tourist attractions in orange nsw

Top Things to Do in Orange

Things to do in orange, explore popular experiences, tours in and around orange.

1 Hour Wine tasting at Ross Hill Wines in Orange NSW

Private Picnic Lunch Experience in Orange with Wine

Ross Hill Winery Daily Behind-the-Scenes Tour in Orange NSW

Half Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in Orange NSW

E-Bike Tour Around Cowra

Indulge with Swinging Bridge

Savour with Swinging Bridge

Half Day Foodie Tour Orange NSW

Food, wine & nightlife.

Top Attractions in Orange

Other Top Attractions around Orange

Tours & Sightseeing

Private & Custom Tours

What travellers are saying.

• Heifer Station Wines
• Orange Visitor Information Centre
• Rowlee Wines
• Lake Canobolas
• Orange Botanic Gardens
• Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area
• Orange Adventure Playground

Top Things to Do in Orange

Things to do in orange, explore popular experiences, tours in and around orange.

1 Hour Wine tasting at Ross Hill Wines in Orange NSW

Private Picnic Lunch Experience in Orange with Wine

Ross Hill Winery Daily Behind-the-Scenes Tour in Orange NSW

Half Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in Orange NSW

E-Bike Tour Around Cowra

Indulge with Swinging Bridge

Savour with Swinging Bridge

Half Day Foodie Tour Orange NSW

Food, wine & nightlife.

Top Attractions in Orange

Other Top Attractions around Orange

Tours & Sightseeing

Private & Custom Tours

What travellers are saying.

• Heifer Station Wines
• Orange Visitor Information Centre
• Rowlee Wines
• Lake Canobolas
• Orange Botanic Gardens
• Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area
• Orange Adventure Playground

The best things to do in Orange, NSW

30 October 2023

You could fill your entire Orange itinerary with winery visits, but we’ve got a fair few other gems you’ll want to make time for too.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out the appeal of a trip to Orange, it’s surrounded by one of the most prolific wine regions in NSW after all. Magnificent cool-climate wines are a given but this Central Tablelands city – which was once in the running to be the capital city of Australia – has numerous other charms that beg for a place on your itinerary.

Uncover the regional city’s storytelling past; from the cultural heritage of the traditional owners, the Wiradjuri people, to the gold rush history of the 1800s, storytelling has always been part of the local DNA here. Then there is the award-winning restaurants, boutique shops and the quintessential Australian countryside to explore. Get ready to soak up all this romantic region has to offer with our picks of the best things to do in Orange.

Soak up the scenic country views across Borrodell Vineyard. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sample Orange’s best regional produce

It takes very little effort to sink your teeth into some of the regional city’s best produce. You’re likely to stumble across roadside farm gates and boutique producers without even trying. But there are a handful of producers you won’t want to miss.

Borrodell Estate is the place for farm-fresh apples, plums, cherries, quinces (they also make a delightful quince paste) and offer a vino with a view.  While Fourjay Farms produce all kinds of hazelnut delicacies – muesli, macaroons, shortbread, ice-cream, and of course fresh-roasted hazelnuts.

Huntley Berry Farm is a great family day out. When in season, you can pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and gooseberries with the kids. Although, once you’ve tried freshly-picked berries store-bought ones just won’t compare. Norland Fig Orchard also allows visitors to pick their own figs towards the end of the season – don’t miss out on trying the fig ice-cream while you’re there.

Mandagery Creek is another family-run company; its lean and healthy deer meat features on the menu of many local restaurants. While Paling Yards Grove in Cudal, 35 kilometres outside of Orange, is a gorgeous orchard known for its quality olives and award-winning olive oils – find them on sale at numerous farmers markets (including the Orange Farmers Market) and retail outlets in Orange and surrounds.

Sample the fresh produce in Orange. (Image: Destination NSW)

Explore the great outdoors of Orange

The crisp morning air in Orange provides an exhilarating alertness to the start of your day – all the more reason to get out there early and immerse yourself in its surrounding countryside.

Start with a brisk walk along the Summit Walking Track of Mount Canobolas . The 1,395-metre-high dormant volcano features subalpine scenery and is often covered in a blanket of snow come winter. There are also a number of other interconnecting longer walks if you’re up for more of a challenge.

Just south of Orange, the popular Gosling Creek Reserve has walking and cycling pathways to explore. To the north, discover The Falls Water Falls , which cascades down into Summer Hills Creek along the Central Mines trail.

Lake Canobolas  is a great spot for birdwatching. Nearby, Towac Pinnacle makes for a spectacular outlook. And if it’s views you’re after the cellar doors of Printhie, De Salis, Ross Hill and Rowlee Wines boast some of the best in Orange.

Explore the limestone caves of Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve and marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites. Take the easy 3.5-kilometre walk along Boree Creek trail to Verandah Cave to reach the tranquil creek and if you’re quiet you might even spot the shy platypus that call this creek home.

Orange is also home to many lovely parks that are perfect for a picnic or to spend an afternoon whiling away your time in the sun. Head to Orange Botanic Gardens, Robertson Park and Cook Park.

Robertson Park is the perfect spot for a picnic in Orange. (Image: Destination NSW)

Plot your route along the winery trail in Orange

There are more than 40 wineries and 30 cellar doors in Orange and ticking them all off is the mother of all bucket lists – and probably not achievable in one visit to Orange, so we’ve got a few highlights to get you started.

Borrodell Estate is a heavy-hitter in the region. If you’re not already dining, sleeping or checking out the farm here, the cellar door is a must. The sparkling wine varieties are famous the world over.

Philip of Phillip Shaw Wines started his label at Koomooloo vineyard in 1988. It’s one of the highest vineyards in Australia and produces some memorable and very collectable wines.

Rowlee Wines finds production inspiration from the Dalmatian wine country on the Adriatic coast of Croatia; the place where the family tradition of grape growing and winemaking began. A visit today is a lesson in European heritage and new-world practice, showcased within a contemporary cellar door.

These are just three of many. Our extensive guide to the best wineries and cellar doors in Orange can be found here.

The view from the accommodation at Borrodell Estate. (Image: Destination NSW)

Followed by a pub crawl

Pub life is an important part of the culture in Orange and you can expect top-notch nosh and pints in just about every pub you enter.

If you like pubs the way they used to be, the Gladstone Hotel – a traditional-style watering hole – will suit nicely. Then there is The Hotel Orange, the oldest pub in the region, located in the heart of Byng Street. Here, catch live music and conventional pub grub.

The Union Bank building is home to The Art House Bar & Courtyard and adjoining Schoolhouse Restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Parkview Hotel is the place to enjoy a modern Australian-style meal. At the Robin Hood Hotel, find a spacious, family-friendly restaurant. The Lord Anson has 50 craft beers on tap, locally sourced food and plenty of regulars.

Union Bank building on Byng Street first opened its doors in 1858 as Orange’s first bank. Now, punters sip on ale or local wine at The Art House Bar & Courtyard before heading for dinner at the adjoining Schoolhouse Restaurant. If you’re looking for more places to eat and drink, Birdie Noshery & Drinking is a community focused hang out that delivers a relaxed atmosphere, a wine list full of local standouts with cocktails and craft beers thrown in for good measure, and a dining menu that will take you from brunch to dinner.

Birdie Noshery & Drinking is a rather special local hangout and a great place for a drink and a meal.

And (if you’re still standing) a beer and distillery crawl

We weren’t kidding – Orange is a gastronome’s heaven. Visitors who want to enjoy local drops will not be left short of options thanks to a number of specialty retailers around town.

Badlands Brewery should be your first stop. This award-winning microbrewery pours dangerously drinkable beers. Tasting paddles, six on-tap beers, and the entire Badlands packaged range are available for purchase on site.

Parrot Distilling Co. is established in the centre of Orange. The gin has truly taken flight, offering three flagship styles as well as seasonal gins that showcase the region.

Pioneer Brewing Co. can be found on a rural farming property 25 minutes outside of Orange. The team run a unique brewery and farming operation with all malting grain grown on the farm, then harvested and made onsite. Pioneer Brewing Co. create beers with a fresh and clean finish on the palate – thanks to the rain water used in the brewing process.

Jones and Smith Distillery is a family-owned craft distillery found in Spring Hill, between Orange and Millthorpe. Spirits (boutique gin and whiskey) are 100 per cent authentically crafted and aged in the heart of the Central West.

The Parrot Distilling Co. has a range of gins on offer. (Image: Amy Barrington)

Spend your evenings stargazing in Orange

Turn your eyes towards the night skies in Central NSW and you’ll spot a pretty spectacular sight. According to John Sarkissian, operations scientist at CSIRO Parkes Observatory and a founding member of the Central West Astronomical Society, “The Central West boasts some of the darkest skies in Australia and is a wonderful place to appreciate the marvels of the night sky.”

“Visitors to the region are amazed by the number of stars that are visible, which is something they never see from light-polluted city skies,” he says.

