Heading west of Sydney? Why not take in some fresh country air and enjoy a 50-minute Qantas flight to Orange? The town’s restaurants are winning awards and outdoor enthusiasts are getting ready for a great outdoor adventure. Orange is fast becoming a sought-after destination for Australians. But what is it exactly about this beautiful town that’s making it so popular?
Lake Canobolas
A short drive from the city of Orange, you can find Lake Canobolas, a moderate-sized water storage, close to Mount Canobolas. Originally, this reservoir was used to supply water to the city from 1918 until 1957, when it was dammed and used for recreational purposes. Since then, however, it has been restored to its original beauty and is now a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The lake’s beauty and tranquility make it a popular destination for weekend getaways, but few people realized it was a natural swimming pool. The lake’s eastern bank is home to the Apex Adventure Playground, Lakeside Kiosk, and Cafe, as well as a range of picnic and camping areas. While you’re here, you might want to keep an eye out for native wildlife.
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Cook Park
You may be wondering what you can do in Cook Park. It is a 4.5 hectare park that showcases seasonal colours. You can go on cycleways and enjoy the park’s barbeque area. Cook Park is a heritage listed park and is a must-visit for visitors to Orange. You can buy a brochure at the Orange Visitor Centre to learn more about the park’s history.
The main attraction is Cook Park, a park that is perfect for walking, and features colourful flowerbeds in all seasons. The conservatory displays hundreds of begonias in February and April. You can also see the original caretaker’s cottage, which dates back 150 years. A great day out in Orange can include spending time at Cook Park and enjoying the sights and sounds of the town. There are also several other activities to enjoy in Orange.
You can also spend your afternoon on the hill and view the picturesque landscape. You won’t need to pay to see kangaroos, but it is a great way to enjoy the local nature. Just remember to be quiet and don’t disturb them. This is an important part of Orange tourism and not many people know how to find them. In Orange, you’ll find a number of cool sculptures. A visit to the visitor information centre will give you heaps of free information and maps, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Pinnacle Lookout
If you love nature and are looking for a way to enjoy fresh air, you should try the Pinnacle Lookout in Orange NSW. This scenic overlook is a short hike away and takes about 10 minutes. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with miles of views. If you are lucky enough to be there at sunrise or sunset, you will be able to enjoy this scenic area even more. It’s also worth mentioning that this viewpoint is particularly beautiful during stormy weather, so be prepared for some rain.
Another amazing view of Orange NSW is from the Towac Pinnacle, which is the second highest point within the local government area. It offers stunning views of the Towac Valley and Orange Plains, as well as orchards, vineyards, windbreaks, and meandering country roads. If you’re lucky enough to see the sunrise or sunset, you may even be able to see Wollumbin, a striking silhouette in the background.
Heifer Station Wines
Located on the North West slopes of Mt Canobolas, Heifer Station Wines is a cool climate winery that produces a variety of award-winning wines. The winery is a proud family operation that has a rustic cellar door and a petting zoo. In addition to the wine, you can also view the farm’s free-range chickens and miniature Shetland pony.
The winery itself is located a short distance from the town center, and offers pre-booked wine tastings. There are also several picnic areas and grassy fields for outdoor tastings. The Heifer Station Vineyard also features stunning gardens and a sandbox for kids, as well as a small petting zoo. While visiting the winery, you can enjoy the beautiful views and cheese platters at the farm.
Wineries in Orange, NSW are located about three hours from Sydney. The region is home to many 5-star wineries, and you can easily visit a few of these on a day trip. While visiting Orange, make sure you make time to sample their wines as October is Wine Month in Australia. You can also visit some of the local restaurants and cafes, and sample excellent craft beer. Alternatively, visit all of the wineries in Orange on one day.
Orange Botanic Gardens
There are many things to do in Orange NSW. Orange is home to the ‘Gladstone Hotel’, a traditional watering hole located on Byng Street. Visitors can also check out the Parkview Hotel, which offers a contemporary Australian style meal. The Robin Hood Hotel is also a great place for families and offers an expansive dining area. The Lord Anson is another great option, with over 50 craft beers on tap and locally sourced food.
