8 Venues To Explore The Inviting Orange Pub And Bar Scene

Country hospitality is on the pour at these top Orange watering holes.

The central NSW town of Orange is well aware that once visitors have spent the day traipsing through its rambling vines and sleek cellar doors, they’re eager to spend time unwinding fireside in an inviting pub, savouring their sips at a wine bar, or recounting their grape-derived discoveries in a sunny courtyard. Happily, the town is well-provisioned with plenty of establishments to close out the day, where the beer is cold, the food is beautifully made and the atmosphere is welcoming. Here’s our pick of the best places for a refreshing post-vineyard drink in Orange.

1. Hey Rosey

A place to cosy up to a good glass of vino, Hey Rosey is a petite wine bar that seats only 20 fellow sippers and serves small but significantly good eats from its non-kitchen.

friends gathering for drinks at Hey Rosey in Orange — Cosy up to a good glass of vino at Hey Rosey. (Image: Pip Farquharson (@photographybypip))

There are vinyl records and mid-century furnishings all adding to the eclectic cool of this spot that pours and plates everything up on the small counter right in front of you.

a group gathers for drinks at Hey Rosey in Orange — Enjoy the community vibe with friends. (Image: Pip Farquharson @photographybypip)

The wine list leans local and, if you can’t decide, owner Leigh Oliver will happily point you in the direction of a new favourite.

a group of people dining at Hey Rosey in Orange — The wine bar serves up an impressive feed from its non-kitchen. (Image: Pip Farquharson (@photographybypip))

2. Ferment the Orange Wine Centre

An Orange institution, Ferment is a one-stop introduction to the world of wine , beginning locally and expanding far beyond.

visitors enjoying food and wine tastings at Ferment the Orange Wine Centre — The beautiful heritage building is a one-stop shop for all your wine needs. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s a shop, cellar door and wine bar all wrapped up in a beautiful heritage building in the centre of town, but you needn’t book a guided tasting to enjoy their offerings, simply find a table indoors or out, order a cheese plate and select a wine by the glass or bottle.

a woman holding a glass of wine at Ferment the Orange Wine Centre — Sample wines on offer with a wine tasting at Ferment. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you fell head over heels for a drop but neglected to buy enough while there, simply jump online to restock and have it delivered to your door.

a grazing board at Ferment the Orange Wine Centre — Complement your wine with a delectable cheese board. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Birdie Noshery and Drinking Est

Relaxed yet refined, Birdie Noshery and Drinking Est is a Euro-style wine diner that gives equal attention to food and drinks. From the ladies behind the former Lolli Redini, which broke hearts when it closed, this iteration is equally well-tended, just with a more laidback vibe that promises to be all things to all people. It’s spacious, cool and simplified, mixing cocktails and a superb wine list with an easy all-day menu that takes diners from breakfast through to dinner and beyond six days a week.

the entrance door at Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment, Orange — Have a tipple at Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment.

4. The Union Bank

Direct yourself to The Union Bank for a courtyard session cloistered within this historic 165-year-old bank.

the building exterior of The Union Bank pub in Orange — The Union Bank is housed within a Heritage-listed building.

The Schoolhouse Restaurant is occupied by diners with reservations, but if you’re here for a well-chosen drink or perfectly stirred cocktail walk-ins are a must, so head outdoors from noon to soak up the ambience and the crisp Orange air.

If you’re peckish, you can also order from a share-style menu and hang about a little longer.

the bar counter at The Union Bank pub in Orange — Book ahead to dine at the onsite restaurant or enjoy the courtyard.

5. The Carriers Arms Hotel

Formerly the Kelly’s Rugby Hotel, this Orange pub has pivoted in style with a sophisticated lick of paint, some interior revamping and a more refined drinks list and menu to go along with its new name: The Carriers Arms Hotel . It’s still the spot for good times in the centre of town to meet for a beer and to catch a game, but its appeal has been greatly escalated thanks to classic pub grub finessed with a contemporary update and the addition of Mary Jane’s, an onsite diner serving fried chicken and burgers.

6. Hotel Canobolas

The iconic Hotel Canobolas in Orange , with its grand brick façade, is a welcoming place for a pint, a bite and even a bed. A country hotel that’s been given a contemporary buff, here you’ll find a casual bistro, a woodfired pizzeria, an open courtyard and 45 neat-and-tidy rooms all in the centre of town.

the grand brick façade exterior of Hotel Canobolas in Orange — With its grand brick façade, Hotel Canobolas is hard to miss.

The bistro menu meanders from classic steaks and schnitzels to more Italian-inspired fare, such as king prawn spaghetti, burrata and salami plate, all of which can be paired with local, cool climate wines or a handful of drops plucked from the world beyond.

a spread of food plates on the table at Hotel Canobolas — Find classic steaks and schnitzels to more Italian-inspired fare on the menu.

7. The Ophir Hotel

If you’re on the hunt for a watering hole where the kids are as entertained as the adults, set your GPS to The Ophir Hotel and point your small charges in the direction of the excellent outdoor playground.

Ophir Hotel playground in Orange, NSW — The Ophir Hotel is great for adults and kids alike. (Image: Laura Cole Photography)

Position yourself in one of the outdoor cabanas to watch over them as you enjoy an uninterrupted glass of beautiful local wine or craft beer and peruse the menu of usual pub suspects interspersed with a few outlying dishes, such as Nepalese curry, vegan plate and seafood risotto. There’s also a generously proportioned bistro and, if the weather is less than perfect, the kids will be content playing inside with the selection of games and toys.

Chicken schnitzel, steak and pub food at The Ophir Hotel in Orange, NSW — Get your favourite pub fare.

8. The Metropolitan Hotel

While there’s a temptation to opt for the shiny and new, sometimes, all you really need is that good, old-fashioned country hospitality. The Metropolitan Hotel slides into the list for its unfussy, traditional country pub credentials. Right in the heart of town, this heritage hotel is largely unchanged, although a few updates here and there keep things fresh. It’s unpretentious, local and community-minded and you’ll always find a warm spot inside or at the all-weather Verandah Bistro.

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.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

8 venues to explore the inviting Orange pub and bar scene