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

7 great day trips from your Coffs Coast homebase

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell
Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail.
Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout.
Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views.
Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour
Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton
Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads
Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.