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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

8 venues to explore the inviting Orange pub and bar scene