A WEEKEND IN ORANGE, NSW
Situated north west of Sydney in the Central Tablelands region, Orange is one of those small country towns that has a real "soon to be discovered" vibe about it. While, with its population of over 40,000, Orange certainly qualifies as a regional centre, only recently has it started to gain the recognition and reputation as a must-visit destination that it deserves.
Nashdale Lane Wines
With beautiful streets lined with maple trees that give way to even more beautiful cafƩs, retail stores, and classically Australian country homes, we're putting Orange at the top of our list for a weekend road trip. Oh, and did we mention there's no shortage of boutique wineries to visit? You in? We thought so.
We've done our research and compiled a list of our favourite places in Orange to stay, eat and visit, so all that's left for you to do is pack your backs and get the engine warmed up.
Simple, homegrown produce crossed with an indoor plant lover's haven - it's no wonder Anything Grows is a local favourite. Taken over by Clare and Matthew Bremerkamp in 2018, the menu has evolved to highlight the delicious simplicity of fresh ingredients lovingly grown on site and sourced from locals. Surrounding the cafe is a gorgeous library of plants - both indoor and outdoor. Bring your empty tummy and your wallet - you'll want to indulge in more ways than one.
Heifer Station
Ever wanted to enjoy a wine sitting amongst a family of bantams? Same. Heifer Station is a gorgeous boutique vineyard that has strong historical roots - it was once used as a horse changing station for Cobb & Co, but has come a long way since then. Michelle and Phillip Stivens purchased the vineyard in 2009, opening the cellar door seven years later in 2016 with the intention of creating a "family friendly" tasting experience, where parents can sit and enjoy a glass of locally made wine while their kids are entertained by the farm animals.
Philip Shaw has a bit of a well-deserved rep as one of the best wineries Orange has to offer - in fact, it's one of the main reasons Orange's winemaking scene was put on the map in the early 2000s. This heritage winery prides itself on creating cool climate wines that are unconventional, distinctive and innovative. Situated on some pretty breathtaking grounds, we definitely recommend you linger a bit longer here.
Now, you all know how much we love a good vino, and by combining it with what is possibly the ultimate glamping set up, Nashdale Lane Wines has really hit the nail on the head. With a range of cool climate reds and whites on offer, an afternoon spent at their Cellar Door is certainly one well spent. And as for their glamping? With an in-room wood fire, fairy lights above the four poster Queen bed, solid hardwood floors, a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen, glamping cabins 'Rustig' and 'Kalmte' take luxury accommodation to a new level. Oh, and did we mention that they are set in amongst the vineyards and enjoy pristine mountain air and breathtaking views to Mount Canobolas? Yep - time to get onto the website and book your tasting experience - and stay!
Whether you're in the market for a beautiful bouquet or not, there's no denying that a wander into Orange's Botanica Flora will delight your senses. With blooms from the Sydney Flower Market and, of course, from local growers, the team behind Botanica Flora pride themselves on creating bunches and posies unique to each order. Bright, colourful and happy - this is where you'll find us!
Photography by Pip
Situation on one of Orange's main streets, the White Place stands as one of the town's top destinations for interiors and design lovers. In a twist on your average homewares store however, owner Alex Pilcher has truly realised the full potential of her aesthetic, adding event planning and two boutique accommodation sites to her repertoire - Byng Street and Casey Street. The two spaces act as an extension of the brand, with everything contained within available for purchase.
Coffee, colour and creativity - does it get any better? Situated in a retired Masonic hall, The Sonic was conceived in 2016 by JUMBLED owner Pip Brett and husband Nick Luelf. The space houses beautiful Australian homewares, fashion, furniture and art, as well as local cafƩ, Nimrod, renowned for its delicious selection of soups (perfect for Orange weather!).
Jacqui Turk
WORDS | Lucy Francis
IMAGES | Supplied, header image supplied by Nashdale Lane Wines
