Yahoo Lifestyle 
How to spend 48 hours in Orange for the ultimate weekend away
With so much on offer, you might feel overwhelmed at the prospect of planning a weekend away. If that's you, then look no further.
You've probably drunk their crisp, cool-climate drops without even realising it, made at some of the country's highest wineries — most of which are nestled at an elevation of more than 800 metres above sea level.
While Orange's breathtaking, picturesque vineyards are just that, they aren't the only reason to visit the charming sun-soaked town of just over 40,000 people, in fact — far from it.
About a three and a half hour drive from both Sydney and Canberra, or just over 30 minutes by plane, the thriving country town — known for its rich history, award-winning restaurants and wines, bustling boutique shopping scene and enchanting gardens — will capture your heart from the minute you set foot on the ground.
As is the case with many country towns outside of Australia's major cities, the first thing that strikes you when touching down in Orange, in NSW's Central Tablelands, is the friendliness of the locals. Then comes the serenity that accompanies leaving city life behind, followed by an instant feeling of calm, amplified by beds upon beds of blossoming rose bushes that dot almost every street in every direction.
With more bars, eateries, tours and experiences emerging as each year flows by, the rural destination has become something of a hotspot among travellers — domestic and international alike.
With so much on offer, you might feel overwhelmed at the prospect of planning a weekend away, and, if that's you, then look no further. Here is what we think is truly the ultimate way to spend a rejuvenating 48 hours in Orange.
Where to stay
While the majority of accommodation in Orange is sprinkled around the town centre, which is easily accessible on foot or bike from most places, if you're looking for a spot that encompasses a little bit of everything — a pool and pool bar, relaxed-yet-buzzy outdoor dining hub, a martini lounge and a sophisticated, intimate '70s-chic eatery — the Oriana Retro Hotel and Resort should be your first port of call.
From what began as an "overtaxed and under-loved" hotel many decades ago, to its current metamorphosed state, comparable to a Palm Springs luxury oasis, the Oriana — which boasts four and a half stars — will deliver you some of the best on offer in Orange.
This includes, but is not limited to, a selection of freshly flown-in oysters from Batemans Bay from Friday to Sunday — of which I'm told some 3000 are sold every weekend, and yes, get in quick as they do sell out — to a thoughtfully curated garden menu, recently activated cocktail lounge and an exquisite selection of local food and fine wines, which are conveniently available from each of the many dining spots.
Inside, the moody and dimly-lit Peacock Room awaits. Its hazy, pink and purple atmosphere will instantly capture your attention before your gaze is diverted to the abundance of glimmering antique chandeliers, velvet chairs, and cut crystal glassware. The restaurant itself has a capacity of 140 people, but be warned: bookings are essential — though, there's always the Bela Vista Bar and Cocktail Salon for those willing to wait.
Outside, beneath a sea of twinkling fairy lights, you'll find the Summer Kitchen and Pool Club.
While you might be forgiven for mistaking the former as a beer garden, hotel owner Espen Harbitz —who transformed the venue alongside his late partner Ted Marr, from its rundown state under previous management to its thriving current form — says "it's so much more than that". And he's right.
Coming from a family of hoteliers, Norwegian-born Espen's vision was apparent as soon as he took over the institution in 2017, and since then, has seen the resort grow from strength to strength. With the overarching concept inspired by '50s resorts across both America and Europe, Espen's love of international travel, cuisine and glamour is evident throughout every corner of the premises.
Many of the refurbished rooms, which each flaunt their own unique personalities, are themed through artworks Harbitz collected during his travels. The Oriana even recently took home gold at the NSW Tourism Awards, taking out the 4 to 4 1/2 Star Deluxe Accommodation category.
From the newly-installed wood wood-fired pizza ovens in the Summer Garden to the selection of mouthwatering Tapas, fine dining delicacies, and Espen's own impressive personal knowledge of wine, of which he will happily pair toward your every mood, there's enough to experience at the Oriana to last an entire weekend — though, as difficult is it may be to leave once you pull in through the gates, I recommend you try to.
