The city of Orange is situated in the central west region of New South Wales. It is about 254 kilometres (158 miles) west of the state city, Sydney. To get here, the journey takes about three and a half hours drive from Sydney over the Blue Mountains or three hours drive north of Canberra. The city has grown from its mining past, during the gold rush era, to a very elegant and vibrant city. Orange is also known as Australia’s Colour City and is the birthplace of Australia’s famous poet, Banjo Paterson. A monument and a statue can be found at Banjo Paterson Park in memory of him. The city is defined as a foodie haven and especially for its cool climate wine, which has made an international name for itself. Check out these best things to do in Orange, Australia.
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1. Orange Botanical Gardens
If you’re wondering what to do in Orange, take an hour or two to stroll in the Orange Botanical Gardens and see what they have to offer. Wander through the naturally undulating 17 hectares (42 acres) of the gardens which are situated just off Hill Street, not far from Orange city. The gardens feature an impressive number of native and exotic plants and flowers. While visiting the attraction, stroll through the varying landscape as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery, birds or perhaps have a family picnic. There is the homestead garden, apple orchards and the heritage garden set below a historic church.
Orange Botanical Gardens
Address: Yellow Box Way | Off Hill Street, Orange, New South Wales 2800, Australia
Opening Hours: Always open
Access: Off Hill Street and within the vicinity of Orange city
Contact: +61 2 6393 8226
Website: Orange Botanical Gardens
2. Mayfield Vineyard
While in Orange, you should also visit the vineyard - without it, your tour is not complete. Set in a 100 hectare (247 acre) vineyard and showcasing a barbecue and views of the mountain, Mayfield Vineyard is situated in Orange, just a 10-minute drive from the town. The vineyard is the premier winery in the Orange region and one of the highest and coolest vineyards in Australia. With a five star rating, it also offers charming and cosy cottage accommodation and is an exquisite wedding and function venue. This magnificent and picturesque location make it an ideal quiet retreat for tourists. Moreover, the cottage overlooks a lake with ducks and geese and a view of the vineyard as a background giving it a stunning and romantic atmosphere. This historic point of interest is a must-see for visitors to this area.
Mayfield Vineyard
Address: Icely Road, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
Price: Ranging from 250 USD per couple per night. 50 USD for additional guests
Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm (Wednesday-Sunday). Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Duration: Half day to 1 day
Access: 10 minutes drive from Orange city
Contact: +61 2 6365 9292
Near by Food: Restaurants and bars nearby
Website: Mayfield Vineyard
Book Your Stay: Mayfield Vineyard
3. Banjo Paterson Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Travel off the beaten path, on the way to Ophir, some 5 km (3.1 miles) from the centre of Orange, and you will find a white monument and statue in memory of Banjo Paterson, Australia’s most famous poet. The original house no longer stands, but instead is a park where enthusiasts can enjoy a picnic and appreciate the rolling countryside. As you walk around the park, you can appreciate the diverse flora and fauna, bird watching and many other activities. If you’re looking for places to visit in Orange, spend a few minutes at this park to enjoy this peaceful place and discover part of Australian history.
Address: 330 Ophir Rd, Orange NSW 2800, Australia
4. Lake Canobolas
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
For many travelers, Lake Canobolas is an idyllic and pristine place to chill and one of the most popular Orange attractions. Situated just a short drive from Orange town, it is strategically located at the foot of the famous Mount Canobolas. Did you know that Lake Canobolas is actually a manmade reservoir? It is also a perfect place for activities such as picnics, swimming and fishing. Apart from that, there is a great walking trail, suitable for all ages and a sandy beach for kids to enjoy by the lake. There is plenty of shade and a great coffee shop to have a drink overlooking the stunning view of the lake. This lake is a must-visit place on the way to Mount Canobolas. It is an Ideal place for the whole family to chill out over the weekend or on public holidays.
