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.

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.

The 5 best breweries and distilleries in Orange