A 3-day itinerary that takes in the best of Orange

Crisp blue skies, lovely landscapes, vineyards turning golden on hillsides and some of the most flamboyant foliage in NSW are reasons enough to visit Orange in the cooler months. Add great food, cool climate wines and an historic town centre full of country charm, and you have every reason to enjoy a getaway – and crackling fire.

Morning

Time to soak in a little country scenery. At 1,395m, Mt Canobolas has subalpine landscapes and vegetation, not something most Australians encounter every day. You might see wombat trails in the early-morning frost. Walk the short but scenic Summits Walking Track, which connects to longer walks if you’re feeling particularly energetic.

De Salis Wines, Orange

Mt Canobolas’ volcanic soils allow grapes to thrive, and you’ll find several cellar doors with gorgeous views hunkered at its foot. Try Rowlee Wines for its small-batch sustainable wines, De Salis Wines for classical French varietals, and Cargo Road Wines for big reds that are perfect for the winter months. Remember though, cellar door visits will need to be booked in advance. Afterwards, call in to Small Acres Cyder to discover how traditional cider is made. No better time to be here than apple harvest season.

If you’re here during the 10-day Orange F.O.O.D. Week in April, be sure to check special events at both vineyards and restaurants in town.

Rowlee Wines, Nashdale

Afternoon

Aim for lunch at Sister’s Rock Restaurant among pinot noir-producing vines at Borrodell Estate. Views over the rolling valley and vineyards are delightful, and the menu features estate-grown cherries, plums and truffles.

Sister's Rock Restaurant at Borrodell Estate, Orange

Take an afternoon drive through quintessential country-Australian landscapes. You could head 20km northeast to Ophir, where the NSW gold rush began in 1851, or west to Verandah Cave, where a walking track will lead you to pools sheltered by limestone overhangs – and the chance to spot a platypus.

Alternatively, hit the course at the championship 18-hole Duntryleague Golf Club, where the trees are a magnificent multi-coloured treat at this time of year.

Duntryleague Golf Club, Orange

Evening

With that bracing autumn chill in the evening air, get cosy over a hearty local shiraz at The Arthouse Bar before heading into The Schoolhouse Restaurant, which delivers bold modern-bistro flavours. Both occupy a former 1857 bank building.

The Schoolhouse Restaurant, Orange

Morning

Though an à la carte breakfast is part of your hotel stay, save space for a hot chocolate or brekky wrap at Orange Farmers Market. It sells only produce from the Central West. Pumpkins, apples, rhubarb, chestnuts and walnuts make great seasonal stock for your larder.

Get an overview of Orange by hitting the 90min heritage trail, which takes you past key historical sights and buildings. You won’t want to miss Orange Botanic Gardens and Cook Park, whose towering European trees provide an explosion of colour. Bills Beans East Orange will fuel you with coffee and a light lunch.

Fresh figs at the Orange Farmers Market, Country NSW

Afternoon

After perusing the outstanding Orange Regional Gallery, hit town's the boutiques, where you’ll find art, jewellery, leather goods, clothing and deli products handcrafted in the region. Don’t miss The Sonic for fashion and homewares. Then familiarise yourself with more local wines at Ferment, a wine centre and bar which represents 19 cellar doors and offers various tasting experiences.

Ferment, The Orange Wine Centre, Country NSW

You’ll need your car to visit The Agrestic Grocer 5km beyond town, but you’re rewarded with a smorgasbord of regional produce and the cellar door of Badlands Brewery.

Inside The Agrestic Grocer, Orange

Evening

Head to Charred Kitchen for a casual meal warmed by the wood-and-charcoal oven. With 400 wines on the menu, you’re spoiled for choice. Want to extend your night a little? The speakeasy-style Washington & Co offers great whiskey or bourbon in a spot that hums on the weekend.

Charred Kitchen & Bar, Orange

Morning

Drive half an hour south to Millthorpe, but stop off on the way at Huntley Berry Farm to pick the last of the season’s berries to take home. After May, you’ll have to make do with jams and chutneys from the shop.

Millthorpe is a pretty, heritage-listed village lined with cottages and former hotels and banks from gold-rush days. Learn more of the story at the Golden Memories Museum. Then browse Millthorpe’s boutiques for antiques, art, curios, ceramics and homewares.

Millthorpe - Credit: Orange 360

Afternoon

Have lunch at the much-awarded Tonic Restaurant for your final taste of the region. The elegant menu showcases seasonal Central West produce such as Cowra lamb and Mandagery Creek venison. Then pop into the town-centre cellar doors of Millthorpe wineries such as Slow Wine Co and Tamburlaine, which specialises in organic wine. The cellar door of Angullong Wines is housed in a late-1800s bluestone stable.

By now it will be late afternoon, but you’ll shortly be back on the A32 that brings you east towards Sydney and home.

Tonic Restaurant, Millthorpe

Where to stay

Check in to the striking Byng Street Boutique Hotel, which brings designer style to heritage-heavy Orange. It’s a 5min walk to dinner at local favourite Lolli Redini, which blends Italian boldness and French technique in autumnal dishes such as cheese soufflé, roast pumpkin or venison loin.

Yallungah Room at the Byng Street Boutique Hotel, Orange

Getting there

While you could leave Sydney after breakfast and be in Orange for lunch (it’s just 250km, or about 3.5 hours), the route across the Blue Mountains and through Bathurst invites a slow approach for those who appreciate World Heritage views or country towns. Read our guide to the best places to stop on a Sydney to Orange road trip.