The Ultimate Orange Itinerary for a Summer Getaway

Summer has well and truly arrived in Australia! If you’re hoping to dodge the crowded beaches in favour of the wide open spaces of the Central Tablelands, why not spend a memorable weekend here in Orange? To help motivate you to hit ‘book now’ on that luxury Orange accommodation, we’ve put together the ultimate Orange summer itinerary showcasing all the things there are to see and do across our beautiful region.

Spend the morning on Lake Canobolas

Yes, that’s ‘on’ Lake Canobolas, not ‘at’! We highly recommend starting off your weekend with a peaceful paddle across the lake. You can hire kayaks from the lakeside and spend a couple of hours exploring the tranquil surrounds and spotting the local flora and fauna. There’s an array of birdlife and waterfowl - and you might even spot a platypus if you’re lucky!  Around the lakeside there are often echidnas and wallabies nearby, going about their daily business. The lake is just a ten-minute drive from town or from our luxury Orange accommodation… What a way to start a weekend!

Pick berries at Huntley Berry Farm

A summer holiday is not complete without unlimited fresh fruit at your disposal, so head to Huntley Berry Farm to stock up for the weekend (and beyond!) Take your own bag or bucket and enjoy some time in the countryside picking (and sampling) the juiciest strawberries and raspberries you can find. Rumour has it the farm is experiencing one of its best seasons yet! Just don’t forget your hat and some comfy shoes.

Have lunch at Borrodell Estate

Sister’s Rock restaurant at Borrodell Estate is open from Thursday to Monday from noon, and what a place to enjoy a long and leisurely lunch. Situated at the top of the vineyard with views across the picturesque pinot noir vines, the restaurant offers a seasonal three or four-course set menu with recommended matching wines. The cuisine celebrates all there is to love about Orange, using meat from local farmers and fresh produce local producers or that has been grown on site at the Estate. You can pop into the SkyBar for wine tasting too – just make sure you remember to book!

Chase the sunset at Towac Pinnacle Lookout

Orange by name and orange by nature… At least on a clear summer’s evening! The best place to see the sun set in Orange is Pinnacle Lookout – there are 360-degree views across the countryside that impress at any time of day. After driving 12 minutes from our luxury Orange accommodation, enter the car park at Pinnacle Road and hike for about 15 minutes to reach the summit. Be sure to take your phone or a camera - the views are simply spectacular!

Take hot air balloon ride

It’s a common sight to see colourful hot air balloons drifting silently above the Belubula Valley. If you’re not afraid of an early start, it’s a great opportunity to experience the sunrise and see the remarkable landscape from a whole new perspective. Balloon Joy Flights also offer you the opportunity to assist with flight preparation and indulge in a beautiful champagne breakfast once you’ve touched down again.

Visit Orange Regional Art Gallery

Summer is a great opportunity to experience all the outdoor activities in Orange, but sometimes it’s nice to escape the heat and spend some time indoors. The Orange Regional Art Gallery is well worth a visit – it includes over 1500 permanent Australian works and a series of ever-changing exhibitions. Summer exhibitions include mixed media by Karla Dickens, portrait photography by Gary Grealy and a large scale installation, drawings and sculpture by Jaq Davies. And starting at the end of January is ‘The Arena’ – a group exhibition that platforms sport as a performance… A great way to persuade partners and friends to visit if they’re more into sport than the arts.

Sample gin at The Aviary by Parrot Distilling Co.

The Aviary is a great place to visit if you’re looking for somewhere interesting, friendly and vibrant that serves great drinks - including ‘gin-tails’! Located within a converted brick warehouse, The Aviary offers three different gin-tasting experiences—two of which include your own bottle of gin to take home. If you’re here during your Orange summer getaway, make sure you try the Seville gin – it’s a light, seasonal gin infused with a little extra zest. The perfect summer beverage for a weekend well spent.

And if you’re looking for luxury accommodation in Orange, book a villa here at Lakeview Luxury Retreat. With picturesque views over Lake Canobolas, our secluded escape is only ten minutes from the heart of Orange.

Posted by Lakeview Retreat on January 16, 2023