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.

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.

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