For such a small regional town there is surprisingly a lot of amazing things to do in Orange, NSW. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing weekend escape from Sydney with stunning views and incredible food and wine then Orange NSW is the perfect place for you. These are the best things to do in Orange, NSW!
The Best Things to Do in Orange, NSW
1. Orange Wine Region
First and foremost, you will not be disappointed by the incredible wine produced in the Orange region! The wine produced in this region alone make Orange NSW worth a visit. If you are a wine lover, especially the whites, Orange should 100% be on the top of your list for your next holiday. Tucked among rolling, vine-covered hills, outback paddocks and winding country lanes the Orange NSW wine country is home to more than 60 vineyards and 40 cellar doors.
As well as being very productive, this wine country is incredibly pretty and understandably attracts a lot of tourists to its rolling 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 Ross Hill, Swinging Bridge, Heifer Station, Rowlee and Nashdale Lane, all within a short drive of the city. More details on the wineries we visited are in this post- Is Orange, NSW worth a visit?
2. 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 astonishing to think that is the highest peak between the Blue Mountains and the Indian Ocean! Surrounded 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 remarkable 360° view over Orange. The mountain is littered with trails to help you get to a variety of beauty spots like waterfalls and lookouts on the slopes, making it easily on the list of one of the best things to do in Orange, NSW!
3. Indulge in the Local Produce
The gastronomic scene hits the top of the list on the best things to do in Orange, NSW. There’s nothing better than great wine with great food and Orange has plenty of both. There are a huge number of highly rated restaurants in Orange and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Though long-known for its excellent local produce, cool-climate wines and fine dining restaurants, the gastronomic scene in Orange NSW has exploded in recent years cementing its status as one of Australia’s most prominent and sophisticated food and wine destinations. Known as ‘Australia’s Food Basket’, the region is a haven of vineyard-dotted hills and abundant stone fruit and orchards. The combination of high altitude, a cool climate and rich volcanic soil create prime conditions for growing grapes, cherries, peaches, plums, apples, figs, quinces, truffles and so much more.
High recommendations from the locals of Orange include: Racine Bakery, Lolli Redini, Charred, Parkview Hotel and the Agrestic Grocer.
4. 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 steep climb, up more than 200 steps.
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.
5. Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve
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,. 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 caves in all their wonder.
6. Mayfield Garden
Mayfield Garden definitely tops the list on reasons why Orange NSW is worth a visit. You won’t believe the beauty and scale of this garden until you’ve visited! The kaleidoscope of colours throughout the gardens amazed us and we were constantly stopping at different areas, mouths open in awe. The Mayfield Garden is like nirvana for the social media enthusiast, providing endless opportunities for the ‘perfect’ Insta shot. You will walk through areas of blooming flowers, cascading waterfalls, garden ponds, bridges and there’s even an English Box Hedge Maze- one of the largest in Australia! Check us out on our Insta stories as we get lost in the maze!
Mayfield is made up of two main garden areas, Mayfield Garden and the Hawkins’ Family Garden – together they make up the spectacular, world-class 65-hectare cool climate garden. Mayfield Garden covers 16 hectares and the Hawkins’ Family Garden is an additional 49 hectares. Mayfield Garden has been specially designed to open year-round as a tourist destination (only closed 25 & 26 December) whereas the whole Hawkins’ Family Garden is open to visitors during four seasonal festivals, which we visited during their Autumn festival.
Getting here: Mayfield is located about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Sydney, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Orange or 40 minutes from Bathurst and 10 minutes from Oberon. There are large billboards at every major approach.
Opening hours: Open 9.00am, last entry into the garden is 3.00pm, garden centre closes at 4.30pm.
Cost: Prices start from $22 for an adult
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What’s first on your list of the best things to do in Orange, NSW?
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