In Orange, skies are clearest between March and October. To make a weekend of it, grab tickets to the Orange Winter Fire Festival. August sees Orange and Millthorpe host a whole swag of events, including one where Indigenous astronomers share the local Wiradjuri people’s knowledge of the cosmos.

One the best night sky vantage points, Lake Canobolas, Orange NSW (Image: Jenny Davidson)

Explore historic towns and villages

Orange and its surrounding towns are filled with a whole host of experiences you won’t find anywhere else. The birthplace of Banjo Patterson, the rich agricultural land and undulating hills all make for such an inspiring setting that you will be penning sonnets in no time.

Canowindra sits beside the Belubula River in the beautiful red-earth countryside. Well known for hot air ballooning and fish fossil discoveries (the town became famous in 1955 when a 360-million-year-old fossil was found), today it is also an arts and tourism hub.

One-street towns aren’t usually graced with a hatted restaurant, but Millthorpe in central New South Wales is not your run-of-the-mill country town. This heritage town is classified by the National Trust and nestled in a cool-climate wine region. The hatted  Tonic  is a Millthorpe icon and a trip to Orange isn’t complete without a dinner cooked by Chef Tony Worland.

Tonic is a highly-awarded, refined and relaxed contemporary restaurant housed within a heritage-listed building. (Image: Destination NSW)

Lyndhurst was also on the coveted short-list of sites for our nation’s capital at one point in history. It’s the closest ‘CBD’ to Lyndhurst Goldfields and prospered in the late 1800s as a result. These days it’s known for its thriving agricultural industry and is surrounded by green pastures and picturesque waterways.

Find the heart of bushranger country in Eugowra. It was at nearby Escort Rock that the infamous Frank Gardiner pulled off the biggest gold robbery in Australian history, stealing 77 kilograms of gold, and £3,700 in cash. Locals have immortalised this notorious past with murals throughout the town celebrating their unique history. Find out more at the Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre.

See Orange through the eyes of its traditional owners

Some of the cultural experiences on offer in Orange have been 65,000 years in the making and the Indigenous Cultural Adventures is one of the best on offer.

Indigenous Cultural Adventures was founded by local man, Gerald Power, with a vision to share the heritage and cultural knowledge of the region’s Wiradjuri nation with both visitors and residents alike.

Gerald Power, Owner and Founder of Indigenous Cultural Adventures in Orange. (Image: Destination NSW)

“We wish to take the public on a journey about the First Nations People, and it’s about sharing our culture and heritage through experience of our country and the food that we have consumed and survived on for 50,000 years,” he explains.

All cultural tours are hosted by local Elders. Small to large groups will be guided through significant sites, ending with a meal from Bush Tucka – the other part of Gerald’s business. The company made its debut at Barangaroo Food and Wine Festival, cooking up kangaroo sliders and pies to attendees.

Book a Bush Tucka tasting to enjoy the likes of native spiced emu on wombok with bush pesto or kangaroo and chorizo skewer with spiced bush tomato and native herb relish.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You might also like

The most romantic stays in the Orange wine region

Fine food, cool-climate wine and vineyard views for days: there’s romance aplenty to be had in Orange and a range of accommodation to suit the mood....

The definitive guide to eating and drinking in Orange, NSW

From hip cafes tucked into heritage buildings to hatted restaurants and vineyards, our pick of where to eat in the Orange region. The Central West NS...

The best wineries and cellar doors in Orange, NSW

From vineyards with a view to Australia’s only carbon-neutral winery, our pick of the spots not to miss in this boutique, cool-climate wine region. ...

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Things to Do in Orange (Australia)

15 Best Things to Do in Orange (Australia)

High in NSW ‘s Central Tablelands, Orange is a city with a cool, temperate climate, at odds with a latitude further north than Sydney.

Towering to the south-east is the extinct volcano, Mount Canobolas, which is often dusted with snow in winter, and Orange has earned the nickname “Colour City” for its russet autumn foliage.

Much of the countryside is given over to vineyards, and there’s a ton of wineries and cellar doors awaiting you.

Orange grew up on the back of Australia’s first gold rush in the middle of the 19th century and has no lack of historic architecture as well as a genteel Victorian Park to admire the autumn colour.

1. Cook Park

As Orange was being developed in the 1860s this 4.5-hectare plot was set aside as a public reserve.

This space was drained and landscaped, and trees acquired from the Sydney Botanical Gardens were planted in 1878, while the ornamental lake followed in 1880. Cook Park brims with history, at Bastick Cottage (1887), the Band Rotunda (1908), the Blowes Conservatory (1934), the Frank Mulholland Sunken Garden (1935) and the fernery.

There’s a cannon that used to guard Sydney Harbour, as well as a field gun captured in France in 1918. In April and May this one of the prime places in Orange to watch the leaves turn, just a few minutes on foot from the CBD.

2. Orange Botanic Gardens

Another of the best places to see the spellbinding autumn colours in Orange is the Botanic Gardens, opened for Australia’s bicentenary in 1988. There’s a 50-50 divide between native and exotic plantings here, and around a third of all the specimens are labelled.

In the gardens’ special collections are heritage roses and the plants of the Central Tablelands, and if you come around April or May the foliage takes on beguiling red and gold tones.

Some sub-gardens keep in mind are the heritage orchard and two billabongs, between which stands the magnificent Federation Arch by sculptor Bert Flugelman (1923-2013).

3. Orange Wine Region

Almost overnight, Orange has emerged as a formidable cool-climate wine region.

This has a lot to do with the fecund volcanic soils, moderately warm summer highs, undulating landscape and consistent breezes that keep spring frosts at bay.

As well as being very productive, this wine country is incredibly pretty and understandably attracts a lot of tourists to its rambling vineyards and cosy cellar doors (tasting rooms).The main grapes grown in Orange are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, normally going into blends but sometimes making single varietals.

As for wineries to visit, the choice is huge, and just a few of the more renowned are Heifer, Rowlee, Philip Shaw, Mortimers, Ross Hill, Swinging Bridge and Brangayne, all within a short trip of the city.

4. Mount Canobolas

The natural landmark that defines Orange’s cityscape is Mount Canobolas, rising to 1,395 metres in the immediate south-west.

It’s mind-boggling to think that is the highest peak between the Blue Mountains and the Indian Ocean, several thousand miles to the west.

Cloaked with vegetation, Mount Canobolas is an extinct volcano, and its fertile volcanic soils support vineyards on the north-facing slopes.

The summit is often snow-capped in winter and grants a stupendous 360° view, over Orange, reaching out to the Blue Mountains in the east.

The mountain is snaked by trails to help you get to a variety of beauty spots like waterfalls and lookouts on the slopes.

The Spring Glade track is an exhilarating way to reach the top, wending its way through dense groves inhabited by ringtail possums and sulphur-crested cockatoos.

5. Orange Regional Museum

Right next to the regional gallery is this stylish museum building opened in 2017, appearing to emerge from the ground and topped with an environmentally-friendly grass roof.

Exhibitions at the Orange Regional Museum are updated at short intervals, but are sourced from a large collection that covers Aboriginal culture and history, 19th-century gold mining, Orange’s built heritage, important local people, migration, wartime, sports and local industries like wine, wool and agriculture.

In 2020, upcoming exhibitions dealt with wartime propaganda, women videogame creators, early Australian photography and mugshots from the 1920s.

6. Orange Heritage Trail

The city has more than 40 places of historic interest and beauty, some going back to the mid-19th century Gold Rush, and you can see many of them via this self-guided, 46-stop walk.

You can pick up a leaflet for the Orange Heritage Trail from the Visitor Information Centre, setting off up Byng Street for a 90-minute trip back in time.

The route is marked with interpretative signs, and among the sights to take in are the Court House (1881), Orange Gaol (1860s), the Metropolitan Hotel (1864), the Italianate Town Hall (1888), the Digger’s Arms Hotel (1877), the Holy Trinity Church of England (1879), the Union Bank (1857) and Orange Post Office (1880), to name a small handful.

The signs will fill you in on some riveting stories from Orange’s early days, dealing with early merchants, robberies, industry and the ins-and-outs of 19th-century society.

7. Orange Regional Art Gallery

At the time of writing in May 2020 Orange’s esteemed regional art gallery was temporarily closed for a $4m redevelopment and scheduled to reopen in 2021. The project entails an extension, which will give it a light-flooded exhibition space, conservation areas and a lecture theatre.

In the meantime the museum’s collection has grown to more than 1,500 works of Australia art from the 1920s to the present.

Some of the modern artists represented are Grace Cossington Smith, Hans Heysen, Brett Whitely and Ian Fairweather, together with contemporary artists like, Emily Kngwarreye, Margaret Loy Pula, Harrie Fasher and Kevin Connor.

The last exhibition before the temporary closure was the Days of Summer woodblock series by Italo-Australian painter and printmaker Salvatore Zofrea.

