15 Best Things to do in Orange NSW (Food, Wine & Scenic Views)

Looking for the best things to do in Orange NSW? This charming regional town is one of Australia’s top food and wine destinations, known for its cool-climate wineries, incredible local produce, and scenic countryside.

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, there’s more to Orange than just wineries. From vineyard lunches and farmers markets to lookouts, gardens, and seasonal experiences, this guide covers the best things to do in Orange NSW to help you plan the perfect trip.

Best Things to Do in Orange NSW

The best things to do in Orange NSW include visiting local wineries, enjoying a long lunch, exploring Mount Canobolas, browsing farmers markets, and discovering scenic lookouts. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxed food and wine getaway.

1. Visit the Orange Wine Region

You can’t talk about the best things to do in Orange NSW without starting with the wine. This is one of Australia’s highest cool-climate wine regions, sitting around 600–1,000m above sea level, which is what gives the wines here their crisp, elegant flavour.

There are over 40 cellar doors to explore, and the region is especially known for Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc.

👉 Best time to visit:

• Autumn (March–May) → harvest season, best vibe
• Spring (Sept–Nov) → vineyards are lush and green

I’ve put together a full guide on the wineries you shouldn’t miss 👇

2. Enjoy a Long Lunch at a Winery

One of the best things to do in Orange NSW is slowing down and enjoying a long lunch at a winery — this is where the region really shines.

Many wineries and restaurants focus heavily on local produce, so you’ll get seasonal menus paired with local wines overlooking the vineyards.

👉 Top spots to consider:

• Printhie Dining
• Rowlee Dining & Bar

👉 Best time:
Year-round, but autumn + spring are the most popular.

If you’re planning a bigger Australia trip, you might also like my full East Coast Australia itinerary.

3. Do a Wine Tour (If You Don’t Want to Drive)

If you don’t want to drive between cellar doors, booking a wine tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the best wineries in Orange NSW.

Most tours include transport, multiple winery stops, and local knowledge you wouldn’t get on your own.

👉 Good for: couples, groups, or anyone wanting a stress-free day
👉 Best time: Year-round (book ahead on weekends)

4. Indulge in the Local Food Scene

Orange NSW is known as one of Australia’s top food regions — and once you visit, it’s easy to see why.

From casual cafés to award-winning restaurants, the focus here is on seasonal, local produce.

👉 Top spots:

• Lolli Redini
• Charred Kitchen & Bar
• The Agrestic Grocer

👉 Best time: Year-round (book ahead — it gets busy)

5. Browse the Orange Farmers Market

If you’re in town at the right time, the Orange Farmers Market is a must.

👉 When:

• Second Saturday of every month
• Held at Robertson Park (summer) or Naylor Pavilion (winter)

This is one of the best ways to experience the region’s produce — think fresh fruit, pastries, local meats, cheeses, and more.

👉 Tip: Go early — the best stuff sells out quickly.

If you’re planning a bigger trip, this Australia travel guide breaks down the best itineraries, hidden gems, and experiences across the country to help you map it all out.

6. Visit Lake Canobolas

Lake Canobolas is one of the easiest and most relaxing things to do in Orange NSW.

It’s perfect for a walk, picnic, or just a break between wineries. There are BBQ areas, walking paths, and a café nearby.

👉 Best time:

Autumn for scenery
Spring & summer for picnics

7. Explore Mount Canobolas

Mount Canobolas is the highest point between the Blue Mountains and the coast, and easily one of the most iconic things to do in Orange NSW.

You’ll get panoramic views over the entire region, and on colder days it can even snow.

👉 Best time:

Clear mornings → best views

Winter → chance of snow

8. Visit Pinnacle Lookout

Just a short drive from town, Pinnacle Lookout gives you incredible views over Towac Valley.

There’s a short but steep walk to the top (about 200 steps), but it’s worth it.

👉 Best time:
Sunrise or sunset for the best light

9. Towac Valley Lookout

Less crowded than Pinnacle, Towac Valley Lookout is a quieter alternative with equally beautiful views.

👉 Best time:
Late afternoon or sunset

10. Visit the Orange Botanic Gardens

A bit of a hidden gem, the Orange Botanic Gardens are perfect if you want something slower and more relaxed.

There are walking trails, open lawns, and a small lake — great for a peaceful break.

👉 Best time:
Spring & autumn

11. Explore Cook Park

Right in the centre of town, Cook Park is especially beautiful in autumn, when the trees turn deep reds and oranges.

It’s a simple stop, but a really nice one.

👉 Best time:
Autumn (this is when it’s at its best)

12. Visit Mayfield Garden

Mayfield Garden is one of the most impressive attractions near Orange — and honestly, one of the most unique things to do in NSW.

👉 What to know:

• 65 hectares total
• Seasonal festivals (autumn is the most popular)
• Huge hedge maze, waterfalls, garden landscapes

👉 Best time:

Spring for flowers

Autumn Festival (peak season)

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: From 9.00am, last entry into the garden is 3.00pm, garden centre closes at 4.30pm.

Cost: Prices start from $35 for an adult

13. Explore Borenore Caves

Located just outside Orange, these limestone caves are one of the more adventurous things to do in the region.

👉 Important:

• Bring a torch
• Tunnel Cave is closed May–October (bat hibernation)

👉 Best time:
Spring to early autumn

If you’re still deciding whether to go, you might be wondering — is Orange NSW worth a visit? The short answer is yes, especially if you love food, wine, and relaxed countryside escapes.

14. Go Apple or Cherry Picking (Seasonal)

Orange is known for its orchards, and fruit picking is a really fun seasonal activity.

👉 Seasons:

• Cherries → November–December
• Apples → February–May

👉 Where:

• Hillside Harvest
• Orange Mountain Estate

15. Go Truffle Hunting (Seasonal Experience)

One of the most unique things to do in Orange NSW — especially in winter.

You’ll go out with trained dogs, learn how truffles are found, and usually enjoy a tasting after.

👉 Season:

• June–August (winter only)

👉 Where:

• Borrodell Estate

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As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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