The culturally vibrant City of Orange is located in the Central Western region of NSW, an easy 3.5 hour drive from Sydney, via the Blue Mountains. Alive with music, Art, food and wine festivals, it is an exciting place to live or visit.

 Famous for its award winning cool climate wines and many restaurants that provide exquisite fine dining experiences, Orange has developed into a wine and foodie haven that is a delight to explore and savour.

 Declared a village in 1846, Orange has had an unusual evolution with no land in the village itself being sold until 1849.  In 1848 only three buildings existed which were a store, an inn and a private residence and nearly all were made of slabs and bark. Orange was originally known as Blackman’s Swamp Creek for 24 years before being renamed Orange by Major Thomas Mitchell in honour of Prince William of Orange, whom he met during the Napoleonic Wars.

 The richly fertile land was not the only attraction for the area with the first payable gold in Australia being discovered 28kms from Orange, at Ophir in1851. When gold was also discovered in Lucknow 10kms from Orange, a further influx of miners saw the population rapidly expand.

 By June 1862, the famous Cobb & Co Coaching company had established its headquarters in Bathurst and a month later began coaching routes through Orange to expanding goldfields in the Forbes area.

 Orange is also acclaimed as the birthplace of the famous Australian poet, Banjo Paterson who was born on the 17^th of February 1864. At the site of his birthplace, along Ophir Road, Banjo Patterson Park was created where a monument and statue have been established in his honour.

 The passage of The Robertson Land Act of 1861 saw an expansion of settlement around Orange with nearly a thousand settlers moving to the area between 1860 and 1870 to produce wheat, making it one of the major wheat growing areas of the colony for about 50 years. The arrival of the railway in 1877 saw greater prosperity for the area with produce being moved to market quickly and cheaply.  By the 1880’s fruit trees were planted and orcharding eventually became the major industry.  Many orchards still exist today amongst the growing number of flourishing vineyards.

 Attractions and Things to Do in Orange

You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to things to do in Orange.  Visit one or more of the regions 35 wineries to discover an impressive array of cool climate wines that will delight the palate. Many can be experienced at the cellar doors of some truly picturesque vineyards on the slopes and valleys of Mt Canobolas.

 Award winning Restaurants and Cafés featuring stunning local produce, abound throughout Orange with something special to tempt the most discerning foodie.  Much of this local produce including venison, seasonal berries, award winning honey, sauces, jam and preserves are also available and highly sort after at the local Farmers Market, which is held on the second Saturday of every month.  

 Outdoor activities are enjoyed in Cook Park, the Botanic Gardens and many other parks and gardens in and around Orange.  Cook Park dates from 1882 and provides features including, majestic trees, a fernery, begonia house, an aviary and a pond where children delight in feeding families of ducks.  The Adventure Park and Botanic Gardens are fun for both young and old.  Children take up the challenge of the Adventure Park while parents and grandparents can take stroll through the lovely native and exotic collections of the Botanic Gardens right next door.

 Lake Canobolas provides a tranquil location to enjoy a picnic, bushwalking or for the more energetic, swimming and water sports are available in the warmer months.

 An ancient volcano, Mount Canobolas stands an impressive 1395 metres above sea level and being the highest peak between the Blue Mountains and the Indian Ocean, provides stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape.  It will often be seen crowned with snow in the winter months. There are also some spectacular lookouts and waterfalls as well as seven walking tracks to explore.

 Gold Panning or fossicking can be enjoyed at Ophir Reserve, the site of Australia’s first payable gold discovery. Go back in time and experience what it must have been like for those who flocked to the goldfields, hoping to strike it rich.

 Art and music lovers are extremely well catered for with many national, international and local exhibitions hosted by the Orange Regional Art Gallery and live music and theatre is regularly enjoyed at Orange Civic Theatre. This plethora of performances and exhibitions along with all the outdoor adventure pursuits available ensure, that Orange is alive and well with activities and events to suit everyone.

 Major Events and Festivals

 August:            8-17      Orange Music Week

 September:                  Orange Eisteddfod (Dates to be confirmed)

 October:           14-16    Australian National Field Days