8. Pinnacle Lookout

On the east side of Mount Canobolas there’s a majestic overlook just ten minutes by car from the centre of Orange.

From the car park there’s a short but vertiginous climb, up more than 200 steps.

But the trees lining the trail offer lots of cover from the sun, the constant birdsong is lovely, and you’ll know why you made the effort once you reach the top.

The view reaches out for many kilometres over Orange and the Towac Valley.

The lookout is within a reserve, with toilets, bluestone barbecues and shelters at the bottom of the trail.

9. Lake Canobolas

Below the north slopes of Mount Canobolas sit the glistening waters of Lake Canobolas, a reservoir supplying water to Orange for the first half of the 20th century.

In the 1970s the lake was turned into a leisure destination and is a relaxing spot for a wander, having a picnic, barbecue or doing some fishing.

Make sure to watch the water as it’s not unusual to see a platypus surfacing, and on your walk allow a minute to appreciate the Old Pumphouse, built when the reservoir was completed in 1918 and restored to its former glory after more than half a century of decay.

10. Ophir Reserve

At this rugged but tranquil reserve on the Summer Hill and Lewis Ponds you’ll encounter real Australian history.

In 1851, what is now Ophir Reserve was the first place where gold of any real quantity was discovered in Australia, helping to establish Orange as a permanent settlement.

The gold supply didn’t last, and the panners had moved on in less than a year, but there’s a working goldmine here today that you can explore.

You can test your own fossicking skills in Summer Hill Creek, borrowing a pan from the Orange Visitor Centre, or you can simply savour the peace in the wooded gorge where the two creeks converge.

Geologically, this is a fascinating spot, still riddled with long abandoned lead mines that can be explored with caution, and you can take a picnic or camp for the night by the creek.

11. Nangar National Park

Orange is a jumping off point for another piece of natural drama, conserving a chunk of the Nangar-Murga Range.

These peaks rise suddenly over the farmlands of NSW’s Central West, and the highest point is the summit 778-metre Nangar Mountain.

Far from any sources of light pollution, the night skies are famously brilliant in Nangar National Park, and by daylight people head come for refreshing walks in autumn, winter and spring or to gaze at the slopes embroidered with flowers in summer.

There’s a phenomenal lookout atop Mount Nangar, and endless nature-spotting opportunities in a land roamed by various wallaby species and kangaroos, where birds of prey like hawks and peregrine falcons catch the air currents along the ridge.

12. Orange Adventure Playground

Smaller family members will be delighted to know that Orange boasts one of the finest adventure playgrounds in New South Wales.

This means swings, slides and climbing obstacles for children of all sizes and abilities, and comes with smartly designed elements like a tree house, rocket ship, farm tractor and rock wall.

Children can even learn road safety on the bicycle track, while there’s a cafe, picnic areas, barbecues and pretty much all you could want for an economic family afternoon out.

13. Huntley Berry Farm

Out on the basalt plains by Mount Canobolas, you’ll find the not-for-profit Huntley Berry Farm in bucolic scenery and growing 11 kinds of berries, from blueberries to raspberries.

The pick-your-own season, when you can fill a bucket in the fields, runs from mid-November to May, and during this time there’s much more going on around the farm.

Children will get to meet rabbits, goats, chickens, guinea pigs and the friendly family dog, while there are landscaped grassy spaces for games and picnics under mature trees.

At the shop you can browse gourmet jams, chutneys, fruit syrups and vinegars made on the farm.

14. Borenore Caves

Head west of Orange, past Borenore and you’ll be soon arrive at a reserve containing more than 40 limestone caves.

These are famed for their jagged karst characteristics, but also Silurian-period fossils of reef wildlife like trilobites, brachiopods, corals, crinoids and gastropods.

Among the largest and best-known of these caves are the Arch Cave, Verandah Cave and the mysterious Tunnel Cave, a 110-metre passage descending into the foot of a tall hill.

The Tunnel Cave is used for hibernation by the eastern bent-wing bat so is off limits from May to October.

Don’t forget to bring a torch if you’re going exploring, to admire the majestic concretions Arch Cave in all their wonder.

15. Gosling Creek Reserve

Closer to home is a reserve that has been set up on what used to be a pine plantation, reachable on foot or by bike.

This is also the scene of Orange’s first manmade water supply, at a reservoir completed in 1890. Since the land’s regeneration, some 50 native species have bounced back, resulting in a riot of colour in spring and summer when the wildflowers are in bloom.

There are also impressive specimen trees like two giant sequoias and a Deodar cedar, thought to have been planted when the reservoir was first dammed.

Activities on the menu at Gosling Creek Reserve include walking, cycling, picnics and fishing for golden perch and trout, while kids can run rampant at the playground.

15 Best Things to Do in Orange (Australia):

• Orange Botanic Gardens
• Orange Wine Region
• Mount Canobolas
• Orange Regional Museum
• Orange Heritage Trail
• Orange Regional Art Gallery
• Pinnacle Lookout
• Lake Canobolas
• Ophir Reserve
• Nangar National Park
• Orange Adventure Playground
• Huntley Berry Farm
• Borenore Caves
• Gosling Creek Reserve

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Orange

Things to do in orange.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

31. Huntley Berry Farm

32. Highland Heritage Cellar Door

33. Borrodell Vineyard

34. Mayfield Vineyard

35. Hoosegg

36. Macquariedale Organic Wine

37. The Falls Waterfalls

38. Bloodwood Wines

39. Gosling Creek Reserve

40. The Corner Store Gallery

41. See Saw Wine

42. Colour City Creatives Inc

43. Banjo Patterson Park

44. Orange Mountain Bike Park (Lake Canobolas)

45. Borland Fig Orchard

46. Amour Wines

47. Montoro Wines

48. Gerrys Cherries

49. Rsl Memorial Hall

50. fourjay farms.

51. Chalou Wines

52. Ferment. The Orange Wine Centre.

53. Badlands Brewery

54. Robertson Park

55. canobolas cherries - pick your own.

56. Orange City Centre

57. Orange Homemaker Centre

58. Wentworth Golf Club

59. Orange Wine Tours

60. Canobolas-Smith Wines

What travellers are saying

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Orange

Things to do in orange, explore popular experiences, tours in and around orange.

1 Hour Wine tasting at Ross Hill Wines in Orange NSW

Private Picnic Lunch Experience in Orange with Wine

Ross Hill Winery Daily Behind-the-Scenes Tour in Orange NSW

Half Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in Orange NSW

E-Bike Tour Around Cowra

Indulge with Swinging Bridge

Savour with Swinging Bridge

Half Day Foodie Tour Orange NSW

Food, wine & nightlife.

Top Attractions in Orange

Other Top Attractions around Orange

Tours & Sightseeing

Private & Custom Tours

What travellers are saying.

• Heifer Station Wines
• Orange Visitor Information Centre
• Rowlee Wines
• Lake Canobolas
• Orange Botanic Gardens
• Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area
• Orange Adventure Playground

• Book accommodation

Things to do

Top things to do in the Orange NSW region. Book your experiences online and discover a full spectrum of events and experiences, all year round.

• Arts, Culture & Community
• Beer, cider and distilleries
• Conference Venue Guide
• Trip Planning
• Drives and Itineraries
• Explore Historic Villages
• Fruit Picking
• Hot Air Ballooning
• Parks, Gardens & Reserves
• Spa & wellness
• Cycling Tours
• Wine & Food Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walks & Trails
• Wine & Food

Explore the rich landscape and dramatic views

Discover sophisticated food and wine destinations

From the 360blog: things to do in orange.

News , Things To Do

Wednesday, 20 July 2022

The Lonely Mountain Ultra - Orange's first trail running festival

Monday, 11 April 2022

Your Easter Holiday Guide to the Orange Region

Stay in the loop, plan your trip.

• All Accommodation
• Bed & Breakfast
• Camping and Caravan Parks
• Cottages & Holiday Houses
• Country Escapes
• Pet Friendly
• Winery & Vineyard
• Visitor Information Centres
• How to get here
• Easter/Anzac Day 2024 Cellar Door Trading Hours
• Easter/Anzac Day 2024 Dining Trading Hours
• Visitor Guide
• Towns and Villages Guide
• Retail Trail
• Wine and Food Guide 2023
• Dining Guide Autumn 2024
• Cellar Door Trading Hours Autumn 2024
• What's On April 2024 - Orange
• Attractions Guide Autumn 2024
• Ride Orange Guide
• Heritage Drives
• Childrens Activities
• Heritage Walks
• Small Bars & Wine Bars
• Millthorpe Village
• Wine and Food Trails
• Plan your wedding

THINGS TO DO

• Orange Chamber Music Festival 2024
• Orange FOOD Week 2024
• Orange Winter Fire Festival
• Orange Wine Festival
• Cellar doors
• Wine varieties
• Dog Friendly Cellar Doors
• Orange Wine Show
• Wine Drives
• Orange Region Vignerons Association
• Wine & Food Guide
• Cellar Door Map

Orange360   ABN 30 616 158 822

Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions Prices on this website are in AUD

Copyright © 2024 Orange Region Tourism

Top Things to Do in Orange, Australia - Orange Must-See Attractions

Things to do in orange, explore popular experiences, tours in and around orange.

