Orange will fuel your country escape daydreams

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Country comfort is given a stylish glow-up at these charming Airbnb abodes in Orange.

With its city limits propagated with world-class wineries and cellar doors, Orange is a beloved minibreak full of agrarian charm and a sophisticated food and wine scene. So it follows there’s no shortage of places to rest and recharge in style here, from heritage cottages in the town centre to grand homesteads and polished farm stays overlooking undulating landscapes. To fuel your daydreams of that long-awaited country escape, we’ve rounded up the best and most pinnable Airbnbs in and around Orange.

1. Loft House

Best for: wine-focused minibreaks and cooks keen to work with Orange’s seasonal bounty.

You’re front and centre to some of Orange’s best drops when you stay at this beautiful, two-bedroom brick cottage set in the undulating hills overlooking Heifer Station Vineyard. The town itself is just a two-minute drive away, making dining and wining ventures effortless.

the exterior of Loft House in Orange
Loft House is nestled next to the Heifer Station Vineyard.

However, the full kitchen, outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and vineyard vistas at this New York loft-style abode will make you rather hesitant to leave. Luckily there are many good reasons to do so, including gathering local produce to cook and stretching legs on outdoor adventures at Lake Canobolas and Borenore Caves.

the interior of the Loft House Airbnb in Orange
Book a stay at this New York loft-style abode.

2. White Place Home on Byng

Best for: groups of couples looking for an elegant country escape.

This adorable home in Orange  is an opportunity to try on charming country life for size. A short and very pretty stroll to the town’s incredible restaurants, bars and cafes, this four-bedroom house is a welcoming place to retreat to following a day exploring the region.

the bedroom at White Place Home on Byng
Settle into the four-bedroom White Place Home on Byng.

Timber floors, fireplaces, ornate ceilings, pool and established gardens fill out a tick-list for cottage life, but are all styled with a contemporary sensibility for a stay that feels authentic without being old-fashioned.

the dining area at White Place Home on Byng
This contemporary retreat in Orange gives you a taste of cottage life.

3. The Hermitage

Best for: celebrating an event birthday or milestone (this one is ripe for a dress-up party or murder mystery dinner).

A grand old dame, this sprawling 1870-era homestead makes a strong argument for the romance of country living. With six bedrooms, four bathrooms, fireplaces and a formal dining room complete with dinnerware and cutlery at your disposal, this heritage home seems to expect entertaining.

The Hermitage accommodation exterior in Orange
The Hermitage is an 1870-era homestead just five minutes from Orange CBD.

Beautifully manicured gardens and a well-tended lawn are also every bit of your manor-born fantasy. Only five minutes from the Orange CBD and in easy reach of surrounding vineyards, there’s plenty to keep you busy when you’re not finding different corners of the house to relax in.

the kitchen and dining interior at The Hermitage, Orange
Embrace country living at The Hermitage.

4. La Mia Casa

Best for: close friends who relish long conversations by the fire.

Full of warmth, this beautifully styled cottage  has tactile elements of exposed brick, restored timber floors and heritage hues to curate feelings of complete cosiness.

the cottage exterior at La Mia Casa, Orange
La Mia Casa will make you feel at home.

With three bedrooms, a custom kitchen, fireplace, fire-pit and indoor-outdoor entertaining area, this cottage is everything you need to cocoon with your favourite people in the cool weather.

the living room with fireplace at La Mia Casa, Orange
Cosy up by the fireplace.

Head out wine tasting and return to cook up a beautiful meal to share over your favourite bottle foraged that day.

the living space at La Mia Casa, Orange
This cottage is everything you need for a quiet weekend spent relaxing with loved ones.

5. Warruga Shack Farm Stay

Best for: sinking into a rural state of mind.

You’re only 15 minutes from Orange when you drop your bags at this modern farm stay in Belgravia . Light, bright and beautifully bucolic, this three-bedroom ‘shack’ has been thoughtfully renovated to retain its original charm while blending in a more contemporary aesthetic.

the exterior of Warruga Shack Farm Stay
Check into the rustic but charming Warruga Shack Farm Stay.

Settle in by the wood-burning fireplace to watch the sunset’s orange hues wash over the landscape from the western deck and, on a clear night, gather around the firepit and gaze up at the celestial orbs above.

the living space inside Warruga Shack Farm Stay
Scenic vistas can be found from every window in the stylish shack.

