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COLOUR CITY
Nestled in the foothills of an extinct volcano in Central West NSW, the Orange region is one of Australia’s most prominent and sophisticated food and wine destinations.
The rich volcanic soil, combined with four distinct seasons, provides the perfect conditions for abundant local produce, while its spectacular scenery and booming cultural scene is why Orange is known as the ‘Colour City’, ensuring an unforgettable experience for visitors to this thriving regional city.
Founded more than 180 years ago, the discovery of the first payable gold at Ophir in 1851 brought prospectors and wealth to Orange, a rich heritage visible in the city’s beautiful streets today.
But it was the fertile land that drew farmers across the Blue Mountains to establish lush apple and cherry orchards and flourishing pastoral enterprises in the region, earning a reputation as ‘Australia’s Food Basket’.
The district’s first vineyards emerged in the 1980s, heralding the birth of the Orange Wine Region, a high-altitude, cool-climate location producing a diverse range of grape varieties and exquisite wines.
LOVING ORANGE?
Vote for this top town in the 2024 Top Tourism Town Awards
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Orange is a three-and-a-half-hour drive or a 55-minute flight from Sydney and is serviced by three airlines: Qantas, Rex and Link Airways.
Get to know the city at the Orange Visitor Information Centre, where the friendly staff can answer all of your questions. While you’re there, visit the Orange Regional Museum and learn about the history of the region as you wander through its permanent exhibit Inherit: Old and new histories.
Next door, Orange Regional Gallery is showing an exhibition of works painted ‘en plein air’ by Sydney artist Euan Macleod, and highlights of its permanent collection.
Find something special at one of the city’s unique boutiques and speciality stores. Browse the curated collection of fashion and homewares at The White House in Byng Street or grab an eclectic piece at Hawkes General Store in leafy Anson Street.
You will find Jumbled @ The Sonic in the old Masonic Hall. Immerse yourself in the unique artworks, gifts, furniture, fashion and homewares, and grab an afternoon espresso from the cafe Gather @ The Sonic.
The Orange Wine Region is home to more than 80 vineyards and 30 cellar doors, showcasing an impressive range of boutique and family-owned wineries tucked among the rolling hills of the district. Meet the winemakers while tasting wonderfully diverse wines. Combine it with a delicious lunch at Ross Hill Wines and breathtaking views at Borrodell Vineyard.
The city’s CBD is packed with boutique cellar doors, distilleries and breweries. Enjoy a gin tasting at Parrot Distilling Co or a beer tasting at Badlands Brewery. Visit hole-in-the-wall wine bar Hey Rosey, the Washington & Co whiskey bar or relax with a glass of wine at Ferment.
There are delicious dining experiences in the heart of Orange with flavours from across the world. Enjoy mouthwatering modern Japanese cuisine at Raku Izakaya, authentic Italian at La Milano, dynamic Korean dishes at Mr Lim, or treat yourself to a superb meal at the hatted restaurant The Union Bank Orange. Drop in for a sweet treat from the irresistible Spilt Milk gelato bar after dinner.
Orange offers an excellent variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, boutique luxury, camping and caravan parks and apartments, cottages and holiday houses. The Byng St Boutique Hotel is an award-winning high-end accommodation experience in the beautifully restored Yallungah homestead, a stone’s throw from the historic Duntryleague Golf Club, historic pub The Gladstone Hotel and the popular Byng Street Local Store.
Orange’s heritage-listed Cook Park embodies the magnificent splendour of the four seasons. Share a picnic among the shady trees of the Victorian-era park and drop in to the Blowes Conservatory to see the stunning begonia display.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the naturally undulating 17-hectare Orange Botanic Gardens, which features an impressive collection of native and exotic plants, a haven for many native birds in the area.
The highest peak between the Blue Mountains and the Indian Ocean, the majestic Gaanha-bula (Mount Canobolas) is a 20-minute drive from town and is home to the diverse ecosystem of the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area. Enjoy 360-degree views from the summit of the extinct volcano and take a bushwalk along one of the many nature trails.
At the foot of the mount, the Lake Canobolas Reserve is Orange’s most popular recreation spot, offering water activities, walking and cycling trails, picnic spots and barbecue facilities. The Lakeside Kiosk and Café also offers scrumptious treats to enjoy in the beautiful surrounds.
The city’s burgeoning cultural scene means Orange is fast emerging as the events capital of inland NSW, through annual events such as Australia’s longest-running regional food festival Orange FOOD Week, the annual Orange Wine Festival and the Orange Rainbow Festival, celebrating acceptance and diversity in the region.
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FOUR DAYS IN ORANGE
Visit the Orange region and see what makes it unique, all year round.
Whether it's the kaleidoscope colours of Autumn, the burst of Spring blossoms, the warmth of cosy Winter around the fire, or the joy of mild Summer days, Orange is the destination that offers something all year-round. The thriving country town is as rich in heritage as it is in award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, glorious gardens and bustling markets. Famed for its rich produce-yielding soils, cool-climate wines and spectacular scenery, this gateway to Country NSW will keep you coming back.