1 Hour Wine tasting at Ross Hill Wines in Orange NSW

Private Picnic Lunch Experience in Orange with Wine

Ross Hill Winery Daily Behind-the-Scenes Tour in Orange NSW

Half Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in Orange NSW

E-Bike Tour Around Cowra

Indulge with Swinging Bridge

Savour with Swinging Bridge

Half Day Foodie Tour Orange NSW

Food, wine & nightlife.

Top Attractions in Orange

Other Top Attractions around Orange

Tours & Sightseeing

Private & Custom Tours

What travellers are saying.

• Heifer Station Wines
• Orange Visitor Information Centre
• Rowlee Wines
• Lake Canobolas
• Orange Botanic Gardens
• Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area
• Orange Adventure Playground

• Eat & Drink
• Destinations
• Suburb Guides
• VIEW ALL LIFESTYLE
• HEALTH & WELLNESS
• ARTS & CULTURE
• WHAT'S ON
• VIEW ALL EAT & DRINK
• RESTAURANTS
• ENTERTAINING
• VIEW ALL DESTINATIONS
• TRAVEL GUIDES
• EXPERIENCES
• ACCOMMODATION
• VIEW ALL PROPERTY
• HOME SEARCH
• HOME DESIGN
• NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• What is Sitchu
• Advertise with Sitchu

Forgot Password?

Forgotten your Password?

Enter your email address below and we'll send instructions and a link to reset your password

Unlock Sydney's hidden gems

All the latest and greatest places to eat, drink, stay and play in your city.

• Travel Guides

Best Things to Do in Orange: Where to Eat, Stay & Play

From beautiful cottage stays to taste-testing great wines, these are the best things to do in Orange

Drive just a few hours west of the Blue Mountains and you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful countryside, where rolling hills of rich greens and scattered grey gums sprout sporadically — these are telling signs that you’ve arrived at Orange NSW.

When you visit Orange, the food and wine are just as much of a drawcard as the beautiful scenery. Equally, the flourishing cosmopolitan lifestyle is also beyond question, attracting more and more boutique fashion and homeware stores to its stylish streets. Add to that world-class wineries and you have yourself the perfect weekend escape.

However, regardless of its burgeoning nature, Orange maintains its pace and authenticity as a family-friendly, rural region, where the word ‘community’ is not merely a buzzword, but instead, what makes this destination so appealing.

Here are the best things to do in Orange to make the most of your country escape.

Best Things to Do in Orange: Eat & Drink

The union bank hotel.

Centrally located and open seven days a week, The Union Bank Hotel is a local go-to. The 165-year-old bank building that sets the scene provides plenty of charm whilst the variety of dining spaces brings flexibility.

Choose from the sunny bar and courtyard or The Schoolhouse Restaurant if you're feeling fancy. Guided by the four seasons, The Union Bank Hotel's menu shifts regularly bringing boundary-pushing delights as well as tried and tested hearty favourites.

Swing by for lunch, dinner or just a drink! 

84 Byng Street, Orange 

Charred Kitchen & Bar

For fine dining without the pomp, the award-winning, hatted Charred Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit while you’re in town.

Showcasing the very best of Orange’s local produce, with an emphasis on seasonality and quality, the restaurant has a relaxed yet intimate atmosphere that keeps the locals coming back for more.

Look forward to a stellar tasting menu of sizzling charcoal-cooked fare paired with an extensive wine and craft beer list that's bound to impress. 

5 New Street, Orange

Racine Bakery

A loved local that delivers big on freshly-baked deliciousness, a visit to Racine Bakery is one of the best things to do in Orange.

Using reliable recipes, fresh local produce and artisan techniques, you can truly taste the difference in their handmade sourdough.

Come for their sweet pastries, and stay for the warm and friendly hospitality. With a fine dining restaurant background, they also offer the Racine experience at home with their popular catering service and ready-made meal packages. 

166B Summer Street, Orange

The Agrestic Grocer

The Agrestic Grocer is a grocer, café, bar, live music venue, cellar and brewery door all rolled into one. Drop in for breakfast or lunch seven days a week at the Agrestic Kitchen, and sample their fresh seasonal menu, including the fan favourite Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savoury pancake.

Be sure to peruse the shelves of the grocer on your way out and pick up some delicious local produce, wine or craft beer to take home.

426 Mitchell Highway, Orange

Byng Street Café

Open since 2011, Byng Street Café has become one of the leaders in the local café scene in Orange. The prominent location on the central Orange corner of Byng and Clinton Street draws in the morning crowd, friendly catch-ups, business meetings — and anyone just grabbing a coffee to go.

Seat yourself on the benches on the wrap-around verandah, inside the main, bright and spacious dining area, or outside, within the sunny courtyard.

47 Byng Street, Orange 

The Greenhouse of Orange

Previously a bowling club, The Greenhouse of Orange   was transformed into a multi-dining venue in 2017 and quickly became a popular eatery locale.

On-site, there are various kitchens available, offering multiple menus — all of which give a nod to the regional produce of Orange.

Customers can choose from multiple seating sections, including an indoor dining space filled with an abundance of plants and an expansive open-air deck with raised garden beds to the side. 

231-243 Anson Street, Orange 

Sweet Sour Salt

Ask any local where to go for the best Thai in town and Sweet Sour Salt will be recommended proudly. This buzzing restaurant sits inside a tastefully renovated Victorian terrace and serves up a flavourful Thai menu with Chinese, Vietnamese, and Malaysian influences thrown into the mix.

Sitchu Tip: The Korean spicy fried chicken wings are an absolute must. 

179 Anson Street, Orange 

For a cosy afternoon or evening with a convivial vibe, head straight to Hey Rosey , an intimate 20-seat wine bar in the heart of town.

You'll enjoy drops from a curated list of the best international wines and local small producers, alongside small plates of cheese, cured meats, tinned seafood and the like.

They also serve up larger plates, crafted with seasonal produce. Expect hand-rolled pasta, hand-churned butter and all kinds of delicious treats. 

301 Summer Street, Orange 

Washington & Co

While country NSW is not where you’d expect to find a vibey whisky joint mixing up killer cocktails, Washington & Co delivers just that.

A quintessential American-inspired salon with its dark leather booths, dim lighting and timber-clad bar, it’s the perfect spot to settle in for a nightcap.

The theme translates across into their drinks with bourbons and whisky-based treats aplenty. The kind of place you stop in for one and stay for many, there’s everything from live music to board games to keep you entertained.

 243 Summer Street, Orange

The Best Things to Do in Orange: Wineries & Breweries

Mad hatter drinking lab.

Making booze fun and accessible for Australians, Mad Hatter Drink Lab is the laidback brewery one dreams of discovering during a country escape.

Starting in 2016 as another winery to add to the region, Mad Hatter has since stepped it up a notch and is now producing small-batch cocktails that taste as good as they look.

Catch them at their Lord Place digs in the morning for a coffee, in the evening for a bev, or find them roaming around town in the Fizz Fellas vans. Cheers!

147 Lords Place, Orange

Philip Shaw Wines

One of Australia’s most celebrated winemakers, Philip Shaw established his vineyard in Orange back in 1989. Today, this family-owned and operated winery is now run by three industrious members of the Shaw clan.

Consisting of a tasting room, restaurant and wedding venue — they are all centred around a restored turn-of-the-century stone barn. Expect the wines here to have a bright fruit flavour with intense elegance and complexity.

100 Shiralee Road, Orange 

See Saw Wine

The See Saw Wine ethos is simple - that is, to craft exceptional food-friendly certified organic wines using the most sustainable methods available. And they succeed on all fronts.

There are nine varietals available at this incredible vineyard as well as three unique tasting experiences. Opt to sample See Saw's wines paired with seasonal produce, a relaxed outdoor tasting with a grazing board, or an express 45-minute tasting focusing purely on the wine. Either way, you're in for a treat!

42 Lake Canobolas Road, Nashdale

Nashdale Lane Wines 

Nashdale Lane is a welcoming and unapologetically laidback winery, surrounded by rows upon rows of vineyards. Family owned and run, Nashdale has ‘sit back and relax’, written all over it.

The light-filled cellar door invites visitors to sample their exceptional range of cool-climate wines, all whilst taking in the idyllic surrounding views through the many oversized, sliding windows.

125 Nashdale Lane, Nashdale 

Housed in a beautifully preserved heritage building, Ferment  is an elegant wine centre where you can sample some of the Orange region's best wines, along with a matching cheese plate, should you wish.

It’s the perfect place to stop for a pre-dinner drink, and you may just be tempted to take a bottle (or two) of your favourite home with you. 

