The Best Luxury Accommodation In Orange NSW For A Lavish Getaway

Fine food, cool-climate wine and vineyard views for days: there’s luxury aplenty to be had in Orange and a range of accommodations to suit the mood.

From boutique hotels and heritage homes in town to vineyard villas and country cottages dotted among the region’s wineries, those looking for luxury accommodation in Orange NSW are spoilt for choice. So, whether you want to stay in town or go remote, we’ve rounded up our pick of the bunch.

1. Basalt Orange

The modern exterior of Basalt. (Image: Monique Lovick)

Basalt Orange is the newest luxury accommodation to open in this pocket of the Central West sitting just below the extinct volcano of Gaanha bula (Mount Canobolas).

The quaint property has three private studios, each with its own personality and perspective. Chaser is for the dreamers, Drifter is for the wanderers and Yonder is a nod to our childhood adventures, where the great outdoors was our playground.

Each studio sleeps two and features a freestanding bath with views over the owner’s cherry orchard, an internal fireplace, an outdoor firepit and a telescope for stargazing. Basalt has also partnered with local businesses to offer exclusive experiences for its guests to immerse themselves in the best of the Orange region.

One of the bedrooms at Basalt in Orange — The cocooning bedroom is an idyllic spot to unwind.(Image: Monique Lovick)

Address: 1100 Pinnacle Rd, Canobolas
Price: From $550 per night.

2. Sona Molong

Sona Orange accommodation facade. — The charming facade belies the modern interiors. (Image: Pip Brett)

This newly opened luxury accommodation has quickly made its mark on the region. Sona is the brainchild of Pip Brett, owner of popular Orange shop JUMBLED, who transformed an old bank into this incredible accommodation that’s infused with character and history.

Located in the cute village of Molong just outside of Orange, embrace a slower pace at Sona. The bold interiors take influence from the building’s original Art Deco architecture, and it effortlessly blends its history with modern luxury. An indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit guarantee a cosy stay no matter where you while away the hours.

Gather your nine closest friends and family, because this funky stay sleeps 10.

Sona Orange accommodation — The design-led interiors make for an elevated home base. (Image: Pip Brett)

Address: 68 Bank St, Molong
Price: $1600 per night (sleeps 10).

3. The Horned Cow

The exterior of Horned Cow accommodation in Orange. — Enjoy a luxury escape you won’t forget.

If a secluded farm stay is your cup of tea, look no further than The Horned Cow in Lucknow, on the outskirts of Orange. The five-bedroom house is blessed with views of the one-hectare property from all angles, and the rural chic interiors combined with innovative amenities (hello Smeg) make this a luxury stay to remember.

Don’t be afraid to brace an Orange winter; The Horned Cow has zoned heating, a fireplace, an outdoor firepit and underfloor heating in the bathrooms is a special touch. Private chefs are available if the thought of cooking ruins your holiday buzz.

Horned Cow accommodation in Orange — Enjoy bucolic views from the comfort of your sofa.

Address: 4646 Mitchell Highway, Lucknow
Price: From $750 per night (sleeps 10).

4. Ultimate Wine Escape at Rowlee

Rowlee Orange accommodation — Spend a peaceful afternoon on the verandah. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Rowlee Wines in Nashdale is an Orange winery making the most of its idyllic setting by offering superlative onsite accommodation. The Ultimate Wine Escape at Rowlee is a two-night stay in a private, luxury guesthouse surrounded by established vines and gardens and overlooking a croquet court, no less. Sleek but cosy, it has a master bedroom with a large and indulgent ensuite complete with underfloor heating and a freestanding stone bathtub.

There are further designer touches throughout – from the Ralph Lauren couch made for sinking straight into, to the 1200 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and feather pillows. A larder is packed full of food and beverages including a bottle of Rowlee wine – enjoy it on the verandah on a sunny afternoon.

Rowlee accommodation in Orange — Experience true relaxation in the freestanding bath. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Address: 19 Lake Canobolas Road, Nashdale
Price: $795 per person for two nights (sleeps 1-2).

5. Yallungah Boutique Hotel

Yallungah Boutique Hotel exterior in Orange NSW — Yallungah Boutique Hotel blends the city’s rich history with its contemporary edge.

Stay at this design-driven boutique hotel in the heart of Orange for an experience that blends the best of the city’s rich history with its contemporary edge. This upscale offering is comprised of a beautifully restored three-bedroom homestead juxtaposed with a bold and colourful 19-room modern wing.

The signature room, The Yallungah Suite, in the heritage wing, is all light and charm and tonic tones of blue and coral. Embodying the building’s strong sense of place, it has a sumptuous king-size bed and statement headboard, fireplace, separate lounge area and large private balcony overlooking the garden.

A two-course à la carte breakfast of local produce is served downstairs each morning in the Yallungah Dining Room.

Yallungah Boutique Hotel Yallungah Suite in Orange NSW — The Yallungah Suite is light-filled and charming.

Address: 62 Byng St, Orange
Price: From $360 per night.

6. Lakeview Luxury Retreat

Purpose-built as a couples’ retreat, Lakeview Luxury Retreat is all about providing guests with the space to relax and reconnect, and the means to pamper and indulge themselves. It features three award-winning, secluded and eco-friendly penthouse villas spread across a tranquil bush setting in the Canobolas Valley, slightly south-west of Orange.

The living area at Lakeview Luxury Retreat — The spacious open-plan living and dining area.

Each villa is supplied with a generous gourmet food hamper packed with local fare, large picture windows for taking in the scenery (and kangaroo-spotting), a deep tub for soaking in and underfloor bathroom heating.