Lake Canobolas
Address: Orange, New South Wales, Australia
Opening Hours: Always open
Duration: Half day to 1 day
Access: A short drive from Orange town
Contact: +61 1800 069 466
Near by Food: Barbeque and picnic facilities available
Website: Lake Canobolas
5. Cook Park
Last but not least, visit Cook Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A park for all seasons, Cook Park is situated on A32, towards the end of Orange town. Travel through this beautiful park in honour of Captain James Cook and enjoy the natural environment that embodies the colours of Orange. Enjoy the gardens of stunning and vibrant coloured roses from February to April, the begonias in full bloom and in spring, a burst of colours arrive with the tulips and daffodils - a real stunning sight. This park is rated as one of the most beautiful parks in Australia and a must-visit Orange, NSW tourist attraction. During the long winter months, many of the trees and flowers are dormant. Other notable attractions in the park are the duck ponds, the aviaries, the craft shop, the fernery and the glasshouse. Cook Park is also famed for its popular duck ponds.
Cook Park
Address: 24 Little Summer St, Orange, New South Wales 2800, Australia
Opening Hours: Always open
Access: Located at the end of Orange town, A32
Contact: +61 2 6393 8000
Website: Cook Park
The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Laarni
6. Orange Regional Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re looking to experience the local culture while in Orange, then make plans to visit Orange Regional Gallery. This establishment was founded in 1986 and has been awarded the Sulman Award for Architecture in the same year. Here you’ll find fascinating exhibits by artists specialising in modern and contemporary themes. This regional gallery showcases works of local artists but welcomes those from other places as well. Marvel at ceramic sculptures and Australian paintings that have been conceptualised to complement the Mary Turner collection. Orange Regional Gallery caters to all types of audiences, whether learned art connoisseurs or kids curious about the world around them. Do note though that the gallery is closed for renovation until mid-2021, so plan your visit accordingly.
Orange Regional Gallery
Address: 149 Byng St, Orange NSW
Website: Orange Regional Gallery
7. Gosling Creek Reserve
Take your kids for a fun day out while at the same time instilling in them a love for nature at Gosling Creek Reserve. This recreational facility was designed with the environment in mind, so you can expect various park facilities among lush vegetation. Whip up a delicious barbecue meal and bring along a cooler filled with refreshing drinks. The picnic area is spacious, so you can spend many relaxing hours with the whole family here. Let your children climb, spin, and balance in the playground area while you take in the beautiful scenery. There are also pathways here if you want to do some cycling or walking instead.
Gosling Creek Reserve
Address: 28 Forest Rd, Bloomfield NSW
Website: Gosling Creek Reserve
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Orange Central Square Shopping Centre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
De-stress by way of one of the most favorite pastimes of many people - shopping! Orange Central Square Shopping Centre has everything you might need for a satisfying retail therapy. Start off with browsing the wide collection of apparel, health and wellness products, or gadgets and games. You can then proceed to Coles Supermarket to get your home supplies and other necessities. Then, if you feel tired and hungry from all the walking and hunting for bargains, take your pick from the many food places found inside the mall.
Orange Central Square Shopping Centre
Address: 227-239 Summer St, Orange NSW
Website: Orange Central Square Shopping Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 9am - 5:30pm; Thu: 9am - 7:30pm; Fri: 9am - 5:30pm; Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm
9. Orange Adventure Playground
Reward your kids for doing well at school, behaving well, or simply being in your life with a trip to Orange Adventure Playground. This paradise for kids offers all sorts of fun activities. There are the usual swings and slides along with climbing facilities. Parents can sit in a shaded area while keeping an eye on the children. The best part about this place is that youngsters with special needs are welcome, with the playground designed to help keep them safe while having the time of their lives. This park was made possible with the efforts of the local community, thus you can expect to see residents coming here on a regular basis.
