Smart spending

1. Drink: Wine. Famous for its cool-climate wines and rich volcanic soil, Orange is a wine lover’s paradise, with over 60 vineyards and 30 cellar doors to choose from in the region. Highlights include a visit to Printhie’s cellar door and apple orchard for its celebrated sparkling Swift Cuvée, and Heifer Station Wines, which has a petting zoo and farm to entertain the kids. You can book a private wine tour guide for an informative and unique experience that allows you focus on the tasting.

2. Eat: The Union Bank. Orange boasts an impressive range of restaurants, farmers’ markets and organic grocers. Located in a historic building in central Orange, the Union Bank is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring. Dine on local seasonal produce in the Schoolhouse restaurant or relax with a creative cocktail or locally brewed craft beer in The Arthouse Bar & Courtyard. Enjoy a post-meal nightcap at the beautiful art deco Royal Hotel a short stroll away.

3. Drive: Millthorpe. Only 20 minutes’ drive from Orange, the heritage-listed village of Millthorpe is a quaint destination full of antique stores, boutiques, courtyard cafes, charming country pubs and awardwinning restaurants.

4. Shop: Organic produce. Fitting its billing as the food basket of NSW, each April the region plays host to the Orange F.O.O.D Week festival, with markets and events to celebrate its producers, wineries and restaurants. Fresh organic produce and sustainable goods can be sourced all year round at The Grocer

& Co Organics, a delightful locally owned shop full of food that is good for us and the planet alike.

5. Walk: Cook Park. Each season brings its own colourful display in the gardens of Cook Park, located a short walk from Orange CBD. Stroll the peaceful, tree-lined paths, take time out on a bench by the duck pond and explore the fernery or conservatory full of hundreds of begonias.