Orange will fuel your country escape daydreams

hero media
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.
See all articles
hero media

Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Shellharbour Marina
Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven
Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog
Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum .  Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.  Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood.
Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Cicada Luxury Camping
Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.