Orange Adventure Playground
Address: Yellow Box Way Orange NSW 2800 Australia
Website: Orange Adventure Playground
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
10. The Corner Store Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Indeed the city of Orange takes pride in their love for the arts. The Corner Store Gallery is another must-visit destination for all the artists and art lovers visiting the town. It first opened in 2014 and since then has become a venue where Australian artists and designers put on display their hard work and talents. You can expect to find masterpieces of both new and veteran artists utilising different mediums. If you are an aspiring artist yourself and thinking about finally putting on your own exhibit, prepare your three best pieces and send in an application. Who knows, you might be the next Monet or Picasso!
The Corner Store Gallery
Address: 382 Summer St, Orange NSW
Website: The Corner Store Gallery
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun, Mon & Tue)
11. Charred Kitchen & Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Another way of getting to know a city is through its food, and visiting Charred Kitchen & Bar is certain to give you a glimpse of Orange’s soul. The chefs use only top-quality local and imported ingredients to ensure mouthwatering flavours. The restaurant gets its name from their ‘Lucifer’ charcoal and wood oven used to give dishes a distinctive rich, smokey taste. You can order a variety of food options that have been inspired by cuisines from around the world. Regular customers know that Charred Kitchen & Bar’s a la carte menu is always changing. This only means that whatever you order is made from produce that is in season and thus, guaranteed to be very fresh.
Charred Kitchen & Bar
Address: 5 New St, Orange NSW
Website: Charred Kitchen & Bar
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 5pm - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 11pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
12. Factory Espresso
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are you a coffee fiend travelling to Orange and wondering where to get some of the best brews around? Wonder no more and head on over to Factory Espresso. The moment you reach the place, that characteristic inviting aroma of coffee beans will immediately usher you in. Indeed you can definitely feel at home while here. You have the option of ordering ready-to-drink coffee or whole or ground beans. You can even choose the type of grind you prefer - for a French press, paper filter, espresso machine, or anything else. Aside from great coffee, this spot also offers a breakfast and lunch menu, so make sure your check that out as well.
Factory Espresso
Address: 135 Kite St, Orange NSW
Website: Factory Espresso
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 7:30am - 2pm
13. Orange Farmers Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you love going to farmers’ markets, then you’re in for a real treat in Orange! Orange Farmers Market showcases the best local produce of Central West Australia. In fact, produce from outside the region or those not in season is not allowed here. Also, only the producers themselves or their representatives can apply to become stallholders - no resellers. These strict policies are to ensure that you’re getting only the freshest food items. Orange Farmers Market has been in operation since 2002, and since then, it has grown from the original 25 stalls that took part to more than 60 nowadays. It has also become a venue where local farmers, small-scale entrepreneurs, and loyal customers catch up regularly.
Orange Farmers Market
Address: 237/255 Peisley St, Orange NSW 2800, Australia
Website: Orange Farmers Market
Opening hours: Every second Saturday: 8:30am - 12pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
14. Orange Civic Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Temporarily escape the responsibilities of daily life by attending a show at Orange Civic Theatre. You can catch comedies, musicals, film festivals, and more at this venue. Over the years, the theatre has seen a string of local and national productions, not to mention touring international shows. Invite a friend or family member to join you for a spectacular program, so you’ll have someone to share personal reviews with afterwards. Remember to get your tickets early to secure the best seats in the house.
Orange Civic Theatre
Address: 135 Byng St, Orange NSW
Website: Orange Civic Theatre
Orange is full of life
Orange is a city full of life, elegant streetscapes and buildings, beautiful parks and reserves, gardens and a picturesque lake. In addition, the distinguished cool climate offers a perfect way of life. The various parks offer leisurely walks through some of the world’s remaining cool rainforests. Bring the family for a walk or picnic or take the kids for a run. Orange has more to offer with its gourmet food and wine and has become known as one of Australia’s wine districts, with its local wines regularly winning international awards. The wine industry growth, in tandem with the continuing development of Orange, has boosted the local reputation. Whatever your preference, from exploring the parks, adventure, sampling fine wine or shopping, Orange is definitely the best choice for the vacation of your dreams.
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