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.

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 .

8 venues to explore the inviting Orange pub and bar scene