87 Hill Street, Orange 

Rowlee Wines & Vineyard

Harvested by hand and crafted in small batches, Rowlee Wines & Vineyard is the epitome of quality over quantity, producing premium single-vineyard wines - the results (and awards) speak for themselves.

Visit for one of their various ‘experiences’ offerings, including a ‘Picnic In The Vines’, where you can spend an indulgent afternoon on the estate with your very own private picnic — gourmet produce included.

19 Lake Canobolas Road, Nashdale 

Best Things to Do in Orange: Explore

Hillside harvest.

It doesn't get much more country than a day out at Hillside Harvest . The family-run orchard in Orange boasts a full program of activities that will keep the grown-ups and the kids happy.

When in season, try your hand at picking your way through the orchards, collecting juicy apples, cherries, apricots, nectarines and berries to take home with you, or opt for a picnic under the trees with a Harvest Hamper.

Visiting in the off-season? You can still pop into the Hillside Farm Store and Café to grab some local goodies to go.

1209 The Escort Way, Borenore NSW

Jumbled @ The Sonic

When you need a little retail therapy, look no further than Jumbled , the one-stop-shop in Orange for stylish clothing, chic home decor and delicious cups of coffee!

Housed in an old Masonic hall, a shop here is unlike any other retail experience, with exposed brick walls, bright bedroom displays, walls of colourful artwork, and a little coffee shop on-site to ensure you are well-caffeinated during your shop.

If you've got some gift shopping to do - this is the place to pick up something wonderful.

33-35 Sale Street, Orange

Orange Botanic Gardens

Calling all nature lovers! If you are looking to get your dose of fresh country air, one of the best things to do in Orange is visit the 17 hectares of rolling lawns and lush plants at Orange Botanic Gardens .

With an impressive range of native and exotic flora, stunning scenery, relaxing spots for a family picnic and walking trails a plenty, don't be surprised if you spend several hours roaming about here.

300 Hill Street, Orange

Best Things to Do in Orange: Stay

Basalt is the luxe farm-stay found within a working cherry orchard, perched 1,100 meters above sea level and the perfect base for your stay in Orange.

Within each studio, you will find an internal wood fireplace for those frosty nights, a stargazing telescope to spot the constellations, and a concrete bathtub nestled beside bi-fold windows, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking surroundings.

Enjoy a bottle of local wine upon check-in and pre-order dinner from a local restaurant to be delivered to your studio so you can relax and unwind after your travels.

Black Sheep Inn

A stone's throw from Orange and in the bucolic countryside of Borenore, Black Sheep Inn offers spectacular scenery across its sprawling farmland.

A stylishly converted century-old shearing shed retains much of the rustic charm of a country shed and will have you feeling worlds away from home, as you relax by the roaring wood fire with a glass of wine.

Positioned close to Orange’s best wineries as well as pick your own orchards, the unique space can accommodate large groups, with 5 bedrooms, each with an ensuite for ultimate comfort and privacy.

91 Heifer Station Lane, Borenore

The White Place

Boasting two beautiful, centrally located places to stay, The White Place is one of Orange’s most popular accommodation options as it is generous in size, stylish, and charming.

The  Byng Street home is an expansive, double-brick cottage with ornate ceilings, polished timber floors, and an old-school fireplace. 

Over on Casey Street , the recently renovated, mid-century red brick home is a relaxing oasis. Think open-plan living, kitchen and dining and four bedrooms with distinct Scandi-style.

Byng Street, Casey Street 

Lakeview Luxury Retreat

Specifically designed as a couples’ retreat, Lakeview Luxury Retreat  offers clear views over Lake Canobolas, in separate spacious and modern 5-star villas.

Along with your stay amongst the hills just outside of Orange, you’ll be provided with all the local ingredients to cook up breakfast in the self-contained kitchen, or on the BBQ out on the deck.

Don't forget to say hello to the friendly herd of Highland cattle who roam the adjoining paddocks!

Stanford Road, Orange 

Loving our guide to the best things to do in Orange? We have all your travel needs covered! Head straight to our destinations page for your dose of inspiration. Perhaps Mudgee is calling you next? 

Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.

By Sitchu Team

Posted 11 Apr 24

Stay in the loop

@sitchu.sydney

Stay Connected

See the latest from Sitchu

Top 21 Things to Do in Orange NSW in 2024

Planning a visit to Orange in NSW? A great country destination in NSW to spend at least 3 nights, you will not be disappointed. If you are a wine lover their vineyards and cellar doors are some of the best in NSW. If it is local produce you are searching for you will have so much choice. If you are looking for top restaurants and cafes you have found the right place.

We share with you our 21 top things to do in Orange NSW after spending 4 delightful and exciting nights in this country town of NSW.

You can now download our article on GPSMycIty . How it works:  Download the app “GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities” from the iTunes App Store  or  Google Play Store  to your mobile phone or tablet. With the help of the easy-to-use interface of the app, you can create self-guided walks to explore Orange single-handedly. Each such walk comes with a detailed route map and GPS navigation to guide you from one tour stop to the next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when travelling abroad.

Check out our Youtube Video on the Highlights of Orange NSW below

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see our disclosure for more information.

Table of Contents

Map of Orange NSW

Top 21 Things To Do in Orange NSW

#1 Visit Stockman’s Ridge Wines for their Chocolate and Wine Pairing

What a find! This is the first time we had heard of chocolate being paired with wine, and as we all love chocolate and wine we headed to Stockmans Ridge for in-depth research.

We tested delicious milk chocolate, raspberry dark chocolate, chilli dark chocolate and crisp mint chocolate with a variety of Stockman’s Ridge wines. The consensus among the four of us was this was a unique experience that we could enjoy over and over again. A firm favourite was the chilli dark chocolate followed by the crisp mint chocolate paired with their excellent wines. All the tastings were done outside in the warmth of the afternoon sun with stunning views of the vineyard.

Of course, our time at Stockman’s Ridge did not end there. We continued our research inside to taste some of their other fine wines.

The setting is spectacular at Stockman’s Ridge Wines. Check them out here for the many events they hold during the year.

Address : 21 Boree Lane Lidster 13.5 km from Orange via Cargo Road.

Wines available:

• Sparkling Wine
• Cabernet Franc
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Sweet White
• Gruner Veltliner

Grazing boards and platters are available.

Cellar Door opening times : Open from Thursday to Tuesday. Tuesday and Thursday bookings are essential.

Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. Monday 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Friday 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday 11 am to 8 pm.

Accommodation is available on the property in their 3-bedroom Swagman Homestead. You can read Tripadvisor reviews here.

#2 Ross Hill Wines – Australia’s only carbon-neutral winery and vineyards

Ross Hill Wines comes in as one of the best wineries in NSW that has worked hard to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to zero. When you visit Ross Hill Wines you will know that you are playing your part in helping the environment.

Address : 134 Wallace Lane Orange NSW

Cellar Door Opening Times: Daily from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. Bookings are essential. Click here to book

Wines to taste and purchase include:

• Blanc de Blancs
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pinot Grigio
• Pinot Noir Rose
• Tempranillo
• and a very special Extra Virgin OIive Oil

Enjoy a range of master cooking classes, lunch and wine packages and events at the Ross Hill Wines School of Wine and Food. For more information click here.

#3 Visit Heifer Station for Great Wines and Farm Friends

Address : 1034 The Escort Way Borenore

Visiting by helicopter – call in advance as the helicopter pad is also part of the working cattle paddock

A great venue for all the family. A cosy cellar door with an open fire when it gets chilly, outside areas to enjoy during the rest of the year, farm yard fun for the children in the ‘funny farm’. There are alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, a mini shetland called Tilly and longhorn cattle.

You can book private picnics, a Vineside walking tour, roaming tasting & cheese platter, a ‘get fireside’ experience, and The Ultimate Wine Tasting, Heli Tour & Private Picnic Experience. Details here.

Wines available at Heifer Station are:

• Chardonnay Pinot Noir

#4 Visit Philip Shaw Winery

Address : 100 Shiralee Road Orange

Bookings are required for tastings. Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Book here.

A lovely garden setting perfect for weddings and special events.

Philip Shaw offers a variety of exceptional wines for tasting and purchase:

• Sparkling NV

#5 Wine Tasting with stunning views at the Skybar – Borrodell Vineyards

Address : 298 Lake Canobolas Road Orange

Enjoy a range of excellent wines at one of Australia’s highest vineyards on the extinct volcano of Mount Canobolas.

Tastings are available from Thursday to Monday from 11 m to 3 pm. 6 set wines for $20 pp or 3 wines of your choice for $12 for groups up to 6.

The Skybar is also open from 12 pm to 6 pm for glasses or bottles of wine to enjoy among friends for double vaccinated guests only staying in their 4 available accommodations .

