Staff Picks: 10 Things to do in Orange

Orange is a regional city located in the central Tableland region of New South Wales. Only 254km west of Sydney, this stunning area is known for its local produce, lush parklands, award-winning vineyards, boutique shopping experiences, and fine dining restaurants. The tree-lined streets and classic country homes are the perfect backdrop to this thriving community.

Orange is also the birthplace of iconic Australian poet, journalist and author A. B. “Banjo” Paterson, who grew up in this charming and historic country town. The area still holds its history close to its heart with a range of preserved historic sites. Including the championship golf course, museums, and heritage walking trails.

The region is also known as the country’s snowiest city due to its cool winter temperatures. This makes it the perfect place to grow grapes in vineyards, alongside other seasonal vegetation.

Looking to make the trip to Orange? We asked some of our team at Southern Phone about their favourite spots to visit when in Orange.

Here are their picks:

Vineyards over sunset in Orange city council

Photo by Destination NSW.

Swinging Bridge Vineyard

This winery produces premium craft wines right in the heart of Orange. It was first founded by two cousins and gets its name from a historic wooden footbridge spanning the Belubula River which sat at the foot of their first vineyard and property.

House in orange over clear blue sky

Photo by Visit NSW.

Philip Shaw Wines Cellar Door

Now with over 60 wineries and 40 cellar doors in the Orange region alone, it’s no surprise our next stop is another wonderful winery. Philip Shaw wines are sold all over Australia and overseas and mainly sourced from their Koomooloo Vineyard in Orange. The vineyard is located close by the region’s highest peak, Mt Canobolas, which gives the area an altitude of 900m and unique red loam soil. This creates the perfect conditions and climate for their wines.

If you’re looking to experience all the wineries available in this region a wine tour might be your best bet. Try Orange Wine Tours or Uncork Orange Wine Tours.

Orange regional museum front of building over cloudy blue sky in Orange city council.

Photo by Visit NSW.

Orange Regional Museum

This award-winning museum houses exhibitions and programs for all audiences and ages. It showcases long term and temporary exhibits alongside travelling exhibitions from all around Australia. The museum features everything from history, science, technology, and culture. Be sure to check their website before your visit so you can see what amazing art and cultural experiences are on offer!

Gates to botanic gardens in orange city council

Photo by Visit NSW.

Orange Botanic Gardens

The 17-hectare botanic garden features an impressive selection of native and exotic flora and fauna. It was first opened in 1998 for the Australian Bicentenary where original native plants, exotic trees and more were first planted. Today, it’s the perfect place for bird watching, a short stroll or a picnic to take in the beautiful landscape and scenic district views. There are also playground and barbeque facilities available, located near the Adventure Playground.

Mountain over vineyards in orange city council

Photo by Orange City Council.

Mount Canobolas

This mountain is actually an ancient volcano that sits 1395 metres above sea level, making it the highest peak between the Blue Mountains and the Indian Ocean. Visit the lookout point, a short drive from town, to experience a complete 360-degree view from the summit. There are also walking trails around the mountain such as the Federal Falls Track. This is great for getting a closer look at the mountain and the local natural bushland.

Leagues club mansion in Orange city council

Photo by The National Trust of Australia.

Duntryleague Golf Club & Clubhouse

Whether you’re an avid player or just love historical sites, you can’t come to Orange without visiting its championship 18-hole golf course. You can even take a tour of the stunning 3-storey mansion on-site. This attraction features a magnificently crafted stairway, stained glass window from the Vatican, iron lace embellishments and portico plus much more. On this tour, you can learn about the mansion’s history alongside interesting facts about the Orange region.

Hot air balloon over orange city council

Hot Air Ballooning

Explore the stunning Orange region from the sky with a tranquil hot air balloon ride! Discover the stunning landscape and views the region has to offer. Each year the region also hosts the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge where the locals compete in hot air balloon contests. It’s quite an amazing sight!

Freshly picked strawberries

Huntly Berry Farm

As Orange is known for its delicious seasonal produce, it wouldn’t be right to visit the region without tasting some for yourself! At the Huntly Berry Farm, pick your own fruits, meet farm animals, enjoy a picnic or BBQ. You can also learn about the processes behind growing their signature fruits and vegetables. Don't forget to pick up some delicious homemade jams and conserves in their shop too!

Lake in orange city council

Photo by Central NSW Museums.

Ophir Reserve

This historical site is home to the scene of the very first Gold Rush. With the first Australian payable gold discovery found here in 1851. There is a picnic and camping ground nearby by the pond and creeks of the mines, or you can just spend the day walking and discovering the area!

Gold pans are available for hire from the Visitor Information Centre. So you can go panning in the Summer Hill Creek! A great activity for getting the kids involved in the region’s rich history.

Cave in Orange city cuncil

Photo by NSW National Parks And Wildlife Service.

Borenore Caves

Located in the Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve is the Verandah Cave. A 3.5km walk, and about an hour’s hike from the picnic area, you can explore the limestone caves and pools. The cave is also a shady and quiet place for a scenic picnic too.

Contact our team today.

Staff Picks: Top 10 Things to do in Orange

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