Stay in the Emerald Gem Villa for utmost seclusion and privacy or the Natures Haven Villa to keep cosy in front of a gas log fire; the Twin View Villa , meanwhile, is ideal for two couples and each bedroom has its own bathroom.

Address: 57 Stanford Rd, Canobolas
Price: From $355 per night.

7. Dragonfly Cottages

Ten minutes from Orange in the rural locale of Borenore, these two bold and contemporary cottages sit lightly on the landscape surrounded by twisted gums on the grounds of a working farm. Views of vineyards and Gaanha bula in the distance make for spectacular sunsets.

You’ll find a bottle of wine and a selection of local produce waiting for you on arrival and breakfast supplies in the morning. The Dragonfly Cottages boast king beds, thoughtful, artistic touches throughout and private decks.

The exterior of Dragonfly Orange — Stay in a modern cottage with scenic views.

Guests are invited to explore swathes of the property including its bubbling creek and cider apple orchard, with the region’s wineries an easy drive away. This is a truly peaceful place where your only neighbours are native wildlife and farm animals.

Dragonfly cottages in Orange — The soothing tones in the bedroom mimic the country surrounds.

Address: 92 Heifer Station Lane, Borenore
Price: From $325 per night.

8. Nashdale Lane Glamping

Nashdale Lane is a family-run winery and vineyard just a short drive out of town in the sleepy locale of Nashdale, a traditional fruit growing hub. The boutique property offers onsite accommodation by way of two luxury glamping cabins , Rustig (meaning quiet/calm in Dutch) and Kalmte (serenity/calm).

Nashdale Lane Glamping Orange — Get comfy in this cosy tent.

Well secluded from each other, both cabins are decked out stylishly with a four-poster queen-size bed, hardwood floors, bathroom with monsoon shower and wood fire. Details like Australian designer merino wool blankets and throws add further luxury touches and outside you’ll find a built-in deck with a sunken lounge and a barbecue. Pick up a bottle of wine after your tasting at the property’s cellar door – based in an old apple-packing shed – and enjoy it on the deck while the sun goes down over the shiraz vines and patchwork of farmland in the distance.

Nashdale Lane Glamping in Orange — The “Kalmte" tent comes with a kitchenette.

Address: 125 Nashdale Lane, Nashdale
Price: $315 per night (plus cleaning and Airbnb fees).

9. Borrodell Estate Accommodation

Set on the volcanic slopes of Gaanha bula, Borrodell Estate is one of the Orange region’s highest vineyards and home to fruit orchards, a trufferie, a great cellar door experience and a must-visit restaurant, Sister’s Rock. You’ll also find vineyard accommodation including two three-bedroom cottages, Chardonnay and Truffles, and The Cider Suites – designed as the ultimate romantic retreat for couples.

Borrodell Accommodation in Orange — The accommodation is situated on the picturesque slopes of an extinct volcano.

These split-level, sustainable and modern studio spaces have king-sized bedrooms, cosy fireplaces, heated concrete floors, spa baths and floor-to-ceiling windows that take in views across the valley. Celebrating an extra special occasion? Enhance the Borrodell experience with a pamper package to guarantee all the epicurean delights you could wish for plus an in-house masseuse.

Address: 298 Lake Canobolas Rd, Orange
Price: From $395 per night.

10. de Russie Boutique Hotel

With 25 luxurious rooms, de Russie Boutique Hotel is set within a striking brick building on a tree-lined street in central Orange, a short stroll from the Central West city’s must-visit shops and restaurants.

Opt to spend the night in a Studio Suite , where each one opens up to a romantic Juliet balcony and some come with a spa bath in the ensuite bathroom stocked with L’Occitane amenities. Or up the ante in The Blue Room , a decadent space with a four-poster bed, velvet accents, an oversized bath and a terrace for stretching out on.

De Russie Boutique Hotel in Orange — The hotel is conveniently located just off Orange’s central business district.

Address: 72 Hill St, Orange
Price: From $269 per night.

11. Strawhouse Wines Vineyard Apartment

Strawhouse is a small, sustainable and family-run vineyard in the Orange region with boutique accommodation onsite. This one-bedroom, self-contained retreat is architect-designed and contemporary but blends into its setting among a stand of mature eucalypts. It has a bedroom with a queen bed, two armchairs and a spacious bathroom, plus books and games.

Strawhouse accommodation in Orange — Enjoy a peaceful stay at Strawhouse.

The adjacent cellar door space has a kitchen, dining/tasting table, window seats and chairs to curl up in in front of the wood fire. There’s no television or wi-fi here, encouraging you to really switch off and reconnect, but 180-degree of the Strawhouse vineyard, Gaanha bula and the Boree Creek Valley will hold your attention instead. Order a picnic hamper of local produce to enjoy on the deck and book a private wine tasting or dinner with the winemaker to make the most of the experience.

Address: 116 Boree Lane, Lidster
Price: From $225 per night.

12. Mayfield Vineyard Cottages

Check into one of the five cottages on the historic estate at Mayfield Vineyard , located just 10 kilometres from Orange and offering the ultimate in rural tranquillity. Based in a variety of interesting buildings, its cottages come in all shapes and sizes.

The Homestead sleeps 10, The Overseers Cottage sleeps six and four guests can stay in The Rose Cottage, The Garden Flat and The Settlers Cottage.

The Settlers Cottage is over a century old, built in 1886, and is one of the oldest cottages in Australia. These days the cottage is newly renovated, retaining its heritage bones but elegantly appointed with creamy, natural tones and a rustic twist. It has a north-facing, sun-soaked verandah, original polished floorboards and a gas fireplace.

Address: 954 Icely Road, Orange
Price: From $224 per night.

This article was originally written by Imogen Eveson with updates by Emily Murphy.

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.

The best luxury accommodation in Orange NSW for a lavish getaway