Steve's Guide to Orange with Land Rover
When we found Rosedale Farm nearly 6 years ago, I had never visited Orange, a picture-perfect city 3.5 hours from Sydney which lies at the foothills of the dormant volcano Mount Canobolas. And now 6 years on, it’s one of my favourite places in the world. 🍊
Driving between Sydney and Orange weekly, in my Range Rover Velar has become a time to reflect, listen to podcasts or return calls. I usually have a boot load of props, furniture and flowers, ready for styling or a photoshoot at Rosedale. As soon as I see the ‘Orange’ sign, I notice the cherry blossoms, wattle trees, poplar trees, figs, cherries and of course plenty of wineries, and it feels like home. The bustling town is as design and culture driven as my Velar, and you can find the most amazing local cafes, restaurants, shops, and artisans all focused on showcasing the regions thriving community.
I wanted to share some of my absolute favourite places to eat, shop, visit and stay for your next visit to this special part of the world.
Rosedale Farm
Range Rover Velar outside the Byng Street Hotel
Cafés
My absolute go-tos for breakfast and coffee are:
Groundstone Café
Katie and her awesome team serve the most delicious food day in day out, and is our go-to Saturday morning ‘spot’
Bills Beans
Our friends Ricky and Carlie own this institution café where the coffee is as good as the tunes playing in the background! (Hello Beyonce)
Racine Bakery
My go-to spot for delicious baked treats, bread, pre-made meals and everything in between
Grocer and Co Organics
Where I do my weekly food shop, for everything organic, and seasonal.
Racine bakery
Groundstone Cafe
Groundstone Cafe
Dinner & Drinks
There are so many great restaurants both in Orange and surrounding towns!
Union Bank
Whenever Mike and I have date night, or any night for that matter, we go to our favourite restaurant The Union Bank, and sit in the courtyard under the magnolia and fairy lights.
Mr Lim
For brilliant Vietnamese food and (sometimes) karaoke
Raku Izakaya
For fresh, delicious Japanese
Printhie
The brand new cellar door opened this year and serves a 5 course degustation lunch under head chef, Jack Brown.
Ferment
A great pre-dinner spot to enjoy local wines and delicious cheese.
Union Bank
Printhie
Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est.
Sisters Rock Restaurant at Borrodell
Spilt Milk Bar
The best gelato in town and perfect for after dinner dessert, or anytime of the day really. Hello Pistachio…
Union Bank
Spilt Milk Bar
Spilt Milk Bar — my go to flavour is pistachio!
Wineries
Stretched out over the mineral-rich contours of extinct volcano Mt Canobolas, Orange is Australia’s highest-altitude wine region and these conditions create world-class cool-climate wines including pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.
Phillip Shaw | Rowlee | Printhie
Nashdale Lane | Heifer Station | Ross Hill
Swinging Bridge | Parrot Distilling Co. | The Lane Cellars
Also check out Orange F.O.O.D Week in April, the Farmers Markets which are held the second Saturday or the month, and Orange Wine Festival held in October.
Shop
It’s not all about the food and wine, Orange is a great spot to engage in a bit or retail therapy. Be it a grocer selling organic wholefoods, fashion and homewares boutique or kitchen essentials.
Jumbled at The Sonic
My amazing, dear friend Pip and her awesome team curate the most incredible art, fashion, homewares and furniture in the renovated masonic hall in the centre of town. Walking into the space full or colour and pattern, you can’t help but smile and be whisked away into an eclectic, fantastical wonderland.
The Essential Ingredient
My go-to for any kitchenware I need as well as the perfect gift or gourmet treat
Thompsons’ Garden Centre
Stay
Next month we will be opening Rosedale Farm to guests, which we cannot wait for. There are also plenty of special options to retire to at the end of the day right in Orange.
The Byng Street Boutique Hotel
A beautifully designed hotel, right on the tree lined Byng Street, is the perfect spot to come home to after a day or shopping and wine tasting.
For more resources, visit Orange 360.
Byng Street Hotel