All it takes is one trip to Orange for you to fall in love with this beautiful city.
When the eccentric and charming owner of The Oriana, Espen Harbitz, first visited this retro hotel, it was a run-down venue with a small guest list and basic facilities. Today, it’s the most popular hotel in the thriving city of Orange, a 4.5-star luxury escape home to Orange’s number one restaurant.
Espen and his late partner, Ted Marr, transformed The Oriana into a chic and modern hotel, maintaining its fantastic 1960s retro charm and instilling some Gatsby-esque flair.
Velvet lounges and cushions, long billowing curtains, golden cocktail trolleys and crystal vases bursting with bouquets of roses turn every well-considered space into cocoons of colour and romance.
Whether you’re staying in a single room or a pool-side king suite, you can slip right into a full resort experience.
The fun begins with a friendly greeting from the staff and complimentary arrival drinks, before you’re guided to your room. At The Oriana, it’s all about the finer details. This means a complimentary mini bar, high-end tea and coffee facilities, lush robes and fresh flowers for every guest.
There are 49 rooms across the hotel, themed after the owner’s world travels. Performance programs from Der Ring des Nibelunge can be found in the Wagner Room, while the Africa Room includes vintage maps and posters of revolutionaries such as Nelson Mandela.
Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to exquisite dining options to suit the seasons. In the warmer months, the Summer Kitchen keeps the party going from lunch until well after sundown. Enjoy wood-fired pizza, local wine and beer, classic cocktails from the Martini Bar, and delicious offerings from the Pool Club. In fact, the pool is adults-only after 3pm, ensuring a relaxing and ambient atmosphere.
In winter, the hotel sparks up outdoor fireplaces for a classic country experience. Gather under sparkling fairy lights and enjoy friendly conversation with other guests while you warm yourself by the fire and cradle a glass of wine sourced from the nearby wineries.
Or, check out The Oriana’s new pool-side Scandinavian Sauna, which you can pair with a cold plunge in the outdoor pool for the full experience, exclusive to The Oriana’s hotel guests.
For a romantic evening sipping crafted cocktails, the Bela Vista Bar is calling. This cosy bar embraces the retro vibe with velvet chairs, antique chandeliers and crystal glasses. Let the experienced team whip up a unique cocktail to suit your taste, or choose something from the extensive menu of local and international wines. The bar also boasts a tapas menu which changes to honour the best seasonal produce. Indulge in housemade bread and dips, a selection of fine cheeses and charcuterie, or a light supper of grilled octopus, baked potatoes and pan-fried prawns.
An Oriana experience wouldn’t be complete without visiting The Peacock Room, which has locals and visitors swooning. Retro furnishings, chandeliers, and velvet seatings are elevated to another level of sophistication for a truly romantic evening.
The menu – designed by Executive Chef Julian Veenstra – effortlessly blends classic European flavours with modern flourishes. Try the roasted snapper fillet or the oxtail risotto, or tuck into the most tender and well-seasoned steak you’ve ever tasted.
Vineyards and vino
The town of Orange is famous for its cool climate wines, with over 60 vineyards and 30 cellar doors to visit. Many of the wineries are located close together, and the Orange Region Wine Trails map, which can be accessed online, lays out the five main routes.
De Salis wines is a standout, with its full-bodied white wines and dry-grown reds. The estate is located 1050 metres above sea level, with incredible views from the cellar door across the vineyard and all the way back into town. The winery is family owned and operated, and chances are you will meet Charlie, Loretta or their sons when you book a tasting. They’re always happy to share a laugh with guests over a glass of their award-winning wine.
Another regional highlight is Brangayne of Orange, named after Wagner’s romantic opera. The family-owned winery has been producing cool climate drops for nearly 25 years, with standouts including the “Isolde” chardonnay and “Tristan” red blend, named after the opera’s lovers.
Aside from the delicious wine, a visit to this cellar door is well worth it to meet the family behind the label. They are friendly, charming, and go out of their way to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
If you want to take the planning work out of wine tastings in Orange, book a wine tour with Uncork Orange. Whether you choose a half-day or full day tasting experience, you can expect transfers to and from your accommodation, tastings at some of the best cellar doors in the country, and a complimentary picnic including fresh scones baked by your host, Lyn. Charming and professional, she makes sure everyone feels welcome, sharing fascinating stories about the region and creating lasting memories for all.
Food, glorious food
Located at the foothills of a dormant volcano, Mount Canolobas, Orange is known for its rich and fertile soil. This results in an abundance of fresh produce, including apples, cherries and stone fruit. When visiting Hillside Harvest, you can grab a bucket and head out into the orchards to pick your own fruit. Different delicacies are available depending on the season, and standouts include apples, blackberries and plums.
With all this delicious produce, it is no surprise that Orange is a renowned food region. Tuck into a rich bowl of Italian pasta paired with local wine at Lucetta, or try Chinese and Korean barbeque fusion at Mr Lim. There are so many incredible restaurants to choose from.
Cafe culture is also strong in town, and you’re guaranteed to find freshly roasted coffee and pastries around every corner. Groundstone is a cute cafe attached to the Orange Regional Museum. Dine on a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu in the greenhouse, which is decorated with vines and other plants, before exploring an exhibition or two in the gallery.
On warm days, head to the courtyard of Anything Grows for locally roasted coffee and breakfast surrounded by plants and trees. Then, peruse the gift shop for a collection of local artisanal finds including candles, homewares and gifts.
Shop till you drop
The Orange retail scene is brimming with unique clothing, homewares, art and crafts. There are so many charming finds, it’s easy to lose a whole day wandering between different shops.
Jumbled is a colourful concept store located in a renovated masonic lodge. Every wall is lined with artwork from talented locals, pottery, candles, and an awe-inspiring range of colourful clothes. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, a visit to this store is worth it for its vibrant aesthetic.
Also check out Mary and Tex Curious Emporium for vintage furniture and homewares – many that would look right at home in The Oriana.
Outdoor fun and country air
Aside from its sprawling vineyards and orchards, Orange is also home to several beautiful parks and gardens.
Cook Park is a 4.5-hectare parkland that was first laid out in a Victorian style in 1873. Today, much of the design can still be found in the even rows of trees, duck ponds, and plethora of flowers.
In the park’s centre is an aviary of stunning native birdlife, while the Guildery is a Victorian-style heritage building housing unique handcrafted goods including pottery, knitting, woodwork and more.
To see Orange from another perspective, head to the top of Mount Canobolas. Rising almost 1.4 kilometres above sea level, the lookout provides 360-degree views of the Orange township, with the mountains, vineyards and fields beyond. Take in the Aboriginal artwork set into the ground and explore the surrounding conservation area which features plenty of hikes, campsites and barbecue facilities.
After one trip to Orange, you’ll no doubt join the long list of the city’s lovers, drawn back again and again to indulge in everything that makes this region so special.
Can’t get enough of these Orange delights? Check out the best outdoor activities in and around Orange by clicking here.
Featured image: The Bela Vista Bar in The Oriana
