Things to Do in Orange: Where to Eat, Drink, and Stay
From beautiful cottage stays to winery-hopping, these are the best things to do in Orange.
Drive just a few hours west of the Blue Mountains and you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful countryside, where rolling hills of rich greens and scattered grey gums sprout sporadically — these are telling signs that you’ve indeed arrived at Orange.
In Orange, the food is just as much of a drawcard as the beautiful scenery. Equally, the flourishing cosmopolitan lifestyle is also beyond question, attracting more and more boutique fashion and homeware stores to its stylish streets. Add to that world-class wineries and you have yourself the perfect weekend escape.
However, regardless of its burgeoning nature, Orange maintains its pace and authenticity as a rural region, where the word ‘community’ is not merely a buzzword, but instead, it’s the very heartbeat, and what makes this destination so appealing. And here are the best things to do in Orange to make the most of your stay!
Things to Do in Orange: Eat
The Union Bank Hotel
Centrally located and open seven days a week, The Union Bank Hotel is a local go-to. The 165-year-old bank building that sets the scene provides plenty of charm whilst the variety of dining spaces brings the flexibility. Choose from the sunny bar and courtyard or The Schoolhouse Restaurant if you're feeling something fancier. Guided by the four seasons, The Union Bank Hotel's menu shifts regularly bringing boundary-pushing delights as well as tried and tested hearty favourites. Swing by for lunch, dinner or just a drink!
84 Byng Street, Orange
Charred Kitchen & Bar
For fine dining without the pomp, the award-winning Charred Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit while you’re in town. Showcasing the very best of Orange’s local produce, with an emphasis on seasonality and quality, the restaurant has a relaxed yet intimate atmosphere that keeps the locals coming back for more. Look forward to a stellar tasting menu of sizzling charcoal-cooked fare paired with an extensive wine and craft beer list that's bound to impress.
5 New Street, Orange
Racine Bakery
A local favourite that delivers big on baked deliciousness, Racine Bakery is a must-try when you are in the area. Using well-loved recipes, fresh local produce and artisan techniques, you can truly taste the difference in their handmade sourdough. Come for their sweet pastries, and stay for the warm and friendly hospitality. With a fine dining restaurant background, they also offer the Racine experience at home with their popular catering service and ready-made meal packages.
166B Summer Street, Orange
Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est
Experience casual dining at its finest at Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est. Nestled in a charming city corner, Birdie's has a buzzing social atmosphere and is a haven for food lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Celebrated hatted chef Simon Hawke has created a diverse menu using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy everything from light options like the fig and goat cheese salad, to hearty fare such as the crunchy fried pork belly, complete with Vietnamese green papaya, herb & lychee salad, crisp shallots & chilli jam.
120-122 Summer Street, Orange
The Agrestic Grocer
The Agrestic Grocer is a grocer, café, bar, live music venue, cellar and brewery door all rolled into one. Drop in for breakfast or lunch seven days a week at the Agrestic Kitchen, and sample their fresh seasonal menu, including the fan favourite Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savoury pancake with cabbage, bean sprouts & yakisoba noodle with gravlax salmon, pickled ginger, herb salad, kewpie and sriracha.
Be sure to peruse the shelves of the grocer on your way out and pick up some delicious local produce, and local wine or craft beer to take home.
426 Mitchell Highway, Orange
Byng Street Café
Having opened in 2011, Byng Street Café has become one of the leaders in the local café scene. The prominent location on the central Orange corner of Byng and Clinton Street draws in the morning crowd, friendly catch-ups, business meetings — and anyone just grabbing a coffee to go. Seat yourself on the benches on the wrap-around verandah, inside the main, bright and spacious dining area, or outside, within the sunny courtyard.
47 Byng Street, Orange
The Greenhouse of Orange
Previously a bowling club, The Greenhouse of Orange was transformed into a multi-dining venue in 2017, and quickly became a popular eatery locale. On site, there are various kitchens available, offering multiple menus — all of which give a nod to the regional produce of Orange. There are also multiple seating sections, including an indoor dining space filled with an abundance of plants and an expansive open-air deck with raised garden beds to the side.
231-243 Anson Street, Orange
Sweet Sour Salt
Ask any local where to go for the best Thai food in town and Sweet Sour Salt will be recommended proudly. This buzzing restaurant sits inside a tastefully renovated Victorian terrace and serves up a flavourful Thai menu with Chinese, Vietnamese, and Malaysian influences thrown into the mix. The Korean spicy fried chicken wings are an absolute must.
179 Anson Street, Orange
Things to Do in Orange: Drink
Hey Rosey
For a cosy afternoon or evening with a convivial vibe, head straight to Hey Rosey, an intimate 20 seat wine bar in the heart of town. You'll be able to enjoy drops from a curated list of the best international wines and local small producers, alongside small plates of cheese, cured meats, tinned seafood and the like. They also serve up larger plates, crafted with seasonal produce. Expect hand rolled pasta, hand churned butter and all kinds of delicious treats.
301 Summer Street, Orange
Washington & Co
While country NSW is not where you’d expect to find a vibey whisky joint mixing up killer cocktails, Washington & Co delivers just that. A quintessential American-inspired salon with its dark leather booths, dim lighting and timber-clad bar, it’s the perfect spot to settle in for a nightcap. The theme translates across into their drinks with bourbons and whisky-based treats aplenty. The kind of place you stop in for one and stay for many, there’s everything from live music to board games to keep you entertained.
