In this article, we’ll provide you with a brief guide to Orange NSW, a regional town known for its stunning wines, rich heritage, and beautiful natural surroundings. A weekend trip to Orange NSW is the perfect escape for wine lovers, adventure seekers, and pretty much anyone looking to break away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Just a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Sydney, Orange feels worlds away, with seemingly endless vineyards and a much slower pace of life. It is the ideal place for those looking to unwind. Whether you’re here to sip award-winning wines, hike to scenic lookouts, or simply enjoy the old country town feel, Orange, NSW, has something for everyone.
Wine Tasting
When writing about Orange, NSW, there’s no better place to start than with its world-class wine. Home to just over 60 wineries, Orange is renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best of all the wine scene here is welcoming and approachable, no snobbery, just great wine. If you find yourself in the region, attending a wine tasting session is an absolute must! Here are our top three suggestions for wineries in the area!
1. Ross Hill Wines
Known for: Sustainable practices, approachable tastings and phenomenal wine.
Why visit: A standard wine tour/tasting of up to seven wines is available from just $10 per person, or $25 with a tasting plate. Ross Hill Wines is also the first and only certified carbon-neutral winery in Australia.
We’d definitely recommend visiting Ross Hill Wines. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to chat about the wines and suggest places to eat in town. They even offered us an extra wine to try, free of charge, as we waited a few minutes for our food platter to arrive. Ross Hill Wines is also the first and only certified carbon neutral winery in Australia.
2. Philip Shaw Wines
Known for: Elegant cool-climate wines and a picturesque setting.
Why visit: Philip Shaw Wines sits on a hill in a old bluestone barn from the 1870s, offering a laid-back spot to enjoy some great wine. A wine tour is $15 per person, or you can go for the ‘Taste & Plate’ option at $30, which comes with local cheese and handmade lavosh. It is the perfect place to relax and soak in the view!
3. Printhie Wines
Known for: Award-winning sparkling wines and premium experiences.
Why visit: Printhie Wines has some great wine tasting options. Their 45-minute session is $15 per person, perfect for sampling their wines. If you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, the Printhie Picnic includes a guided tasting, a bottle of wine, and a gourmet hamper to enjoy on the estate, perfect for those looking to explore the stunning vineyards.
PS – If you prefer a guided experience, Orange winery tours are a fantastic way to explore multiple vineyards in one day!
Top Three Hikes in Orange, NSW
If you’re looking to stay active during your travels, hiking in Orange is well worth it! Below are the top three trails in the area. Also, if bushwalking isn’t your thing, we’d definitely suggest a leisurely stroll through the vineyards. The views really are stunning!
1. Mount Canobolas Summit Walk (1.5–2 Hours)
A scenic 4.5 km trail that leads to breathtaking panoramic views from the highest point in Central NSW. If you are running short on time and really want to take in the panoramic views it is also possible to drive up to the Mount Conobolas Summit (its only a 20 minute drive from Orange city centre).
2. Federal Falls Walking Track (1–1.5 Hours)
We did the Federal Falls Walking Track when we were in Orange. It’s a 4 km circuit in the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area, taking you through some lush forest before ending up at the Federal Falls. However, unfortunately, when we visited, there wasn’t a drop of water in sight! The views and walk itself were still quite impressive, but be warned,d the falls aren’t always flowing!
3. Pinnacle Walk and Lookout (30–45 Minutes)
The Pinnacle Walk and Lookout is a 1.2 km return trail that offers a short yet satisfying climb through bushland before opening up to panoramic views over Orange and the Towac Valley. Ideal for those running short on time, looking to take in some of the stunning views!
3 Free Things To do in Orange, NSW
If you are on a bit more of a budget or have spent all of your money on Orange’s amazing food and wine, here are 3 free activities you can do!