Wines available are:

• Gewürztraminer
• Pinot Meunier
• Cherry Liqueur
• Cherry Port
• Heritage apple cider
• Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling wine

#6 Sparkling Masterclass with Vineyard Tour and 3 Course Lunch – Printhie Wines

Duration : 3 hours and 30 minutes

• A guided walking tour through the vineyards
• Learn the process of making sparkling wines
• A private tasting of the Swift Sparkling wines
• A 3-course lunch with pairing wines at Printhie Dining

Location : Printhie Wines Cellar Door, 208 Nancarrow Lane, Nashdale

Meet at the Cellar Door

#7 Private Picnic Lunch Experience in Orange with Wine by Printhie Wines

Duration : 2 hours and 30 minutes

• A Printhie vineyard map is provided to show you the ideal spots for your picnic
• A guided tasting of Printhie wines
• A bottle of wine from your tasting is included in your picnic basket which contains sweet and savoury gourmet treats

#8 1 Hour Trike Tour for 2 in Mount and Lake Canobolas

Duration : 1 hour

• Cruise around visiting historic landmarks of Orange
• Stop at the summit of Mount Canobolas
• Ride around Lake Canobolas and Towac Valley
• Hotel pickup is offered

#9 Private Orange Trike Wine Tasting Tour

• Wine tasting at Colmar Estate
• Wine tasting at Mortimer Wines
• Wine tasting at Ross Hill Wines
• Cheese platter
• Pick up from accommodation in Orange

#10 Picnic Hamper at Rowlee Wines

Looking for fun things to do in Orange NSW? How about enjoying a picnic amongst the vines with family or friends?

Duration : 2 hours

• Suitable for 2 – 4 persons
• A selection of local and imported cheeses
• Fresh charcuterie from a local artisan deli
• Locally made dip from Fresh Fodder
• Marinated olives – Fresh bread and crackers (GF option available)
• A bottle of wine from our ‘Rowlee’ range
• Biodegradable plates, cutlery and napkins

Location: Rowlee Wines, 19 Lake Canobolas Rd, Nashdale

Collect your Picnic Hamper from the Rowlee Cellar Door.

#11 Half Day Foodie Tour Orange NSW

Duration : 4 hours

• Visit a number of local Orange food suppliers
• Buy direct from local growers’ farm gates
• A fridge is carried on board to keep your purchases fresh

Pick-up is available from:

• 155 Byng St, Orange
• Outside the Orange Visitors Centre
• Hotel pickup is offered from selected hotels

#12 Visit the Historic Town of Millthorpe

Millthorpe is a heritage-listed village and is one of the top Orange attractions to visit.

Dine at the chef-hatted restaurant Tonic on the Corner of Pym and Victoria Street Millthorpe. Opening times: For dinner from Thursday to Saturday and for lunch on Sunday. Bookings are essential.

Read the latest Tripadvisor reviews here

You can visit local wineries:

• Angullong Wines
• Tamburlaine Organic Wines
• Slow Wine Co.

You can visit the Golden Memories Museum which houses colonial and indigenous history.

Take a heritage walk through Millthorpe Village – more information here

In November take a tour of the local gardens and enjoy markets on the Millthorpe Garden Rumble.

For more yearly events click here

Good to know : Some places to visit in Millthorpe are not open on Monday – the village comes to life on the weekend. Plan your visit for later in the week.

Getting to Millthorpe

From Orange Millthorpe is a 20 minutes drive

From Orange Airport Millthorpe is 10 minutes drive

Bathurst to Millthorpe – 30 minutes drive

The intercity train from Sydney stops at Millthorpe

#13 Take a scenic walk around Lake Canobolas

One of the top places to visit in Orange NSW is Lake Canobolas.

Enjoy the walking trail around the lake where you can see native birds and wildllife. You can cycle around the lake as well. Depending on the season you can sail, swim or canoe.

Address : 87 Lake Canobolas Road Nashdale Opening Hours : From early morning to sunset

#14 Enjoy Brunch at the Lakeside Cafe Lake Canobolas

After a walk around the Lake head to the Lakeside Cafe for breakfast, brunch or lunch. We have voted this as the one of the best cafes in Orange NSW for its scenic location and the best of local produce in some of the best dishes.

Opening hours : Tuesday to Sunday 8.00 am to 3.00 pm

Breakfast is between 8.00 am and 11.30 am and Lunch from 12.00 to 2.30 pm. Closed Mondays

For more details and menus click here

#15 Head to the Hotel Canobolas for lunch or dinner

Looking for one of the best pubs in Orange NSW? We dined at the Hotel Canobolas for lunch and dinner during our stay. The servce was excellent and they had a great menu and wine list. Enjoy sitting in the courtyard if the weather is good and you are lucky enough to get a table, it is very popular!

#16 Dine and Shop for local produce at the Agrestic Grocer

With their chefs using the best of local produce, the Agrestic Grocer has an exciting menu for all. Need some local fruit and vegetables, beer soap, hampers, eggs or wine – the Agrestic Grocer is your one-stop shop for locally produced goods.

Address : 426 Molong Road Orange

Grocer Opening Hours : Monday to Sunday 08.30 am to 4.00 pm

Cafe : Wednesday to Sunday 8.30 am to 3.00 pm Tuesday 8.30 am to 3.30 pm

#17 Fancy a sweet pastry head to Racine Bakery

Address : 166B Summer Street Orange

Expect to queue for some of the best organic sourdough bread, artisan bread, real butter pastries, pies and sausage rolls, yummy cakes and biscuits.

#18 Best Coffee in Orange NSW – Byng St Cafe

For the best coffee in Orange head to Byng St Cafe. A popular cafe for locals and visitors – a favourite of ours is the custard tarts. We had to go back for seconds.

#19 Whiskey tasting at Washington’s Whiskey Bar

If you are a whiskey lover head to Washington & Co Whiskey Bar for a pre-dinner tipple. So much choice of whiskey and bourbon from around the world and for non whiskey drinkers a selection of local wines are available.

Address : 243 Summer Street Orange

Opening Hours : Wednesday to Sunday from 5 pm to Midnight.

#20 – Dine at Sister’s Rock Restaurant – Food and Wine Pairing

One of the best restaurants in Orange NSW is Sister’s Rock located at the Borrodell Vineyard. Showcasing the best of Orange’s local produce on the 3 course menu for $90 pp or 4 course menu for $105.

Enjoy incredible views over Towac Valley towards Orange whilst you enjoy a beautiful dining experience.

Opening Hours : Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday  – Long lunches 12.00pm – last booking 3pm. Sunday  – Long lunches 12pm – last booking 4pm.

#21 Spend a few nights at the 3 Bedroom Chardonnay Cottage at Borrodell Vineyard

Looking for accommodation in Orange in a vineyard? We spent a wonderful 4 nights staying at the 3 bedroom Chardonnay Cottage on the Borrodell Vineyard Estate. The Cottage had all that we needed, with stunning views, fully equipped kitchen, verandah and visits from a local kangaroo family at sunset.

You can read our review here of our stay.

Hotels in Orange

Wondering where to stay in Orange? Check out this accommodation in Orange here.

Getting To Orange

Orange Airport is a 15 minute drive from Orange.

Qantas and Rex Airlines fly to Orange from Sydney. Flight time is about 48 minutes.

For the latest schedules and flight deals click here for more information.

Need to hire a car on arrival? Check out the latest deals here.

Maybe you are considering hiring a campervan – check out our partner Jucy’s latest deals here.

Need to take out travel insurance? Check the latest policy details here and obtain a quote.

Join our private Facebook Group here – Australia Travel Planning Staycation Australia for more travel inspirations around Australia.

Best Time to Visit Orange

For spectacular autumn hues visit in March and April. Orange is known as Australia’s Colour City for its autumn colours.

Summers are warm and Winter is cool to cold and you can expect snow at times. There is nothing better though than wine tasting with an open fire and a glass of a good Orange red.

You can now add our articles to your Pinterest Boards

Conclusion:

We hope you have enjoyed our article on Orange’s attractions and the best places to eat in Orange plus a range of top wineries in Orange to visit. As you can see it is a fun-filled destination for all to enjoy. Feel free to share our article with family and friends. If you have visited Orange we would love to hear from you – just drop your best places in Orange to visit below in the comments.

You may enjoy these NSW travel articles:

Best Wineries in the Hunter Valley

Visit the Blue Mountains

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Anna Sherchand

Solo Female Travel Blog

Fun things to do in Orange NSW (secret ones included)

Sydneysiders now that the restrictions are lifting, it is time to plan our weekend breaks and spend the holidays in our own backyard. Today I am sharing fun things to do in Orange NSW. Yes, we have our own Orange in Australia guys don’t mix it up with the orange county in the States!

Orange is a city located in the central west region of New South Wales, Australia. It is famous for its fresh produce, cool-climate wines, colorful foliage, and snowy winters. Whether you are going solo, with family, or with kids, you will love this gorgeous getaway in the regional Country of New South Wales.

Let’s start with the name! Do you know why it’s called Orange?

