REX Airlines provides regular connections between Sydney and Orange, while Fly Corporate provides regular flights between Brisbane and Melbourne to Orange. Train and coach services are also available.

Things to do in Orange

Local Heritage and Attractions

The City of Orange’s rich history spans from the traditional Wiradjuri land owners, colonial settlers, to gold miners and commercial traders. Pick up a brochure from the Visitors Information Centre and take a self-guided tour of the local streets with the Orange Heritage Trail discovering the architectural beauty of the city. Orange region offers plenty of natural attractions and National Parks with Mount Canobolas a popular spot for bushwalking, bird watching, picnics and camping.

Wineries and Local Foodie Experiences

Orange produces cool climate wines of distinction and is known for crisp white wines and spicy, lighter-bodied red wines. With more than 80 vineyards in Orange wine region, wine tasting is one of the best things to do in Orange. You’ll find plenty of cellar doors to sample including Philip Shaw Wines open daily from the beautifully renovated bluestone barn. Sample premium wines at Swinging Bridge with a bucolic outlook towards Mount Canobolas. Hop on a local wine tour, head on a seasonal truffle hunt or sample the local delights during Orange Wine Festival for the ultimate foodie experiences.

Best time to visit Orange

Orange has a temperate climate, which makes for vibrant springs, warm summers, spectacular autumns and cool winters with the chance of experiencing snowfalls. Orange is known as ‘Australia’s Colour City’ due its vibrant autumn colours, making late March and April amongst the best time to visit Orange to see the impressive autumn colours.

Choosing your accommodation in Orange

Hotels and Resorts

There are plenty of Hotels & Resorts to choose from in Orange. One of the best places to stay in Orange is de Russie Boutique Hotel a chic apartment hotel designed to appeal to the visiting urbanites. One of the regions first motels, The Oriana Hotel has had a stunning transformation, recently completing an extensive refurbishment. If you prefer the comfort of a major hotel chain, Mercure Orange provides modern rooms in the heart of the Orange Central Business District.

B&B and Holiday Homes

If you seek the charm of a country B&B in Orange, try Boissy Bed & Breakfast which offers guests three ensuited rooms in elegant surrounds or try the rustic style of Black Sheep Inn a century-old shearing shed converted into unique B&B accommodation or all 5 bedrooms can be booked by one group for the ultimate country holiday home.

Camping and Glamping

Camping sites dot the landscape around Orange region. You’ll find various camping and caravan parks offering powered and unpowered sites as well as cabins close to the central business district. For a touch of luxury, there are also glamping options available in Orange such as Nash Dale Lane Wines with luxury glamping cabins giving unfiltered access to nature while respecting the land all in an indulgent, private setting.

Orange Tours and Packages

Wine Tours are the most popular attraction in Orange and there are plenty of options including full day tours or private charters. Orange Wine Tours day includes visiting wineries, lunch and the opportunity to meet the maker with a private tasting with a vigneron. Silver Compass Tours can curate a fine gourmet or cultural experience based on your specific tastes and requirements.

Best Places to Eat in Orange

There are a fine selection of cafes and restaurants in Orange, each pairing delectable Orange region wine with fresh local produce to be savoured. The best places to eat in Orange include Racine Restaurant by award winning Chef Shaun Arantz and Lolli Redini a contemporary Italian and French influenced restaurant. For more relaxed dining try Charred Kitchen & Bar featuring a smoky menu and 400 strong wine list.

Food festivals

Orange is known for its eccentric food week, where you can ride a vino train into town, enjoying drops from the central west area en route. The more obscure events involve apple degustations, crumpet workshops, raclette rackets, and even a vegan dinner in the vines. However, the celebrations also incorporate incredible tastings and food events featuring traditional fare from local producers – and it’s a week not to be missed.