243 Summer Street, Orange
Philip Shaw Wines
One of Australia’s most celebrated winemakers, Philip Shaw Wines, established his own vineyard in Orange back in 1989. Today, this family-owned and operated winery, now run by three industrious members of the Shaw clan, consists of a tasting room, restaurant and wedding venue — all centred around a restored turn-of-the-century stone barn. Expect the wines here to have a bright fruit flavour with intense elegance and complexity.
100 Shiralee Road, Orange
See Saw Wine
The See Saw Wine ethos is simple - that is, to craft exceptional food-friendly certified organic wines using the most sustainable methods available. And they succeed on all fronts. There are nine different varietals available at this incredible vineyard as well as three unique tasting experiences. Opt to sample See Saw's wines paired with seasonal produce, a relaxed outdoor tasting with a grazing board or an express 45-minute tasting focusing purely on the wine. Either way, you're in for a treat!
42 Lake Canobolas Road, Nashdale
Nashdale Lane Wines
Nashdale Lane is a welcoming and unapologetically laidback winery, surrounded by rows upon rows of vineyards. Family owned and run, Nashdale has ‘sit back and relax’, written all over it. The light-filled cellar door invites visitors to sample their exceptional range of cool-climate wines, all whilst taking in the idyllic surrounding views through the many oversized, sliding windows. There’s also an onsite glamping experience, the only one of its kind in NSW (more on this below).
125 Nashdale Lane, Nashdale
Ferment
Housed in a carefully preserved heritage building, Ferment is an elegant wine centre where you can sample some of the Orange region's best wines, along with a matching cheese plate, should you wish. It’s the perfect place to stop for a pre-dinner drink, and you may just be tempted to take a bottle (or two) of your favourite home with you.
87 Hill Street, Orange
Rowlee Wines & Vineyard
Harvested by hand and crafted in small batches, Rowlee Wines & Vineyard is the epitome of quality over quantity, producing premium single-vineyard wines - the results (and awards) speak for themselves. Visit here for one of their various ‘experiences’ offerings, including a ‘Picnic In The Vines’, where you can spend an indulgent afternoon on the estate with your very own private picnic — gourmet produce included.
19 Lake Canobolas Road, Nashdale
Things to Do in Orange: Stay
Basalt
Basalt is nestled within a working cherry orchard perched 1,100 meters above sea level and is Orange's latest, most luxe farm-stay accommodation. Within each studio, you will find an internal wood fireplace for those frosty nights, a stargazing telescope to spot the constellations, and a concrete bathtub nestled beside bi-fold windows, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking surroundings. Enjoy a bottle of local wine upon check-in and pre-order dinner from local favourite Racine, which will be delivered to your studio so you can relax and unwind after your travels.
Canobolas
The Shed
Nestled within the bucolic countryside of Borenore just 15 minutes drive from Orange, The Shed offers spectacular scenery across its sprawling 70 acres. A stylishly converted studio that retains much of the rustic charm of a country shed, it will have you feeling worlds away from home, as you relax by the roaring wood fire with a glass of wine. Primely positioned close to Orange’s best wineries as well as pick your own orchards, the space comes decked out with a BBQ, board games, plush linens and toiletries for a luxurious (and relaxing) country escape.
Borenore
The White Place
Boasting two beautiful, centrally located places to stay, The White Place is one of Orange’s most popular accommodation options. Generous in size, stylish, and charming, The White Place is born from the modern interior mastermind, Alex Pilcher, founder and manager of The White Place stay, style, and events company.
The Byng Street home is an expansive, double-brick cottage with ornate ceilings, polished timber floors, and an old-school fireplace. Over on Casey Street, the recently renovated, mid-century red brick home is a relaxing oasis. Think open-plan living, kitchen and dining and four bedrooms with distinct Scandi-style. Modern and light-filled, the holiday homes lend themselves perfectly to entertaining and unwinding with friends and family.
Byng Street, Casey Street
Nashdale Lane - Glamping
Another winery with onsite accommodation, yet with a slightly more unique design, is Nashdale Lane’s luxury glamping tents, set right amongst the vines. The two spacious timber and canvas tents, named ‘Rustig’ and ‘Kalmte’, feature hardwood floors, a kitchenette, a comfortable queen bed, and a private toilet and shower facilities. There’s even a wood fire for the cooler months, and a cushioned deck seating, along with a BBQ — perfect for those warm summer evenings.
125 Nashdale Lane, Nashdale
Lakeview Luxury Retreat
Specifically designed as a couples’ retreat, Lakeview Luxury Retreat offers clear views over Lake Canobolas, in separate spacious and modern 5-star villas. Along with your stay amongst the hills just outside of Orange, you’ll be provided with all the local ingredients to cook up your own breakfast in the self-contained kitchen, or on the BBQ out on the deck. And make a point to say hello to the friendly herd of Highland cattle who roam the adjoining paddocks.
Stanford Road, Orange
Things to Do in Orange: Play
Watercolour art class
Get ready to unleash your inner artist at an intimate watercolour painting class led by the talented local artist Daniel Cooke. Hosted at the quaint Hillside Harvest, a working orchard with breathtaking countryside views, this small group setting offers the perfect opportunity to explore the wonderful world of watercolour painting in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. All artistic abilities are welcome, and with Daniel's guidance, you'll learn new techniques to create your very own masterpiece to take home. Reach out to Daniel directly via his website to book in a class.
Pick your own fruit at Hillside Harvest
Calling all fruit lovers! If you're looking for a fun day out with delicious fresh produce and a picturesque country setting, you must visit Hillside Harvest. This family-owned orchard is famous for its mouth-watering cherries, apples, pears, stone fruit, and berries. From November to May, you can pick your own fruit to take home or enjoy a picnic lunch among the trees with their local harvest hampers and grazing boxes.
1209 The Escort Way, Borenore
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