As the Pet Shop Boys say, Go West!
When life calls for a quick country escape, there’s no place better than Orange, New South Wales. It’s the foodie capital of inner NSW serving up delectable wines and delights for discerning taste buds. It’s also an active place, with plenty of hiking expeditions to undertake, as well as a few unique attractions to tickle your fancy. Australians, it’s time to have a cool weekend getaway.
EAT
Orange Farmers Market
Farmer’s Market. Image: Jack Frog / Shutterstock
Every second Saturday of every month, the locals share their best produce at the Orange Farmers Market. The two market locations across Orange, Northcourt and Showground are open to the public from 8:30am through to midday with more than 60 stallholders selling the finest produce. Think vegetables, meats, flowers, jams, bread, pies, pastries and the best alcoholic beverages the region has to offer. This is also a great way to delve into the local spirit.
Orange Farmer’s Market – Northcourt 237/255 Peisley St, Orange and Showground Lot 3, Leeds Parade, Orange
Lolli Redini
Serving up a modern flair using the regional produce that central NSW has to offer, Lolli Redini is one of Orange’s hatted restaurants that has held the title since its opening in 2001. Their service is a la carte, with the choice of two- or three-course meals. Think freshly shucked oysters, papardelle pasta, barramundi, lamb and babaganouche – they even have a tasting menu that matches selected wines with their favourite dishes.
Lolli Redini – 48 Sale St, Orange
Charred Kitchen & Bar
Shellfish Pie at Charred Restaurant & Bar. Image: Supplied
Charred Kitchen & Bar prides itself on serving locally sourced produce while harnessing an impressive beverage collection of 400 wines and 100 beers. The food takes inspiration from around the world, with meats cooked in a wood and charcoal oven. From Tuesday to Saturday, the menu is a la carte and it changes with the seasons. Think pork belly, teriyaki salmon, charred zucchini, and cheese boards for dessert.
Charred Kitchen & Bar – 5 New St, Orange
DRINK
Borrodell Vineyard
Borrodell Vineyard resides 500-metres away from the famed Lake Canobolas, soaking up the unique soil on the lower grounds of Mount Canobolas. Found 1030-metres above sea level, Borrodell Vineyard is one of the highest altitude vineyards in Australia. Taste their impeccable blends in their Sister’s Rock Restaurant, which brings a modern touch to the local produce.
Borrodell Vineyard – 298 Lake Canobolas Rd, Canobolas
Washington & Co. Whiskey Saloon
Washington and Co. Saloon. Image via Facebook supplied.
Wine is the staple of this region, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t journey into other concoctions. Washington & Co. Whiskey Saloon plays a modern spin on those prohibition-era bars of the 1920s in the US. This speakeasy watering hole serves up a collection of whisky that traverses the world, as well as fine spirits and cocktails. To match your drinks is an atmosphere of banter and swinging tunes.
Washington & Co. Whiskey Saloon – 243 Summer St, Orange
The Union Bank
Every town has a locally-loved bar. For Orange, that place is Union Bank, serving up a hearty collection of beverages that capture the local spirit as well as a few international inspirations. To match their wine (or beers and cocktails if you’re that way inclined) is a food menu that also pays respect to the locals. It’s all about what’s in season and crafty cooking at The Union Bank.
The Union Bank – 84 Byng St, Orange
DO
Wine Shopping
Orange Wine Festival. Image: Supplied
There’s one thing that Orange is famous for and that is its unique wine collection. So be sure to have wine shopping in your itinerary. We’ve already mentioned Borrodell Vineyard, but there are plenty of other vineyards that soak up the rich soil that comes from the nearby Mount Canobolas. To name a few, try Philip Shaw wines in the city’s south, Swinging Bridge wines in the west or Mayfield Vineyard in the east. But, wine lovers can rejoice, there’s well over a dozen wineries to sample your way through.
Mount Canobolas
Come and see what Orange is famous for. Mount Canobolas was once a volcano, and thanks to an eruption a few million years ago, the soil in the region is perfect for cool-climate winemaking. At Mount Canobolas, you can drive to the top and get a windy view of the region, trek around the mountain and even witness the nearby Lake Canobolas. We also recommend checking out the wineries and vineyards around the base of the mountain.
Cook Park
Cook Park, Orange. Image: Alf Manciagli / Shutterstock
While the local botanic garden is a nicety in itself, we believe Cook Park in Orange’s city centre is much more special. It may only be 200-metres long and wide, but it packs a unique bit of history. It’s a Victorian-era park that was opened in 1873 and still today hosts a well maintained flora.. A self-guided tour of the park will reveal a duck pond and an aviary with chatty birds like cockatoos. A peaceful addition to your holiday.
Cook Park – Summer St, Orange
Hiking
Mount Canobolas is a nice trek in itself, but there’s more to the Orange region when it comes to hiking. Along the eastern edge of the mountain is Pinnacle Lookout, which is a 30-minute walk from Pinnacle Road. On the northern end of Mount Canobolas is the Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve, boasting great limestone caves that are worth exploring. There is also the Historic Water Race walking track in the Mullion Range State Conservation Area, rich with bird watching and gold mining history.
STAY
de Russie Boutique Hotel
de Russie Boutique Hotel. Image: Supplied
For luxurious accomodation in Orange, look no further than the de Russie Boutique Hotel. The hotel shares 25 self-contained luxury rooms, from studio apartments to spa suites. Each room is expertly designed, showcasing the stunning spirit of the region. As well as their rooms at de Russie, the hotel also holds the deeds to Landsdowne House next door. It’s a Victorian-style villa, furnished for any king and queen who wishes to reside there for a night or two.
de Russie Boutique Hotel – 72 Hill St, Orange
Hotel Canobolas
The Hotel Canobolas is a pub and hotel all in one, with exceptional rooms for any avid traveller. Each of their 45 rooms shares an art deco vibe, replete with modern furnishings and lift access to the restaurant and bar downstairs. Located in the heart of Orange’s CBD, Hotel Canobolas is perfect for business travellers, romantic getaways, and families.
Hotel Canobolas – 248 Summer St, Orange
The Oriana, Orange
Deluxe queen room at Oriana. Image: Supplied
The Oriana is a stylish and funky hotel, featuring rooms with quirky colour schemes and furnishings. They house an onsite restaurant called The Peacock Room, sharing quirky modern dishes to suit any appetite. There’s also the Bella Vista Bar, which serves up a quaint selection of cocktails, wines and beers. You can also eat outside in the gardens and take a much-needed splash in their pool.
The Oriana, Orange – 178-184 Woodward St, Orange
Feature image: Alf Manciagli / Shutterstock