That is because it was named in honor of the Prince of Orange, and originally it was known as Blackman’s Swamp. ‘Orange’, is an accidental nickname because instead of oranges, Orange actually grows apples which are almost half the NSW crop!

Best things to do in Orange NSW

How to travel from sydney to orange, where to stay in orange, fun things to do in orange nsw, 1. visit wineries in orange, 2. hike at the mount canobolas, 3. sit by the lake canobolas reserve, 4. go fruit picking in orange, 5. stroll around the orange botanic gardens, 6. visit the gosling creek reserve, 7. meet the kangaroos, 8. the falls waterfalls, 9. visit orange regional museum, 10. take on the fear, skydive in orange, 11. play at the orange mini golf, 12. relax at the macquarie medi spa, 13. watch sunsets at the mount canobolas state conservation area, 14. waterbabies go to orange aquatic centre, 15. cook park heritage walk, 16. eat at some of the best restaurants/markets, let me know in the comments:.

But first, the most FAQ,

There are 3 ways to get from Sydney to Orange by plane, train, or car.

Cheap- The cheapest way is to drive which costs $30 – $50 and takes about 3 hours to cover 206 km. Most locals prefer to make it a road trip out of this drive.

Quick- The quickest way is to take a direct flight which takes 50 min and which costs $160 – $470. Regional Express offers flights from Sydney Airport to Orange Airport.

Alternative- You can also take a direct train departing from Central Station station and arriving at Orange Station station. Services depart twice a week and operate Monday. The journey takes approximately 4h 41m.

Things to do in NSW

There are 99+ hotels available in Orange. Prices start at $70 AUD per night for 2 adults in 1 room! Check out trusted booking.com to see all the properties and find one that suits you best. Alternatively,  Agoda offers various accommodation options also.

Feel free to use this article as a weekend itinerary to Orange. Below are the orange attractions that are worth visiting.

The first fun things in orange are to visit the wineries. I had a Quest Hotel stay package that came with a Philip Shaw wine tour. It was fun to learn about their exclusive winemaking process and try some of their best wines that came with a plate of nibbles. Wines were also available for purchase by the glass or bottle to enjoy on the deck overlooking their massive fireplace and vineyard.

You could be sipping on wine and nibbling at a very delicious cheese platter and next minute, having a great time wandering around the vineyard, learning about wine from the expert, meeting other fellow wine enthusiasts, and the cute farm dog! Needless to say, wine-tasting tours are a good source of entertainment in Orange.

Best day trips from Sydney by train

There are some easy and worthwhile short walks from the summit, which has ample parking through the woods. The Federal Falls walk is a very good one, partway down the mountain, is a bit steep in parts, takes a couple of hours, and is well worth the effort. You will see the 360-degree views of Orange and surrounds and there are also many information boards for education.

Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area is a great choice for a weekend gateway in itself because it offers birdwatching, walking, scenic views, pretty picnic areas, and a great campground also.

One of the other best things to do in Orange NSW is visit Lake Canobolas. Located about 15 minutes drive from Orange and is a tranquil lake in the heart of the wine valley. It’s a great picnic area with BBQs or you can buy munchies at a nice Lakeshore cafe with indoor and outdoor seating areas. You can also walk over the lake bridge to the other side, see the dam or drive there also.

Looking for the next weekend’s trip? Here’s an idea! Things to do in Berry NSW

One of the Orange NSW attractions is visiting the local farms. As a first-time Orange visitor or on your 10th visit, it is always special to visit a farm where your favorite fruits come from, and even more special if you get to pick the fruit from the tree yourself! Whether it be delicious cherry, apples, or any other stone fruits. You can ring the farms in Orange and go for fruit picking activity and buy what you picked!

The Canobolos Volcano has given the district the gift of deep volcanic soil. Hence anything ( apples, stone fruit, and of course, vineyards ) that can grow at this altitude will abound. Some of the well-known farms are Huntley Berry Farm in Orange, V & D Farms, and Pearce S. Bring your friends or go solo it is one of the fun things to do in Orange NSW.

It is a lovely garden and looks even more beautiful during spring and autumn. There are several different exhibits like the Apple Garden and also a rose garden with a cute Chapel that would make for a beautiful wedding ceremony! Great place to stroll for a little while anyway. Next door to the gardens, there is an orange adventure playground which is spectacular and great for kids under 8 years old.

10 Exciting weekend getaways from Sydney 0-3 hours away

If you watched my Instagram story, it was the first lake we visited in Orange. Gosling Creek Reserve is a secret spot for many tourists- a great place for a picnic and stroll around the lake edge. It is ideally located near Orange (behind the Base Hospital and next to the old motor race track).

The lake itself is worth the drive or cycling, and the walking tracks are well-formed and open also. Great vantage points for aquatic and bird wildlife, a kid’s play area, and picnic tables. Could do with more shade roofs as the sun can be a blinder here in the summer. Right next door to a leash-free dog walk area and other interesting walks. There is a fishing deck as well if you are into that.

Yes, you can see the wild kangaroos in Orange sunbathing and hanging out in the open! And no you don’t have to pay an entry fee or anything to see them. Just be quiet, don’t disturb them and you should be good. That said, not many people know where to find these cute kangaroos in Orange unless you are a local!

Luckily, during my visit, I got to meet a local who kindly showed us where we could see the kangaroos. Between you and me, drive to the Orange Health Services building (it is a public hospital so be mindful of the hospital visitors), park your car, and quietly walk up to the park behind the building. You will be welcomed by dozen of Kangaroos hopping around, sunbathing chilling at the park. Just make sure if you ever see a Kangaroo in town, exercise caution, and try to avoid its path as it may be scared and run into you or attack. 

Not many people know of this hidden gem in Orange. So between you and me, it is called The Falls waterfalls. There are two various ways you can get to this falls. Let me start with the easiest one! Drive up to the Mullion Range State Conservation Area, you can park there for free. Then start walking towards the path among the trees. Keep walking until you see two paths in front of you, take the left one, and keep walking. Shortly after you will need to climb down some man-made stone stairs and the Falls waterfalls will be right in front of you! This area is great for bushwalking, waterfalls, birdwatching, scenic lookouts, picnicking, gold mining history as well as swimming and fishing.

Another way you can get there is by following the Central Mines trail to The Falls Waterfalls at Summer Hill Creek.

Either way, you will be able to see the breathtaking views of the creek cascading down over two levels. The falls are lovely all year round but are especially striking when water levels in the creek are high following heavy rainfall. At the bottom of this glorious waterfall, you’ll find a tranquil swimming hole that makes the most perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day.

You can also enjoy a picnic before or after your journey of discovery at the Mullion Range State Conservation Area in Orange. Just remember to put on sunscreen before you set out and remember to take a hat, drink water, and first aid. ( I got cut by a massive throne on the trail and had no bandage:/) And take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch!

Something to note is there is limited/no mobile reception in this park. So let your friends/family know beforehand where you will be if they need you.

It doesn’t sound that much fun but visiting an award-winning museum is special in its own way. They will see dynamic exhibitions and engaging public programs for audiences of all ages. Opened in 2016, you can expect to learn more about the history of the region as well as see their short-term exhibitions in this museum. Other vibrant public space that is also worth visiting includes the Orange Regional Gallery, Orange Civic Theatre, Orange City Library, and the Visitor Information Centre.

If I hadn’t done Skykick before, I would have definitely done it this time in orange. Skydiving in Orange includes the breathtaking views of Mount Canobolas, the Cadia Mine, and views of the town, the feeling of the ultimate rush, and free fall at over 200 km per hour for 60 seconds!

Once in a lifetime experience and if you are up for the challenge and thrill, I recommend it. Just book it in advance.

10 Fun weekend getaways close to Sydney 3-6 hours away

If Skydiving is not your cup of tea, Orange has a mini-golf course that you can indulge in. They are open daily from mid-morning and sometimes have school holiday specials and promotions going on making it one of the fun things to do in Orange NSW.

If you are after a bit of me-time or relaxation, head to Macquarie Medi Spa which is a luxurious spa setting with elegantly furnished private rooms. You will have heated treatment beds, piped music, air-conditioning, luxury robes, and blankets also. They were opened in September 2016 and since then they have won multiple awards throughout their journey!

Mount Canobolos is located a few minutes drive from the CBD of Orange. This mountain is basically the core of a 15,000-odd million-year aged volcano! From its chilly peak of almost 2,000 meters, you can see the spread of the Caldera, in all directions.

It is in fact the highest point east of the West Australian coast which makes it a perfect spot to watch the Orange sunsets. From locals to visitors everyone heads for the hills for sunsets, go recommend going a bit early.

If you are looking for more things to do in Orange NSW, head to Orange Aquatic Centre for a good swim. It is open all year round and is a family-friendly place on Hill Street. You can choose from the outdoor 50 meters Olympic Pool or the huge indoor facility featuring a 25-meter lap pool, leisure, and toddler pools.

