Orange is renowned for its gourmet experiences, with award-winning restaurants and cool-climate wines available all year long.
Adventurous spirits will also love the many outdoor activities in and around Orange, such as walking along Mount Canobolas – a dormant volcano that last erupted around 11 million years ago. The park is home to almost 1000 species of plants and animals, with a network of short and longer walks available for every type of hiker. The 2-kilometre Nature Walking Track showcases the mountain’s snow gums and spring wildflowers, leading visitors to the breathtaking Mount Canobolas Lookout.
A short 15 minute drive outside of town, Borenore Caves are a series of ancient limestone caves in the Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve. The main site is Arch Cave, which boasts stalagmites, stalactites and columns. Then, head along the Boree Creek trail to Verandah Cave, where you can sit covered by the cool rocks, and may even spot a platypus in the pools.
In town, the Orange Botanic Gardens are a 17-hectare site featuring a native and exotic plant collection. Taking the popular Country Walk will direct you past the original homestead garden, first opened in 1988, as well as the billabong, exotic and Indigenous woodlands, heritage orchards and a rose garden. There’s so much to explore here you may want to bring a picnic lunch, and make use of the garden facilities while you soak in the beautiful surroundings.
To take your trip to new heights, venture 40-minutes outside of town to Canowindra. Here, you can join a gentle hot air balloon ride over the Belubula Valley, finishing with a delicious cooked breakfast and champagne or coffee to start your morning off right. Canowindra is known as the hot air balloon capital of Australia for good reason, as stunning views and friendly staff deliver the experience of a lifetime. Fly with Balloon Joy Flights, and choose from group or private experiences.
Just north of Orange is the Mullion Range Conservation Area, popular for its bushwalking trails, waterfalls, and plethora of spots for fishing and swimming. History lovers will also enjoy a trip to this area, as the Historic Water Race walking track takes you past the remnants of Orange’s gold mining past, celebrating the life of pioneering gold miners in the 1860s. On your way, keep an eye out for native parrots and owls, as well as possums and possibly even a platypus or two in the creek.
The Orange region is bursting with wineries and farms that offer up some of the best produce in Australia, and on the Orange Villages Bike Trail, you’ll get to see it all. This six-day cycling trail takes you along country roads for spectacular views and the chance to sample all the local delicacies. For less confident cyclists, city streets and smaller cycle loops are also available, or you can opt to join a guided tour for an expertly-led experience of this popular cycling adventure.
On an Indigenous Cultural Adventures tour, you can learn all about the Wiradjuri People, the traditional custodians of the land. All tours are guided by local Elders, who take groups into the bush to visit important cultural sites, such as Yranigh’s burial site and other ceremonial areas. Discover generations of history in Orange, and learn all about the significance of this vibrant region.
Loving these outdoor activities in and around Orange? Check out the best places to eat and drink after a long day of exploring.
