Here are some of the best things to do in Orange during a weekend adventure.
Stay and play
While Orange is well known for its idyllic country scenery, if you never leave the centre of town, you’ll still have an unforgettable weekend.
The city has an inviting bar scene, and the CBD boasts a pub on just about every corner. The Hotel Canobolas is a must-visit, with a lively vibe, sunny courtyard and excellent food offerings. Meanwhile the Gladstone Hotel is a firm locals’ favourite, its in-house Thai restaurant providing a delicious point of difference.
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There are restaurants aplenty in Orange, with the dining scene punching well above its weight. Hey Rosey is a tiny wine bar that oozes cool, with dishes and a wine list celebrating the local producers. The Union Bank restaurant, housed within a heritage schoolhouse, is another much-celebrated restaurant conveniently located in the centre of town.
For a city jaunt, Quest Orange couldn’t be better placed, walking distance from the CBD’s best cafes, restaurants and pubs. Along with its stylish, modern apartments comes excellent service and fantastic amenities. Little details like complimentary beverages at reception, a spritz bottle of soothing pillow scent and night-time tea waiting in your room make for a memorable stay.
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Coffee time
After a night out you’ll need a coffee or two, and there’s plenty of good brews to be found around Orange. If you’re staying at Quest, it’s a quick hop across the road to great coffee at Factory Espresso. Or journey a little further to local brunch favourite Byng Street, tucked away on a leafy corner of its namesake. Groundstone comes highly recommended if hitting up the local museums, or if strolling around Summer Street, pairing your coffee with a pastry from bakery Racine is a good idea.
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Seek out the shops
Make sure you leave room in your bags for some shopping, because the boutiques in Orange are well worth a browse.
Jumbled is not to be missed – a riot of colour with its vibrant homewares, clothes and art. And with a Sugar Mill cafe right in the centre of it, you can grab a coffee to accompany your browsing.
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Jumbled is far from the only one-stop shop for your fashion and decor needs. Continue the colour theme with a visit to Chaos & Karma, pop next door to Mary & Tex, before walking to Hawkes General Store around the corner. Then head over to Byng Street to see The White Place and the antiques of Dirty Janes.
Hit the wineries
Where to begin with the wineries to visit? You can’t go wrong, really. Head to Byrne Farm and try their Syrah which has been described by winemaker Jeff Byrne as being “massively smashable”. Or Heifer Station is great if you’ve got family in tow, complete with a Funny Farm of friendly animals. On a bright sunny day, the Colmar Estate Brut Rosé Sparkling is the perfect accompaniment.
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FOOD Week
The very best way to get to know the amazing food, wine and hospitality venues Orange has to offer is to visit during FOOD Week. Standing for ‘Food of Orange District’, the festival showcases the cuisine of the region through more than a hundred events.
Book-ending the week are the FOOD Night Market, a family-friendly event in the heart of Orange with more than 50 local stallholders; and the iconic FORAGE, a stroll through vineyards on a four-kilometre scenic trail while sampling local wines and gourmet dishes crafted by some of the region’s best chefs.
Another signature event that’s a must is the incredible Sampson Street Lunch, taking place under the leafy canopy of one of Orange’s most picturesque streets. For the past four years, the same four chefs have collaborated for the event – Hugh Piper, Dom Aboud, Richard Learmonth and Danielle Romeo – each serving up dishes true to their own style.
Other highlights include the many and varied ‘Meet the Producer’ workshops, where you get to know the personal stories of some of the region’s makers, and of course, sample their delicious creations.
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