Destination style Our favourite picks for exploring Orange, NSW
OUR GUIDE TO BRINGING THE BEST SHOPPING, LIFESTYLE AND DESIGN SPOTS BACK HOME Words ELLE LOVELOCK
Aglass of wine is good for the soul. So, too, is retail therapy, a meal with friends or an escape to the country. Should you want to tick all four boxes, the central NSW region of Orange is the place to go. As the birthplace of iconic Australian poet Banjo Patterson, and the first Aussie town to kick off the gold-rush boom in the 1850s, Orange has a rich history. These days, people flock here for indulgent weekend getaways, exploring the lush vineyards, charming boutiques and luxurious places to stay.
SHOPPING 1. The Sonic
In this old Masonic hall you’ll discover a rainbow of treasures to buy. Cushions, candles, plant pots and artworks – all of the vibrantly hued homewares you could possibly want under the one roof are here. Add to that the latest fashions and you’re guaranteed to leave this store with a smile on your face, a bounce in your step and a shopping bag or two on your arm.
Visit: 33-35 Sale Street, Orange.
Bookmark: thesonic.com.au.
2. TOMOLLY
THIS INTERIORS STORE LIES IN CARCOAR, 40 MINUTES’ DRIVE FROM ORANGE, AND IS OWNED BY BELINDA SATTERTHWAITE. HER EDIT OF HOMEWARES, FROM BISON CERAMICS TO REDECKER BRUSH WARE, IS BEAUTIFULLY STYLED, SO YOU’LL HAVE A BALL SHOPPING HERE. SHE CHAMPIONS REGIONAL MAKERS, TOO, SUCH AS MEERABOO CANDLES FROM CANOWINDRA AND ONE HUNDRED AND ONE LINEN BEDDING THAT COMES OUT OF MILLTHORPE.
VISIT: SHOP 2-3, 7 BELUBULA STREET, CARCOAR.
BOOKMARK: TOMOLLY.COM.AU.
EATING 3. The Agrestic Grocer
Part restaurant and part providore, The Agrestic Grocer is a venue you’ll find on the Mitchell Highway, just before you enter Orange. Stop by for a meal – the ploughman’s lunch with house-made pickle is famous – or pick up something to go, such as a regional cheese box and a bottle of wine. Need to stock up your Airbnb? Here, you’ll find fresh local produce, including everything from unwaxed apples to free-range eggs.
Visit: 426 Molong Road, Orange.
Bookmark: theagresticgrocer.com.au.
EXPLORE & STAY 4. The Byng Street Hotel
Interior design aficionados will absolutely love The Byng Street Boutique Hotel in the heart of Orange’s heritage precinct. It has recently undergone a fabulous makeover by architect Peter Mayoh and interior designer Louise Spicer from OneFour Interiors. Think contemporary homestead with plush interiors upholstered in patterns of paisley, stripes and houndstooth – a real visual treat. Room prices at the hotel start from $276 a night.
Visit: 62 Byng Street, Orange.
Bookmark: byngstreethotel.com.au.
5. Nashdale Lane cellar door and accommodation
Wine tasting is a must-do activity when you’re visiting Orange, and there are plenty of cellar doors to choose between – one of which is Nashdale Lane. It offers 45-minute tastings every hour, on the hour, from noon until 4pm Sunday to Friday and from 11am to 5pm on Saturdays. To truly round out the vineyard experience, why not stay over in one of the glamping cabins, complete with four-poster bed and woodburner. Very luxe, indeed. Visit: 125 Nashdale Lane, Nashdale. Bookmark: nashdalelane.com.
6. ROWLEE WINES
ANOTHER MARVELLOUS CELLAR DOOR WHERE, AFTER YOUR TASTING, YOU CAN BUY A BOTTLE OF WINE AND A GOURMET PICNIC HAMPER AND DISCOVER A SPOT IN THE GROUNDS TO ENJOY YOUR LUNCH AMONG THE VINEYARDS. THIS IS ALSO THE PERFECT PLACE TO PICK UP A SOUVENIR, AS ROWLEE WINES HAS TEAMED UP WITH LOCAL MAKERS TO CREATE A RANGE OF GIFT BOXES OF WINE, CANDLES AND CHOCOLATE. OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM TO 5PM FOR PRE-BOOKED TASTINGS.
VISIT: 19 LAKE CANOBOLAS ROAD, ORANGE.
BOOKMARK: ROWLEEWINES.COM.AU.
“THERE ARE MORE THAN 60 WINERIES IN ORANGE, SO A RETURN VISIT IS A MUST”
~ ELLE LOVELOCK, HB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF