It’s all Orange

IT WAS ALL Orange

Just 250 kilometres west of Sydney, Orange unites fine food and wine, bucolic countryside and luxury accommodation. Could this be the ultimate destination

Within easy reach of Sydney, Orange is fast developing a reputation as one of Australia’s top wine districts – with local vintages regularly winning national and international awards, it’s easy to see why. This recognition, paired with the region’s already stellar standing as one of NSW’s most cutting edge destinations for wining and dining, puts it firmly of Australia’s foodie map.

Orange purveyors patchwork the countryside, occupying charming villages and postcard-perfect countryside. At tempting as it is to linger in cellar doors and gourmet restaurants all day (and all night), there are plenty of other diversions to entertain, from adventure activities – think cycling and bushwalking – to shopping in bijou boutiques with plenty of local character (and characters). Seasonal sensations Green and gold shine bright in spring, with the bud-burst of heritage parks and gardens and happy brilliance of undulating canola fields illuminating the countryside. Visit in summer, and elevated Mount Canobolas promises milder temperatures to alleviate the heat, while languid afternoons give way to balmy evenings and cicada harmonies. A rich tapestry of deep reds, burnt oranges and warm yellows colour the landscape every autumn, giving leaf-peepers reason to linger against a backdrop of clear blue skies.

And as winter approaches a stillness descends on the Orange region; the landscape rests, although it’s not idle. Frosted mornings and sprinklings of snow are followed by bright sunshine days that filter the crisp mountain air. Produce goes to ground and hearty vegetables fill your bowl, as you sip red wine and gather around a country bonfire, sharing stories and laughter with friends and family under starry, crystal-clear skies, celebrated annually during the region’s annual Winter Fire Festival. Festival time Celebrating its third year in 2020, the three-day Orange Winter Fire Festival (31 July – 2 August) showcases Orange and its surrounding villages at their winter best. Friends and families

Click here to discover the full spectrum of events and experience the Orange region has to offer.