MUST TRY: The selection of $1 oysters available from Friday to Sunday, the duck pithivier and slow-braised pork from the Peacock Room, the chilli prawn pizza from the Summer Garden and the grilled saganaki are absolutely not to be missed. Ask Espen to pair your wine with your meal.
Eat and drink
There is absolutely no shortage of tasty food options in Orange, which is now home to two-hatted restaurants and some 60 wineries — about 30 of which have cellar doors. Though you're bound to find something to your liking if you take a stroll down Summer or Byng Streets, here are some spots that'll have you coming back for more.
If you do stay at the Oriana, the Byng Street Local store is about a 10-minute walk, cushioned on the corner of Byng and Clifton. From freshly made apple and cinnamon muffins to homemade porridge and ricotta and lemon hotcakes, the store's zingy take on smashed avo and of course freshly ground AllPress coffee — this brunch spot is one that should definitely be on your list.
MUST TRY: If you're like me and you somehow had one too many glasses of wine with dinner, order the Byng Street breakfast roll and thank me later.
The Agrestic Grocer
Housed in an old apple packing shed, which has kept its semi-industrial, semi-agricultural aesthetic, this sweet little spot is the perfect place to sit and enjoy lunch, a glass of wine or a cocktail, followed by a wander through the attached boutique gift shop, which features a selection of irresistible, carefully curated and locally sourced fresh products and homewares.
Think handmade soaps, local wines, herbal teas and even beer. Be sure to make yourself known to owner Beau Baddock who has run the institution for the last decade.
MUST TRY: The house cheeseburger (you won't regret it) and the grilled cauliflower are both standouts. We paired lunch with a couple of freshly made espresso martinis, but there's a local wine list on offer too — in addition to all your other classics.
Macquariedale Organic Wines
Sometimes hearing words like "organic and vegan-friendly" can induce an involuntary eye-roll in some people, when talking about food or wine. If you're like me, the latter doesn't necessarily need to be any of those things to make for a tasty drop, but let me tell you, it is one hell of an added bonus when it does.
Ever wondered why you have, in the past, felt hungover from just two to three glasses? As owner and founder Derice McDonald will tell you, wine-induced hangovers are generally attributed to sulphur dioxide, which is a common preservative that is used to control unwanted bacteria and yeasts.
If that sounds a bit nasty, it's because it is. Thankfully though, you won't find any of it at Macquariedale.
Comfortably cocooned on the hillside of Mount Canobolas, in what has to be one of the most idyllic locations in town, this winery — that sits 1,100m above sea level, making it one of the highest in Australia — is in fact in the process of moving entirely from the Hunter Valley to Orange.
However, there's no way to tell that it's in a transitional state, with Derice's striking attention to detail apparent in every crevice and corner throughout the property.
As Derice's border collie Ella excitedly runs to greet every guest, you'll notice butterflies dancing between the trees, lazily drifting from branch to branch as the seasoned winemaker runs you through the selection of house drops you're about to try. In the distance, a herd of alpacas languidly guard a neighbouring property, keeping the estate's sheep safe from foxes, we're told.
MUST TRY: While gazing off at the genuinely mesmerising backdrop, snack on one of Derice's handcrafted charcuterie boards (ask for the double cream brie) while sipping on a glass of the 2022 Cool Rosé. Macquariedale's wines are not only earthy, silky and delicious, leaving you wanting more than just one glass of each, but they're made naturally and sustainably, without sacrificing any flavour or richness.
Parrot Distilling Co
Located in a warehouse that was once, in a past life, a Volvo dealership, this gin distillery would feel right at home in Sydney's trendy inner city, though it has an unapologetically country feel that in fact eclipses many places found even in the likes of Marrickville — a globally-recognised distillery district.
While veteran brewer Barry will treat you to the best of Parrot's botanical and aromatic gins (be sure to eat the fresh fruit in your drinks before the alcohol claims it, we were told), there's also a full menu of pizzas and snacks on offer, cooked of course in a wood-fired, on-site oven, in addition to a range of house whiskies.
