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How to get there
Orange is 260km or about 3.5 hours’ drive west of Sydney airport. It’s best to have a car to get there and explore the area but some winery tour buses are available in the Orange area.
Lighthouse Tip
There are two main ways to drive to Orange from Sydney. You can take the M8/M4 from Sydney Airport – it’s worth paying the toll to go in the M8 tunnel as it saves a lot of time. If you take this route, you can stop in at the Blue Mountains on the way (our favourite is Leura). The other, less populated route is to take the Bells Line of Road, with its access to roadside fruit shops along the way and cracking viewpoints over the Blue Mountains. Whichever route you take, try and avoid peak hour i.e. don’t leave on a Friday afternoon.
Top Things to do in Orange
- Wine tasting | sip whites and reds at local vineyards
- Restaurants | savour farm to plate delights
- Hiking and Biking | take in lookout view and stroll through national parks
- Parks & Lakes | relax with a picnic at the Botanic Gardens, Lake Canobolas or Cook Park
- Markets | enjoy local product and crafts
- Golf | play 18 holes at either of the two golf courses
- Boutiques and Antiques | shop ’til you drop and find a treasure
- Country drives | explore lovely country towns and roads
The Ultimate 3 Day Itinerary for Orange
Day 1: Scenic Views, Wine Trail and Outdoor Fun
- Head up to the Mount Canobolas Summit Lookout via a short, windy road through the Mount Canoblas State Conservation Area for breathtaking panoramas that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s the highest peak in the central west of NSW at nearly 1400m is ideal for capturing those “wow” pictures and learning about the history of the indigenous tribes and early settlers in the area.
- Option to do one of the hikes in the Mount Canoblas State Conservation Area. The 4km loop to Federal Falls is popular, especially after rain when the falls are at their best. The trailhead is a short drive from the Summit Lookout but if you wanted a longer walk, you can also take the Summit Track from the Lookout and then continue onto the Federal Falls loop.
- Now that all the hard work is done, reward yourself with lunch at one of the local wineries and spend the afternoon on the wine trail.
- Nearby Macquariedale Organic Wines has a view to die for. Perched near the top of Orange’s famous lookout, this is one of Australia’s highest wineries. Sipping quality local wines overlooking the valley vineyards, on a sunny day with a light breeze blowing is such an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon and it’s impossible not to forget the daily grind, slow down and breathe. Treat yourself with a cheeseboard or snuggle up by the huge French styled fireplace in winter.
- Continue on the wine trail. There are many other little wine tasting gems like this in Orange. Grab a wine trail map from the visitor centre. Wine tasting is not just about the wine, but the experience of the venue, getting to know the stories behind the winemakers and feeling the passion of the generations behind your beverage.
- Evening Wine & Dine: Finish the day at The Arthouse Bar with local wine and a cozy ambience.
Lighthouse Tips for Families
Head up to Mount Canoblas in the morning. There’s a range of walks in the Mount Canoblas State Conservation Area so pick the walk that suits your family’s staying power.
Add Small Acres Cyder into your afternoon plans – kids can explore the orchard and enjoy fresh apple juice while you sample the ciders.
For a kid friendly venue, head to Percy’s Bar & Kitchen for a relaxed dinner.
Day 2: Markets, History, Art and Gold Rush Adventures
- Start the day in the centre of Orange in glorious Cook Park, which feels like it has been there forever. Many of the trees, like the redwoods and pines, tower overhead. Footpaths criss-cross through the grassed areas giving a real country English vibe.
- But it’s not just the parkland that can be enjoyed. If you’re lucky enough to be there on market day, the small but vibrant Orange Farmers’ Market fills the north-west corner. High quality local produce and one of the best bacon and egg rolls going around can be found there. A great place for breakfast
- After breakfast, take the opportunity to discover the town centre via the Orange Heritage Trail. The walk takes 1-1.5 hours and passes by some of Orange’s most beautiful federation style buildings, tree lined avenues and city centre sites. It’s a great way to orient yourself and also learn something of the town history. Pick up a guide at the tourist information centre, which is the official starting point of the walk but it also passes through Cook Park.
- After lunch explore the Orange Regional Gallery, where contemporary art sparks conversation. Located next to the visitor centre and often hosting fine art, it’s worth a visit.
- It’s time to hit the shops. Potter through the town’s antique and boutique shoups, including local favourite Dirty Janes.
- Afternoon Treat: Unwind with a quiet coffee and book at Byng Street Café, a historic converted house.
- Dinner with a View: Book a table at Charred Kitchen & Bar for a fireside meal under soft lights.
Lighthouse Tips for Families
If galleries and boutiques aren’t going to spark joy for your kids, he to Ophir Reserve, where kids can try their luck panning for gold at Australia’s first gold discover site.
For museum lovers, explore Orange Museum and discover the history of the region in a fun, interactive way.
Try Overlander Indian Restaurant for dinner.
Day 3: Lakeside Fun, Country Drives and Botanic Gardens
- Kick off the day with a visit to Lake Canobolas, just 10km out of town. Take a leisurely walk along the shore, enjoy a waterside picnic, or simply soak up the picturesque views. There is a lovely, wide, track around the whole lake, 2.5km which takes 30-60 minutes.
- If you’re in Orange during berry season, head to the Berry Picking Experience at Huntley Berry Farm—a fun and delicious way to continue your day.
- Continue down the road to the cute village of Millthorpe (approximately 20 minutes south east from Orange). Millthorpe is known for fine food and wine, country gardens and colonial charm.
- In the afternoon, head back to Orange and if time permits, stroll through the Orange Botanic Gardens. With scenic paths, themed gardens, and peaceful picnic spots, this is tranquility at its best.
Best time of year to visit Orange
Autumn is the best time of year to visit Orange. The leaves on the trees are a kaleidosope of reds and yellows and crunchy underfoot. It’s harvest time in the wineries and cause for celebrations like the annual Orange Food and Wine Festival – not to be missed. Clear sunny days follow cool nights.
Spring-time is also recommended for its blossoms and new growth.
As the town sits at elevation, it’s cooler in summer than the surrounding areas. Winter is the time to pull out your beanie and coat and cosy up by a fireplace.
Lighthouse Tip
Make the local visitor centre your first stop when you get into town. The grass-roofed building is reminiscent of Australian’s Parliament House and is worth a look anyway. It’s a great way to orient yourself and there are a range of useful local maps and guides, very helpful staff and a small museum that hosts a rotating collection.