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Anytime! There’s plenty to do and see in all seasons.

Anytime, there’s plenty to do and see in all seasons.

Orange is located in the Central Tablelands of NSW and has four distinct seasons. Owing to it’s altitude, the climate is temperate with warm Summers and cool Winters. There is plenty to see and do, all year round.

Pop by the Visitor’s Centre when you arrive in town and pick up local maps and brochures. There is a map with colour coded wine trails if you are planning a self-driving tour.

The visitor’s centre building opened in 2017 and was designed for maximising public space. It houses a museum and café. Be sure to walk (or take the elevator) to the grass roof for great views of the town.

Here’s a few of our favourite things to do in each season.

 

Winter

Pack your beanie and ugg boots as Orange is fortunate to have the occasional snowfall during Winter. This make for the perfect backdrop for a toasty wood fire and a glass of red wine.

For the outdoor adventure seeker, there is Mount Canobolas, Lake Canobolas and plenty of mountain biking trails. There are also bush walking in picturesque locations such as Federal Falls and Ophir.

In the middle of Winter you’ll find some varieties of fresh local apples for picking. Winter is also a great time to forage for mushrooms and this is an option on our custom tour.

SPRING

There is nothing more romantic than the sign of Spring arriving. Lovely temperatures, blossoming flowers and breathtaking scenery, all make for a great time to visit Orange.

Cook Park, founded in 1873, is just a short stroll from the city centre. The park boasts a traditional Victorian design with straight paths and rows of trees. Much of the original design is still intact. When visiting Cook Park don’t miss the Park Guildry. The work of local craftspeople can be found in ‘Bastick Cottage’; a heritage building in the true Victorian style. Local craftsmen and women offer a wide range of unique handcrafted goods including pottery, knitting, woodwork, homemade jams and freshly baked goods. Their caramel slice is a must!

Be sure to also add the Botanical Gardens to your itinerary. It’s a great spot for a walk or a picnic. There is a café nearby and the adventure playground will keep the kid’s entertained.

Millthorpe, just a 25 minute drive from Orange, is a step back in time. The historic, heritage listed village offers quant shops, historic homes, three cellar doors, a museum and more. If you are looking for a comprehensive, fully organised visit to Millthorpe, consider our Village Trail Tour.  The tour is available each Sunday or a custom tour.

The historic village of Carcoar is short drive from Millthorpe and another lovely place to wander.

Spring is the perfect time to extend your holiday and head further out west to Dubbo (before it gets too hot!). Visit the renowned Western Plain ZooOld Dubbo Goal and the new Royal Flying Doctor Experience.

visually impaired lady in front of garden

Summer

Nothing says summer quite like cherries! They are ripe and ready for picking from the end of November and continue to early January. Cherries are our premium crop with 40% exported.

Huntley Berry Farm is an Australian disability enterprise and opens from October to April for picking berries. Their strawberries are among the sweetest you’ll eat. There is a café and it’s family friendly.

Stone fruit such as apricots, nectarines and peaches are ripe for picking in late Summer.

For a lovely walk in all seasons, visit Lake Canobolas. It’s an easy, flat 35-minute stroll and there’s a café so you can enjoy a coffee (any maybe a brownie!) when you’ve finished.

Orange has a fabulous aquatic centre with indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

lady picking apricots

Autumn

Have we saved the best till last? Maybe!

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit as the leaves change and our parks and gardens display their spectacular colours. The best places to experience this colour overload include Campbell’s Corner, Cook Park and Elephant Park. Also wander the streets adjoining Cook Park as the established trees form a canopy over the road. (Makes for a great Instagram photo!).

Autumn is a busy time for local producers. Saffron, figs, olives, apples and pears are all in season. It’s the perfect time to book our popular behind-the-scenes farm tour  You’ll have the opportunity to meet the grower and pick, or purchase direct from the farm.

Consider extending your visit to the region with a stop at Mayfield Gardens near Oberon. It’s a magnificent privately owned estate complete with gardens, a maze and a cafe.

Autumn leaves in street of Orange

Orange seasonal produce:

Summer
Cherries
Nectarines
Strawberries
Plums
Figs
Tomatoes
Zucchinis
Figs

Autumn
Saffron
Pears
Apples
Olives
Potatoes
Figs
Pears
Peaches
Apricots

Winter
Apples
Pears
Potatoes
Mushrooms

Spring
Mushrooms
Potatoes
Strawberries
Lettuce
Spinach

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