If you are looking for free things to do in orange, visit Cook Park. It is a beautiful old park (1973!) in the center of Orange full of cold climate plants, a duck pond, a begonia hothouse, and a lovely craft shop featuring works by local artisans. The park also features the original grand gates at the front. It’s just gorgeous for a self-guided walk around here, especially during colorful autumn.

28 Sydney Bucketlist that you can’t miss

And lastly, the list of fun things to do in Orange NSW includes good food. There are some good to excellent places to eat in Orange, great coffee, and friendly people. Being a university town as well as a vibrant rural community, there are lots of hospitality options and places to go. The Peacock Room and Bela Vista Bar at The Oriana, The Greenhouse of Orange, Mr. Lim, Byng Street Cafe & Local Store are some of the local businesses that offer great food and drinks. The Sonic is a great place to browse for gifts at the boutique shops and visit the grocers for truffles! The rich volcanic soils produce premium truffles, too. You could even go on a cellar doors crawl, food tours, fresh produce stalls, and farmers market each second Saturday; it is a wholesome vibe all around.

Orange is a beautiful destination to get a great sense of the diversity including its gold mining boom-era history, with the old water race that once fed water through to mining areas, growing coffee culture, entertaining wine industry, and amazing sunsets.

Day trips from Orange, NSW

You can even do day trips from Orange to Cowra, Parkes, Dubbo & the Open Plains Zoo, Canowindra, Carcoar & Millthorpe. These are charming small towns nearby and Jenolan Caves & Hartley are other options.

I hope you read till the end of these fun things to do in Orange NSW and it helps in your preparation to visit Orange.

• If you have any questions about these fun things to do in Orange NSW?
• Check out 10 Virtual Experiences in Sydney
• Heading to Snowy mountains for winter? How about things to do in Thredbo in summer and in winter?
• Next weekend trip? check out solo itinerary to Canberra
• Check out the 10 best instagrammable cafes in sydney
• Sydney itinerary 5 days is here.
• Interested in 10 hidden beaches and bays in Sydney ?
• 99% of readers found must see on the east coast of Australia helpful.
• Check out how you can explore Adelaide  South Australia the best way.
• Heading to iconic Alice Springs for that unique Uluru trip ?
• Here I share must do in Darwin , Australia.
• Solo travel guide to Brisbane , Goldcoast (Insta worthy places included!)
• Heading to Melbourne next, check out Melbourne travel guide for first timers.
• Heading to Perth ? read Perth solo itinerary
• Next Stop? check out the most beautiful places in New Zealand South Island.
• Going to Vietnam after Australia? Check out the 7 days Hanoi travel guide.
• Alternatively, you can check hotel prices and book it through trusted  Agoda , or  Booking.com
• Read the most wanted  travel resource  here.
• If you like this article, follow my adventures on Instagram ,  Facebook ,  YouTube ,  Twitter , and Pinterest , but most importantly  sign up to my email list  to keep up with updates and travel posts!
• ← 32 exciting must-see places on the east coast of Australia 2024
• 14 best area to stay in Melbourne CBD →

You May Also Like

Solo trip to Newcastle, Australia

16 best things to do in Circular Quay

Captain Cook Dinner cruise Sydney (With Photos)

17 thoughts on “ fun things to do in orange nsw (secret ones included) ”.

Heading there tomorrow, this came in handy, Thanks!

New South Wales is just a wonderland. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I love all the natural beauty of the area. That’s what I’m really drawn to when I travel.

So many things to do. Sounds like amazing place to visit. Unfortunately I’m far away on the other side of the planet. But I really enjoyed this virtual tour. Thanks!

Wow, that is actually a lot of things to do. I love the waterfalls and the botanical gardens would be a favorite. But those pictures of the fall leaves!!!! So beautiful.

I love your pictures. I really love them. So many things are there to do in there. Wow! Your itinery is awesome…..

I want to visit all of these places. They looks so fun and amazing! Can’t wait to travel soon.

I am adding this to my bucket list for whenever I get the chance to travel Down under. I love visiting wineries 🙂

I am loving all your pictures and Looks like you have had so much fun travelling for sure x

It sounds like my kind of place. Especially the wineries.

I wasn’t aware of Orange – it’s a beautiful place indeed. Lake Canobolas seems magnificent and watching the sunset is also a great option. I loved the pictures. I can see there are a lot of attractions like The Falls Waterfalls and also relaxing at the wineries would be my goto thing.Thanks for the ideas.

Love how you started the post with photos with orange foliage, orange juice and later orange sunset ! I was trying to find if we can actually pick oranges in the farms, but I don’t think so. Love to check out the Falls waterfall, seems like a fun hike ! =)

If I ever get to Australia – and I’ve been trying – I’m definitely going to Orange. It is such a gorgeous place. I had no idea there was so much to see and do there.

hi from orange county California! i did not know Australia had their own Orange. I’m totally jealous that your Orange has kangaroos! so cute. i would love to see a kangaroo or two in Australia.

I just felt like I am into the place already. Such a lovely post and so many ways to entertain yourself at Orange NSW. love your blog design!

Orange in Australia is so damn beautiful. I am loving all those orange colors of the foliage there. Interesting, that instead of Orange, apple is their main produce. There is so much to do in Orange and we would love to do some of the activities as visit falls, skydive, watch the sunset and definitely meet Kangaroos.

I am a water baby! Thank you for opening my eyes to Orange Aquatic Center so this one will be my summer break destination.

I never knew that there are lots of activities you can do in Orange. I love to hike so I might try to visit Mount Canobolas and check the view of the Falls. Maybe over the school holidays coming up!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Accommodation
• Travel Inspiration

A guide to an accessible holiday in Orange

If you want to enjoy orange’s fantastic restaurants, wineries and hotels, but have accessibility needs, fear not – the town’s best venues have you covered..

Destination NSW

Where to stay 

Orange has some great places to stay, and many have good accessibility. Quest Orange , in the heart of town, for example, has one-, two- and three-bed accessible serviced apartments, with features including wide hallways and wheelchair-friendly laundry facilities. 

Also in town, the luxurious de Russie Boutique Hotel offers an accessible suite with elevator access, as well as a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom configured for wheelchair access. It’s a similar story at Byng Sreet Boutique Hotel , where rooms are on the ground floor, and an accessible suite is specially equipped for those with limited mobility.  

If you want to stay among the vines, options include the Turners Vineyard Motel , just a few minutes from town but with a backdrop of rolling hills. It has two ground-floor studios, accessible rooms with wheelchair-friendly access and bathrooms.  

Byng St Boutique Hotel , Orange - Credit: Pablo Veiga

Where to eat 

Orange’s remarkable dining scene makes fabulous use of the amazing produce that grows in the rich local soils – and lots of venues are accessible. Printhie Dining , for example, may be on the slopes of Mount Canobolas , 1,000m above sea level, but the restaurant is on one level, which is great for accessibility, and there’s parking, too.  

Printhie Wines Cellar Door , Orange

Meanwhile, in town, options include Charred Kitchen & Bar , which has a wheelchair ramp and accessible bathroom so everyone can enjoy the remarkable things that emerge from ​​’Lucifer’, its wood and charcoal oven.  

At street level, famous Racine Bakery is hard to pass. You’ll want to linger over homemade sausage rolls, quiche Lorraine, beef Burgundy pie and lemon meringue tart. There’s also plenty of space for those with limited mobility at Byng Street Local Store , where you can enjoy excellent coffee and a great selection of breakfast and lunch favourites.   

Byng Street Local Store , Orange

Where to drink 

Borrodell – home to a vineyard, fruit orchards and a trufferie – also occupies a steep site on the slopes of ​​Mount Canobolas, and offers dramatic views over this stunning countryside. But both its SkyBar – where tastings take place – and its Sister’s Rock Restaurant are wheelchair friendly, with accessible bathrooms.  

Sister's Rock Restaurant at Borrodell Vineyard , Canobolas

Also on the slopes of Mount Canobolas, Heifer Station  offers wine tasting in a century-old shearing shed. It provides priority parking, accessible and ambulant toilets​​, wheelchair access between buildings and to some of the gardens, and two mobility ramps that can be moved as needed. 

​​​ Ross Hill Wines also offers wheelchair access to its cellar door. And, if you phone ahead, the staff will make sure you get good seating, with plenty of room to settle in, relax and enjoy a wine tasting flight. 

Heifer Station , Orange

More articles by theme

You may also like....

A wellness guide to the Blue Mountains

The most unique stays in NSW’s New England region

Top food adventures for kids in Sydney and NSW

Unique stays in Newcastle for every type of traveller

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay connected to Visit NSW for all the latest news, stories, upcoming events and travel inspiration.

Discover Somewhere New

All the insider news, tips and inspiration you need to plan your next trip, delivered straight to your inbox.

Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water.

• NSW Government
• Destination New South Wales (Corporate site)

VisitNSW.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. © Copyright 2024 Destination NSW. All rights reserved