The call of the camp fire

Heavy on the heritage charm and alive with seasonal food and cool-climate wine, Orange makes for a blissful weekend at any time of year – though winter is especially magical. Cosy up at a festival of fire and feast on flavours that have made this NSW region famous. Fire up for a festival

The crackle of camp fires and epic bonfires throwing sparks up towards the stars. The delicious aroma of produce roasting on the flames. The Orange Winter Fire Festival does the season the way it’s supposed to be. Inspired by the bonfire traditions of a classic Aussie cracker night, this is a three-day celebration (6 to 8 August) of live music, local wine and food grown in nearby fields – served up at firelit night markets and chargrilled feasts. Dine from gourmet food trucks then snuggle in and watch the fireworks with a cup of warming mulled wine. And with Qantas increasing direct flights to the region, it’s easier than ever to get fired up this winter.

Eat and be merry

With inventive restaurants and cafés putting their twist on locally farmed produce, Orange’s vibrant food scene is a drawcard for foodies from around the country. In the heart of town, the Byng Street Local Store is a portal to brunching excellence, whether your tastes veer to bacon and eggs or a gruyère soufflé with thyme cream. An easy stroll from Cook Park, specialty coffee bar Academy Coffee boasts an impressive array of single-origin beans and brewing methods – and makes a mean Reuben toastie, too. For fine dining, Charred Kitchen & Bar’s wood fire coaxes the luxury out of local proteins, while sommeliers flex the full quiver of Orange wines. Spilt Milk Bar’s freshly churned artisan gelato is a sweet nightcap in any weather.

Explore the wine trails

Taste for yourself why Orange wine is setting the world alight. On scenic routes surrounding town, some 40 cellar doors show off the region’s coolclimate shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, as well as a notably diverse range of grape varieties. Drink in magnificent views of Mount Canobolas at Nashdale Lane Wines, where an apple packing shed has been transformed into a rustic-chic cellar door voted the region’s best by the local vignerons’ association in 2020. Ross Hill Wines, with its coveted five-star Halliday Wine Companion ranking, offers daily winery tours and tasting flights matched with a grazing platter of local produce. Be sure to set the GPS for the heritage-listed village of Millthorpe, where the former general store now serves as a charming cellar door for Tamburlaine, one of Australia’s leading independent producers of organic wines.