What to do on a trip to Orange, NSW

Orange in Central West NSW is a favourite destination for its vibrant mix of produce, dining and wine. It’s well worth considering for a decadent weekend in a peaceful setting, and with the return of events, you may want to plan your trip around one of its annual festivals. Check out our guide to the area’s best food, drink and activities below.

How to get to Orange

It’s a 40-minute flight from Sydney to Orange, and a three-and-a-half hour drive from Sydney or Canberra. Melbourne and Brisbane also offer direct flights to the region through Fly Corporate.

The best time to visit Orange

Orange is home to some of Australia’s best festivals and events for lovers of food and wine.

Orange hosts several major festivals throughout the year – Orange F.O.O.D Week in autumn, Orange Fire Festival in winter, and Orange Wine Festival in spring. Whether you plan a getaway to coincide with the changing leaves, to cosy up with warming wines and meals, or to celebrate budburst in the vineyard, there is plenty on offer in Orange across seasons.

Where to eat in Orange

Racine Bakery is a top local spot for flaky croissants and sweet treats. For delicious coffee, brunch and smallgoods, you can’t go past The Agrestic Grocer (which also stocks some of the region’s best wines and beers) or Groundstone Cafe. Sweet Sour Salt is an excellent choice for dinner, dishing up Southeast Asian flavours in a heritage house with colourful interiors. For a fine dining experience, check out Orange stalwart and hatted restaurant Lolli Redini.

Top places to drink in Orange

In addition to the region’s 60-odd wineries, there are a handful of stellar breweries – don’t miss 1859 Brewing Co at The Beekeepers Inn (promising the triple threat of honey, scones and beer) and Badlands Brewery. The extensive wine list at Charred Kitchen & Bar is also worth exploring.

Things to do in Orange

Luxury glamping by the vines at Nashdale Lane Wines is one of the region’s unique experiences.

The Beekeepers Inn and Agrestic Grocer are a must for gathering local goodies to take home, and if you can, extend that tour to Fourjay Farms, where you can wander the groves and see hazelnut farmers Basil and Jean Baldwin in action (plus pick up items like hazelnut dukkah and pancake mix). Fruit picking at Thornbrook Orchard is a fun way to spend some time in the right season, or you can pluck your seasonal produce from the stalls of the Orange Farmers Market on the second Saturday of each month. For a unique place to stay, up the road from Thornbrook Orchard is Nashdale Lane Wines, offering stunning glamping by the vines. Watching the sun set from the elevated Cargo Road Wines site is also a lovely way to end any day in Orange.

Read more about Orange in our essential guide.