Forget the beach: Why Orange is the ultimate winter escape you haven't considered (but really should)
When most people plan a winter getaway, they usually head north, chasing the sun. But this year, I did something different. I drove west. To Orange.
And let me tell you, I'm so glad I did. It really is time to forget the beach.
Because in Orange, winter isn't something you escape. It's something you lean into. Think: cool-climate wines sipped fireside, European-style dining without the passport, and boutique hotels so plush you'll forget it's minus 3 degrees outside.
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Orange is a great option for a winter escape. Destination NSW
Nestled in the Central Tablelands, Orange is a town where your weekend plans revolve around hatted restaurants, boutique cellar doors, roaring fireplaces, and pastries worth driving four hours for.
And in the crisp air of a winter getaway, it all feels just right.
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Where to stay in Orange
As soon as I stepped into Yallungah Boutique Hotel, I knew I was in for something special.
This beautifully restored homestead is right in the heart of Orange, and filled with many communal fireplaces, it's friendly, welcoming (thank you Alex for making my stay so special) and above all so-cozy.
Yallungah Boutique Hotel is only a step away from the Orange Town Centre. Nine
What makes Yallungah truly memorable isn't just the plush interiors or the curated art and vintage touches in every room, it's the way it wraps you in warmth, even on the coldest winter days.
From the luxurious beds and deep soaking tubs to the sun-drenched verandahs and the honesty bar stocked with local wines, everything about this place invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
It's boutique without being boastful, charming without trying too hard. The kind of stay that turns a weekend away into something you'll think about long after checkout.
We stayed om an Executive Suite at Yallungah Boutique Hotel. Supplied
Where to eat in Orange
People often talk about Orange about its glorious wineries (more about them later), but the food is special experience in itself.
Dinner at the Schoolhouse at Union Bank, was honestly might be one of the best meals I've had all year. It's one of those spots where you feel relaxed the second you walk in, low lighting, upbeat buzz, the kind of menu where you want to order everything.
From the cocktails to the duck ragu and the potato scallop / potato cake (!), every bite felt thoughtful and delicious. I'd go back to Orange for this dinner alone.
Potato scallop or Potato cake? Whatever you want to call it, it was a delicious and surprising menu item! Nine
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I was also excited to head to The Oriana. Their Peacock Room Restaurant feels like a 1960s supper club with velvet everything, chandeliers, cut-crystal glasses. I could've happily moved in.
I had the Kinross lamb (unreal - see above), but the cheese soufflé? Oh wow. It was so light and delicious.
Me eating one of the best meals I've had in a long time, at the Peacock Room Restaurant. Nine
Exploring Orange's wineries
I drove out to ChaLou Wines, and I don't say this lightly: it was the highlight of my trip. Not only is the wine excellent (their Halliday award says it all), but Nadja and Steve, the owners and winemakers, were so open, passionate, and kind.
There's something magical about meeting the people behind the bottle, especially when they care so deeply about sustainability and flavour. I left with wine, obviously. But I also left feeling inspired.
If you're craving a winter escape that's rich in flavour, look no further than Orange, NSW. Nine
Shopping, homewares and pastries
A slow stroll down Summer Street and quickly fell headfirst into Orange's boutique scene. Favourites?
- Martha's Food and Home: Glorious homewares store that has almost everything
- Hawkes General Store: equal parts curated and comforting.
- Dirty Janes: a vintage-lovers' dream.
- Jumbled: fun, colourful, and buzzing with creative energy.
Fuelled by retail therapy, I grabbed a flaky, buttery pastry from Racine Bakery, followed later by a lazy lunch at Hey Rosey. Effortless cool and the perfect country-town bakery. Chef's kiss.
Orange is the new gold
Orange stole my heart and filled my belly. It's the kind of place that doesn't try too hard, because it doesn't need to. So if you're dreaming of a winter escape, skip the coast. Head west.
Pro tip: Go with an empty suitcase. You'll leave with wine, homewares, and probably a pastry or five.
The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism Orange and Yallungah Boutique Hotel.
