Orange Season
Nestled around Gaahna Bula (Mount Canobolas) on the land of the Wiradjuri people, the Orange region is home to heritage towns, world-class wines, stunning vistas and brilliant eats — all waiting to be discovered.
The charming town of Orange is surrounded by picturesque countryside, vast national parks and 40-plus cellar doors. Home to top-rated restaurants, exceptional wine experiences, bespoke boutiques, historic villages and fresh farm produce, the Orange Region offers something special for every type of visitor seeking a charming escape from the city.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to plan the perfect getaway, from vineyard hopping and boutique stays to European-inspired escapes and local secrets. Get ready to discover why Orange is one of NSW’s most exciting regions — and how you can make the most of every moment here.
No matter what time of the year it is, it’s always Orange season.
Orange Airport is serviced by Qantas and REX airlines, which offer daily flights (45 minutes) from Sydney. Direct flights to and from Brisbane and Melbourne are operated by Link Airways. Car rentals and transfer services into town are available at Orange Airport. The XPT departs from Sydney’s Central Station every day, or you can embark on an easy three-and-a-half hour drive from Sydney or Canberra. There are also coach services that run daily bus routes from Sydney and wider NSW.
The best way to get around once you’re here is by car, either your own or a hire car. Otherwise, you can join along on one of the many tours to explore the region. There are plenty of cycling trails and hikes to get your heart-rate going. If you’d like to sample wines without worrying about designating a driver, you can always book a wine tour or local taxi service.
Orange and its surroundings are well-known for world-class wines and wineries. Make time to visit the beautiful towns throughout the region, such as Millthorpe, Carcoar, Canowindra and Molong. Treat yourself at bespoke retailers, wineries, restaurants and cafes, while taking in the history and architecture of the area. Getting out into nature and the bushlands around Gaahna Bula (Mount Canobolas) is also highly recommended. The region offers a range of trails that take you to spectacular lookouts, idyllic waterfalls and culturally significant sites around the mountain.
It’s safe to say that most Orange locals are food lovers. To see the region shine, try visiting during a festival season: Orange FOOD Week in March–April, Fire Festival in August and the Orange Wine Festival in October. There are also farmers’ markets each month, orchards where you can pick your own fresh fruit, standout restaurants serving local produce, and of course, plenty of wine, cider, beer and spirits to pack the car boot with.
Plan your trip now to the Orange Region at the Orange360 website.
Images courtesy of Basalt, Orange360 and Destination NSW.