1. Orange Regional Gallery
If you are looking to do something more thought-provoking, or the weather has taken a turn for the worse, it is worth checking out the Orange Regional Gallery. Here you can enjoy the work of artists from local area as well as the wider New South Wales Region! Click here for details on the latest exhibitions
2. Botanical Gardens
If you’ve got an hour or two, we’d suggest checking out Orange’s Botanical Gardens. This is a great place to relax, unwind or go for a coffee walk! Best of all, there is no entry fee, and parking is free too! We spent an hour here, before heading home and it was definitely worth it!
3. Go For A Swim Or Walk around Lake Canobolas
Just a 10-minute drive from Orange’s town centre, Lake Canobolas Reserve is the perfect place to picnic or water based activities. Lake Canobolas has two dedicated swimming areas, ideal for the warmer months. It’s also a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking.
How to get to Orange, NSW
Now that I’ve piqued your interest, it is important you know how to get to Orange in the first place, and luckily for you, it is pretty simple!
Travellers From Sydney
Travelling From Sydney To Orange By Car – If you’re travelling from Sydney, your best option is likely to drive to Orange. The journey typically takes between 3 to 4 hours, but it’s worth noting that travel times can increase significantly over long weekends. Expect heavy traffic when passing through the Blue Mountains. And of course, the seemingly endless congestion as you make your way out of Sydney. Despite the delays, the drive itself is quite scenic and would be pretty enjoyable if we had travelled outside of peak times!
Travelling From Sydney To Orange By Train – If you prefer a relaxed and scenic journey, or you don’t yet own a car. Taking the train from Sydney to Orange is an excellent option too. NSW TrainLink operates a daily service from Central Station to Orange Station. With the fastest direct train taking about 4 hours and 45 minutes and costing around 18 dollars. Just keep in mind that trains don’t come too often, with only one direct service each day.
Also, having a car once you’re in Orange is pretty much essential if you’re planning to go on hikes or enjoy any of the outdoor activities the region is known for. We’d definitely suggest renting a car if you don’t own one!
Travelling From Sydney To Orange By Coach – If you’re looking for another way to get to Orange without driving, there is a coach service available. Australia Wide Coaches runs an express service between Sydney and Orange. The trip takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes, with tickets usually costing between 55 and 75 dollars, which is pretty pricey if you ask me!
It is also worth remembering that this service only runs six days a week, so it is not the best option if you need to get back in time for work on Monday morning.
Travellers From Canberra
Travelling From Canberra To Orange By Car –If you’re travelling from Canberra to Orange, driving once again is by far the most straightforward option. The trip takes around 3 and a half to 4 hours, depending on traffic. The route takes you through some beautiful countryside, making it a nice drive. Just like other regional trips, it’s best to avoid peak holiday times if you want to steer clear of traffic!
Travelling From Canberra to Orange by Coach – There are coach services available between Canberra and Orange, although they are less frequent than from Sydney. Coaches take roughly 4 to 5 hours and can be a comfortable alternative to driving, but can be a bit of a hassle as you’ll have to change in Cootamundra on the way!
Travelling From Canberra to Orange by Train – Unlike the journey from Sydney to Orange, there just isn’t a viable route from Canberra by train.
Top Tip – If you’re planning a trip to Orange, NSW, we’d definitely suggest renting a car or driving there if you already have one. Taxis in Orange can be quite expensive, and having a car is really the best way to make the most of your time there! Public transport options are pretty limited!
Summary
If you’re based in Sydney or Canberra and are looking for an escape from city life or simply craving a change of scenery, a trip to Orange, NSW is the perfect weekend getaway. With award-winning wineries, beautiful bushwalks, and plenty of free activities, it truly offers something for everyone. It’s a great destination for couples, solo travellers, and families, with more than enough to fill a long weekend.
We loved our time in Orange. Not just for the wine and nature, but the nightlife was surprisingly good too. From cosy wine bars to local pubs with live music, Orange has a lot more going on than you might expect!
PS – If you are looking for some ideas for weekend trips away, check out or artilces on the Blue Mountains and other articles on Australia!