While in the city, you should also take in the natural beauty of the area. Orange is home to several picturesque parks, including the Orange Botanic Gardens. Cook and Robertson Parks are both great places to spend a sunny afternoon. You can also explore the area’s wine country. More than forty wineries and cellar doors are located in the city, but visiting them all may take several visits. However, Borrodell Estate is a heavy hitter in the area, and is home to a variety of sparkling wine varieties.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind, the city has plenty to offer. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep the kids occupied. The town is also home to Cook Park, a park for all seasons. Named after Captain James Cook, this park has vibrantly coloured roses in winter, a thriving begonia garden in the summer, and a beautiful tulip display in the spring. While the park remains dormant during winter, it is a worthwhile place to spend a day.
Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area
For those looking for a day trip from Sydney, a visit to the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area is an excellent option. The region features a variety of wildlife, and the area is home to a variety of plants and animals. This dormant volcano is part of the Brigooda-Oberon chain, stretching almost 800km from southeast Queensland to central NSW.
The mountain’s slopes are surrounded by a contrasting landscape. Originally, a sub-alpine woodland covered 850 square kilometres of the Orange district, and these fertile basaltic soils were cleared to create a wide range of agricultural products. The SCA is the only conservation reserve on Canobolas soils, and it represents less than three percent of the basaltic woodland vegetation that once grew there.
Rowlee Wines
Nestled at the foot of Mount Canobolas in Orange NSW, Rowlee Wines is an award-winning winery that produces distinctive and unique cool-climate wines. The vineyard is planted in basalt soils with a fall that protects the vines from frost and helps to circulate cold air through the vineyard. The area also experiences snowfall throughout the winter. Because of its climate and soils, Rowlee produces wines that can compete with the best in the world.
The orange wine region is situated west of Sydney, New South Wales. The region’s wide range of elevations, from three hundred and seventy-seven meters above sea level, has a significant effect on the climate. The climate is generally mild, with cool nights offset by warm days. The region is home to 1,075 hectares of vineyards, and its main varieties include Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
A recent report by the Australia Institute of Viticulture and Enology (AIVC) found that wine tastings can improve the quality of wine. Visitors are also more likely to try wines from a new producer if they have the experience to ask about it. At Rowlee Wines in Orange, the Riedel Sensory Workshop explores wine glasses’ properties. This workshop combines decades of research from the Riedel company, which is responsible for many of the world’s most popular wine glasses.
Mortimers Wines Cellar Door
You might want to consider a trip to Mortimers Wines Cellar Door if you’re visiting Orange for the first time. This cellar door, owned by Peter Mortimer, is located in an old schoolhouse, and is the perfect location to sample their award-winning wines. They even have food huts and pickle kiosks. Visitors can even taste the wines while sitting out on the lawn.
While Orange has a history of mining, it has recently emerged as a foodie destination. It’s become known as the ‘food basket’ of NSW, and wine is certainly the breadwinner. There are a number of fantastic restaurants, wineries, and even an 1890’s primary school with a cellar door! So make the most of your trip to Orange, and discover the delicious wines of this region.
This winery offers free wine tastings, coffee, and cake. They also offer a wide range of gourmet food items, including cheese and fruit platters. Gift baskets are available, and there are even local artists’ works for sale. You’ll be able to find something for the wine lover in your life. The Orange region is known for its award-winning restaurants, award-winning bars, and a bustling art scene.
Best Places to eat in Orange
Orange is a regional city that has long been renowned for its locally grown produce and cool-climate wine. This has led to the growth of the gastronomy scene in the region, which has now become one of Australia’s premier food destinations. If you’re in the area, you should visit some of the best restaurants in Orange NSW for a delicious meal.
The historic Union Bank building, which opened in 1858, is home to several great restaurants. The Art House Bar & Courtyard and the Schoolhouse Restaurant both feature brasserie-style menus, with a focus on locally sourced produce. The Schoolhouse Restaurant’s famous zucchini pasta is a standout item on the menu. The restaurant also offers takeaway options.
The Food of Orange District Week is one of the oldest food and wine festivals in Australia. It’s the perfect time to sample the region’s local produce and meet local culinary talent. Throughout the week, more than 70 events are planned to showcase the best of local produce. These events feature culinary tours and tantalising dining experiences. To learn more about Orange’s local food and wine scene.