What to do in Orange NSW

Orange is a city located in the central west region of New South Wales.  It is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney and a 2-hour drive from Dubbo, making it an ideal stop over if you wish to explore the rest of western NSW.

Due to a combination of its climate, altitude and soils, Orange has developed into a good region for growing grapes, thereby creating a wine making industry for the region. If you are particularly interested in the region’s local produce, it would be a good idea to visit Orange during its food and wine events: F.O.O.D. Week (Food of Orange District) held in April, which showcases local wine, food, arts and culture, and October’s Orange Wine Week.

Now what to do in Orange NSW if you are passing through with children? Here are 3 kids activities in Orange that we suggest:

1. Apple Picking. For kids who live in the city, it is such a novelty for them to run in a huge expanse of space, through the rows of trees in an orchard, and to actually pick the fruits from the trees. This is how my young children felt when we did this apple picking activity with them. There was so much thrill and excitement for something as simple as fruit picking. There are many places to pick fruit in Orange, and they are not limited to apples, as the region grows many more fruit produce such as cherries, berries, grapes. But one orchard that my children particularly enjoyed was Borrodell vineyard. They grow lots of different varieties of apples, which are best picked in the autumn (February, March, April). This vineyard has large open spaces and the view of the countryside is magnificent. Its restaurant, Sister’s Rock Restaurant, also comes highly recommended.

Location: 298 Lake Canobolas Road, Orange, NSW 2800

2. Adventure Playground. This is a huge play area made of wooden beams, that can be enjoyed by toddlers and older children alike. There is a specified toddlers area (2-5 year olds), with swings and slides that cater to this younger group.

The section for older children is larger, and includes monkey bars, balancing and jumping equipment, a rock climbing wall, an elevated platform to get to the various slides, among others. Kids imaginations are extended as the wooden beams are made into forms of a castle, a truck, a pirate ship, a rocket ship.

Around the play area, there are some covered picnic tables and benches, making this a wonderful spot to spend lunch or an afternoon with the whole family.  There is lots of parking available, and there is also a cafe, Patmos Gardens Cafe, adjacent to the park. The Orange Botanic Garden, also beside Adventure Playground, contains impressive exotic and native plant collection. This is a good place to wander into to wind down the kids after all the fun from the playground.

Location: Hill Street, Orange, NSW 2800

3. Lake Canobolas.

Lake Canobolas is a tranquil and beautiful spot for families to relax and enjoy country views. Not lacking in kids activities, Lake Canobolas is great for swimming, fishing, canoeing and sailing. It also has a playground, barbeque facilities, plenty of picnic areas and shelters, a cafe, and other amenities. If your kids fancy seeing a variety of birds and some wildlife, there are also easy grade walking tracks around the lake.

Location: 2 kilometers off Cargo Road, Orange, NSW 2800