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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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,  the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.