6. The Horned Cow

Best for: those after contemporary country vibes and sleek lines.

Set on 2.5 acres and angled to absorb the tranquil country views, this sleek and sustainably crafted five-bedroom abode  is all polished, laidback luxe just 10 minutes from Orange.

outdoor seating at The Horned Cow Airbnb in Orange
Gather around the firepit and watch the day change to night.

Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you don’t miss a moment of your serene setting as you unwind amid the black-hued, design-led spaces.

the country views at The Horned Cow Airbnb in Orange
Absorb the tranquil country views from the deck.

A fully-equipped kitchen and seating for 10 encourages gastronomic indulgences, but if you’re not up to cooking up a masterpiece yourself, you can request a private chef to put it all to good use.

The Horned Cow Airbnb in Orange
Relax in a contemporary abode at The Horned Cow.

7. Shinglewood Cottage

Best for: interior design geeks and lovers of refined style.

Straight from your Pinterest board to your dream minibreak, this white-washed, two-bedroom cottage is so elegantly styled that it has been featured in Country Style magazine. Set eight minutes from Millthorpe village and 20 minutes from the Orange CBD, this sweet stay is a brand-new build  and an updated approach to rural design sensibilities.

the door entrance to Shinglewood Cottage
The elegantly styled Shinglewood Cottage has been featured in Country Style magazine.

Bright, open and angled to absorb the beautiful scenery, this home places the kitchen at the heart and invites relaxation in its well-considered spaces. Both grand and approachable, it’ll have you looking up real estate in the area and plotting your escape to the country.

the white-washed living room interior at Shinglewood Cottage
The space is both grand and approachable, with all the comforts of home at hand.

8. Luxury off-grid tiny home

Best for: romantic interludes or solitary retreats.

Small but marvellous, this petite abode reaches peak cosiness. Carefully placed on a vast 19-acre property on the outskirts of Orange but within a five-minute drive to the town centre, you can feel utterly untethered from everyday life, while still being close enough to relish nearby wineries and dining.

the Luxury off-grid tiny home in Orange
Step into this charming petite abode at Luxury Off-grid.

It’s off-grid and low-impact, so expect a composting toilet, but also views that unravel over green pastures and stylish and clever interiors. There’s a mini kitchenette for self-sufficiency and light snacks are provided.

the accommodation interior at the Luxury off-grid tiny home in Orange
Find modern comforts and all the necessities for a relaxed escape.

9. Kangaroobie Cabin

Best for: architecture fiends and those who like to live on the luxe side.

The Borenore Valley and Gaanha bula (Mount Canobolas) may be the backdrop here, but they take centre stage from the floor-to-ceiling windows in this sleek, modernist cabin  that has been designed and built by Melbourne’s Modscape.

the Kangaroobie Cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows
The floor-to-ceiling windows offer unbeatable views.

Three bedrooms, two living spaces, a dining area and full kitchen are sharply minimal yet softened with natural textures and the muted tones of the landscape beyond.

the Kangaroobie Cabin on top of a hill in Orange
The sleek and modern Kangaroobie cabin is situated atop a hill.

There’s an indoor and outdoor fireplace for cosiness year-round and a hot tub for soaks while stargazing if you don’t mind some bovine spectators. Just 15 minutes from Orange and surrounded by cool-climate wineries, this stay is the best of all worlds.

the living room at Kangaroobie Cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows
The modernist cabin was designed and built by Melbourne’s Modscape.

10. The Heart of Orange

Best for: Couples looking to cocoon between restaurant reservations.

This heritage apartment is rural living with an urban upswing. Set above commercial premises, this immaculately styled heritage abode is light-filled, beautiful and right where you need it to be to take full advantage of Orange’s lively restaurant and cafe scene.

the bedroom at Heart of Orange Airbnb
Bed down in a heritage apartment in the centre of town.

The one-bedroom, one-car space unit has a lofty vantage that feels like your own hideaway.

the living room at The Heart of Orange Airbnb
Pull yourself away from the cosy space to experience the restaurant scene below.

See also: The best luxury accommodation in Orange.

Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare
From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food
Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong
Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics
See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food
Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare
Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.