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.

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.

The 5 best breweries and distilleries in Orange