The Best Orange Breweries | Australian Traveller

Award-winning late disgorge cider, craft gin cocktails and beers from the largest independently owned farm-based brewery on Australia’s eastern seaboard; there’s a lot to love about Orange’s brewery and distillery scene.

Orange’s food and drink scene is booming. And while the regional city’s wineries and restaurants have long since stolen the show, there’s a new wave of independent breweries and distilleries now demanding attention from you and your palette.

Here are five of the best to swing by if you’re visiting this scenic corner of the Central West.

1. Badlands Brewery

Not your average cellar door, the award-winning Badlands Brewery was Orange’s first brewery, opening in 2010. Producing ‘dangerously drinkable’ beers that are unfiltered and free of preservatives, all of Badlands’ brews are hand-crafted, 1000 litres at a time, without additives such as corn, rice or cane sugar.

the Badlands Brewery signage on top of the wall — Opened in 2010, the award-winning Badlands Brewery was Orange’s first brewery.

While the brewery’s focus lies squarely on traditional beer styles (pilseners, IPAs) they do dabble in the art of less conventional flavours, too, (hello chocolate, rum and vanilla-spiced porter) and release 15-20 new beers per year.

people enjoying inside Badlands Brewery, Orange — Nab a spot at Badlands Brewery for a cold pint.

Head into the Taproom and join a 45-minute brewery tour that shows you where all the behind-the-scenes magic happens (with two beers included). Or order a tasting paddle to sample any four beers.

the beer tap countertop at Badlands Brewery, Orange — Badlands Brewery is a beervana for a reason.

Address: 153 Summer St, Orange

2. Gracie’s at 4 Pines Brewing Co

The iconic 4 Pines Brewing Co was born in Manly and has grown its empire with the opening of Gracie’s at 4 Pines . Before partnering with 4 Pines Brewing Co, Gracie’s was a well-known and loved burger joint, but what better to pair with a burger than an ice-cold pint?

With eight taps of 4 Pines beers available including the Pacific Ale and Hazy Pale Ale, a burger menu to die for and some seriously addictive shakes, Gracie’s is a must-stop on your Orange itinerary.

There’s something on all the time at Gracie’s, from live music every Friday and Thursday night musical bingo to Wing it Wednesday with bottomless wings, fries and live music for $35.

Address: 20 Sale St, Orange

3. Parrot Distilling Co.

With a plum perch right in the centre of town, Parrot Distilling Co. is a relative newcomer to the Orange scene, having opened its doors to the public in 2018. The distillery’s cellar door, known as The Aviary , is housed within a converted brick warehouse, and among the more vibrantly decorated watering holes in town (think orange neon script signage and an artificial vertical garden).

the entrance of Parrot Distilling Co. — You’ll find Parrot Distilling Co. in a brick warehouse. (Image: Monique Lovick Photography)

Sample a selection of this local outfit’s classic gins in the House Tasting Board for $25. Non-purists might prefer to sample a ‘gintail’ instead; expect classics with a twist, such as the ‘Ginspresso’, Parrot’s take on an espresso martini, or try a ‘Foragers Negroni’ if that’s more your vibe.

gins and spirits on display at Parrot Distilling Co. — There’s a lot to try at Parrot Distilling Co. so get tasting.

Satiate appetites piqued by the strong spirits with one of the house pizzas served straight out of the wood-fired pizza oven at Parrot Pizzeria in The Aviary.

wood-fired pizza at Parrot Pizzeria in The Aviary — Grab a heavenly slice of wood-fired pizza at the nearby Parrot Pizzeria in The Aviary.

Address: 66 Endsleigh Ave, Orange

4. Small Acres Cyder

Before Orange made its name as a renowned wine region, the vineyards you see now were largely filled with apple and cherry orchards. And while many of the orchards have now transformed into vineyards, you’ll still find plenty of them scattered around the region.

Multi-award-winning Small Acres Cyder is located right in the heart of apple and wine country, the perfect place for producing premium ciders and perrys (made from pears).

the outdoor seating area at Small Acres Cyder — Sit down at Small Acres Cyder to taste some apple and pear ciders.

Made using traditional methods of authentic cider production, there are no shortcuts here. Rather, you’ll find a local institution that takes cider as seriously as winemakers take their wine. Even the bottles themselves signal respect for the craft, with wine bottles used for many of the varietals, as is so often the case with French cider.

Take a tasting at the cidery’s cellar door , in tiny Borenore, and compare the sparkling and still varieties. If you’re a non-drinker, designated driver or are bringing the kids along, there’s a non-alcoholic tasting available too with delicious zero-alcohol apple and cherry, and apple and pear ciders to try.

the exterior of Small Acres Cyder, Orange — Small Acres Cyder is at the heart of apple and wine country.

Address: 12 Akhurst Rd, Borenore

5. Jones & Smith Distillery

A family-owned craft distillery in Lucknow, Jones & Smith is home to a small but perfectly formed range of spirits.

spirit bottles and glasses on the table at Jones & Smith Distillery, Orange — Sample special spirits on offer at Jones & Smith Distillery.

The distillery’s gin range branded ‘epoch’ includes their signature dry gin, sloe gin, cherry gin and navy strength gin. If gin isn’t your thing, Jones & Smith also makes single-malt whisky. Try its first-release whisky collection for something special.

glasses of the signature gin at Jones & Smith branded epoch — Signature gin at Jones & Smith branded epoch is something to delight in.

Head to the cellar door and bar for a gin or whisky tasting session and linger a while sampling the seasonal menu at the onsite restaurant. In winter, get cosy by the fireplace with a whisky in hand. Come summer, the sunny beer garden is the perfect spot to sip your way through the gin range.

a close-up shot of the gin bottles at Jones & Smith Distillery — Get cosy by the fireplace with a whisky in hand

Address: 4617 Mitchell Hwy, Lucknow

This article was originally written by Chloe Cann with updates by Emily Murphy.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

The 5 best breweries and distilleries in Orange