The Orange Market Guide For Local Produce And More

For food lovers and casual browsers alike, these Orange regional markets will fill your basket with the best of the Central West.

There’s nothing like a market to relish the warmth of country hospitality. These excellent community markets are brimming with the nutrient-rich and well-tended produce of the region, as well as local wines, crafts and ready-to-eat treats. While Orange has its own monthly markets, if you’re spending time in the region, get along to further afield towns to soak up their unique market ambience and offerings.

Fresh produce for sale at the Dubbo Farmers Markets. — Stock your fridge full of the region’s freshest produce. (Image: Destination NSW)

1. Orange Farmers Market

With such an abundant cornucopia of produce in the Orange region, it’s little surprise the monthly Orange Farmers Market is a vibrant community event.

Food producer stalls at the Orange Farmers Market. — Find all manner of food producer stalls as you wander the market.(Image: Destination NSW)

You can be sure to fill your basket with the freshest, seasonal produce that has travelled only short distances to end up in your fridge.

Local honey from The Beekeeper's Inn available for purchaseat the Orange Farmers Market. — Try local honey from The Beekeeper’s Inn. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s everything from artisan and organic breads to olive oils, eggs, gourmet preserves, fruit and vegetables and local wine and other alcoholic beverages. Come early, come hungry and stick around for a bargain at the end.

fresh pears available for purchase at the Orange FarmersMarket. — Pick up fresh pears at the Orange Farmers Market. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where: Naylor Pavilion Orange Showground
When: 8.30am–12pm the second Saturday of the month.

2. Rotary Markets of Orange

These fundraising markets held by the local Rotary Club are a great family event with proceeds going to worthy community causes. Browse the bric-a-brac and artisan products on sale from produce to toys, crafts and clothing, and enjoy snacks from one of the hot food stalls. There’s music and a genuinely warm and wonderful atmosphere of country spirit.

Where: Orange Showground
When: Held four times a year, check website for next date.

3. Millthorpe Markets

One for the calendar, this bi-annual market fills the village of Millthorpe with a carnival-like atmosphere. A fund-raising event by the Millthorpe Public School this event seemingly involves the whole community. Bring your gold coin donation and come along for delicious food and more than 250 stalls selling all manner of wares from produce and plants to clothes, jewellery, woodwork and arts and crafts. Grab a coffee and a cake from the school’s stall and watch the kids on the jumping castle and rides.

Where: Redmond Oval, Millthorpe – 24 minutes from Orange.
When: Twice a year, usually on the first Sunday of April and December.

4. Bathurst Farmers Market

Sharing the same volcanic soils that have enriched Orange’s vineyards, Bathurst is equally rich with the produce of the region. This community market is run by the Lion’s Club and held at the Bathurst Showgrounds, welcoming all with a variety of stalls from fruit and veg to meat, poultry and eggs, as well as bread, cheeses, jams, alcohol and even cosmetics. If you’re visiting Orange, but have missed out on the farmers market there, it’s worth a detour to Bathurst to sample the flavours of the central west.

Fruit stand at Bathurst Markets — Fill a bag full of fresh apples to snack on as you wander the markets in Bathurst.

Where: 1 Kendall Avenue, Bathurst – 49 minutes from Orange.
When: 8am–12pm the fourth Saturday of the month

5. Cowra Community Markets

If you’re taking a drive in the region, make Cowra the destination on the third Saturday of the month. This community market is a medley of produce and crafts with stallholders peddling everything from face painting and leather goods to crystals and coffee. There’s music, coffee and a fun fete-style atmosphere to enjoy.

Locally made beverages for sale at Cowra Markets — Find locally made treats for sale at the Cowra markets.

Where: Sid Kallas Oval, Cowra – one hour and 10 minutes from Orange
When: 8am–12pm the third Saturday on the month.

6. Dubbo Farmers Market

If you’re adding a detour to Dubbo, be sure to lock in a trip to the town’s farmers market to pick up provisions for a drive back to Orange.

Locals shopping for fresh produce at the Dubbo FarmersMarket. — Join the locals shopping for fresh produce at the Dubbo Farmers
Market. (Image: Destination NSW)

This regional market is well-supplied with goodies to entice hungry home cooks, from breads, fruits and vegetables to eggs, meats and honey. Arrive early and enjoy breakfast and good coffee at the market before you begin browsing.

Locals farmers with their famous Narromine oranges at the Dubbo Farmers Market. — Meet locals farmers and pick up a bunch of their famous Narromine oranges. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where: Macquarie Lions Park, Dubbo – one hour and 48 minutes from Orange
When: 8am–12pm the first and third Saturday of the month.

Fresh kombucha for sale at the Dubbo Farmers Markets. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Forbes Farmers Market

A visit to this leafy, heritage town set on the Lachlan River is a worthy addition to a central west itinerary and if you can align it with the monthly farmers market , you’ll also be treated to a charming community market in the park. Grab a bacon and egg roll and go for a stroll to take in the wares of stallholders, such as pickles, produce pet treats and charcuterie.

Where: Victoria Park, Forbes – one hour and 21 minutes from Orange.
When: 8am–12pm the fourth Saturday of each month.

For more ways to taste the region, read our guide to the top restaurants in Orange, start your day at the town’s best cafes and visit a brewery or distillery door.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

This is the top Orange market guide for local produce and more