MUST TRY: Do not go past Parrot's Ruby Red gin — crafted from hibiscus, strawberry "and just a hint of rose hip" — its crisp freshness will quench your thirst immediately and is perfect for washing down a bite of the famous four-cheese pizza. While you're there, ask Barry how to make the perfect gin and tonic (if you think you already know, you don't).
Be warned: You may not be able to drive home after a few hours at Parrot, but the session will undoubtedly put a spring in your step on the walk back to the hotel.
Experience
We weren't sure what to make of this suggestion when it appeared on the itinerary, but not only is it most certainly one of the more unique ways to be shown around town, it also ended up being a highlight.
When you think 'trike', a bicycle with two back wheels might spring to mind, but rest assured, we are talking motors here, and a very powerful one at that. Orange local Mark, who has been riding motorbikes since his youth, is not only one of the most genuinely lovely people you'll ever meet, but he is also probably one of the best people to show you around town.
Jump on the back of the trike and pop on a helmet — which includes speakers and a microphone so you can absorb Mark's decades of knowledge of the area — and let him guide you around Lake Canobolas and its surrounds. A word of caution: Leave your sunnies in the boot and be sure to close your mouth on the highway and hang on tight. When clocking speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour, you'll soon know why.
This expansive, 75-acre property proudly produces fresh cherries, apples, pears, apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, raspberries and boysenberries, just to name a few. The farm in its current form was established in the early 90's but owner Paula Charmock's links to fruit and vegetable farming in the area date back to 1947.
Hillside continues to be a popular source of fresh fruit for both locals and tourists and supplies market stalls and eateries all over the state. Paula — a fourth-generation orchardist — has a wealth of knowledge of not only fruit but the natural Australian landscape that is truly impressive to hear.
When given a personal tour through the rows upon rows of burgeoning produce, you'll find it hard to eat fruit that hasn't been picked directly from the tree ever again.
MUST TRY: All the produce really, but the white cherries especially. Enjoy picking directly from the tree and then pop into Paula's gift and produce store to buy a jam or a tangy spread to see what they can become. Inside, there's also locally sourced homewares and more fresh homegrown fruit.
Located literally a stone's throw away from Hillside, you'll find Orange Mountain Wines.
Run by husband and wife duo Terry and Jules, this vineyard specialises in using traditional winemaking methods, including hand-picking, hand-plunging and fermentation in small open containers "to maximise colour and flavour".
In operation since 1997, you can taste the love in each carefully crafted drop made at this family-run establishment. An experienced and expert winemaker, who has travelled all over the world to places like China and Japan showcasing his range, Terry will teach you all about the process of turning lesser-known grape vines into refreshing and rich, yet totally unpretentious wine — just like his famous Mountain Ice Viognier.
The vineyard itself is sweeping and lush, and upstairs, a modern and recently-renovated wine wine-tasting room awaits guests — complete with tablets at every sink station, informing you of the bottle you're about to taste.
MUST TRY: Terry's 2021 Orange Mountain Viognier and 2023 Mountain Ice Viognier.
How to get around
Most of Orange you can experience by foot, and if you can, you really should, (you won't regret wandering through the pristine Cook Park), but if wheels are more your speed, consider hitting up Lauren from Winery Experiences Orange.
As the business name suggests, Lauren's main game is winery tours, and she's very good at it too. In a spacious and air-conditioned SUV, sit back and relax while you're driven through Orange's wine country as your guide points out interesting facts and quirky musings that only a local could know.
The company has 30 years of experience in hospitality, hotels and tourism and provides full-day and half-day personalised tours, including tastings at award-winning vineyards and an introduction to some that are lesser-known.
Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of The Oriana Hotel and Resort, Orange. The hotel is offering a 'Stay 3, Pay 2' promotion from December 15, 2023, until February 15, 2024.
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