9 HONEY TRAVEL - How to spend the perfect weekend city escape in Orange

Sometimes you just need to get out of the city and breathe the fresh air.

And a weekend escape in Orange, in the central west of New South Wales, might just be the perfect way to do it.

Located under four hours from the Sydney CBD, the picturesque region is home to an abundance of fresh produce, chic accommodation options, and plenty of things to help unwind.

Here's how to spend the perfect quick weekend in Orange.

Orange, NSW, is the perfect place for a weekend escape from Sydney. (DNSW)

Where to stay

The Oriana Retro Hotel and Resort is loved by visitors and locals alike.

Described as "creatively and lovingly renovated" with a "Palm Springs vibe", the Oriana has gained a reputation as "something out of the box" for regional NSW with some of the best food and atmosphere on offer west of the mountains.

The old motel, which used to predominantly house miners, has been updated to bring a touch of retro glamour to its guests. Plus there are cabanas by the pool in summer and fire pits in the gardens during winter, adding a little something 'special' to each stay.

Indeed the Summer Kitchen, Pool Club and Martini Bar are well worth spending some time in. The gardens have been popular for a few summers now and this year they're also serving tapas and woodfire pizza.

The new Martini Bar in the Gardens of The Oriana. (Nine/Supplied)

The garden setting is also the first thing you notice when pulling into the driveway. Unless you spot the Norwegian flag flying alongside the Australian one at the entrance.

Owner Espen Harbitz is to thank for bringing life back into the property and adding his own unique personal touches.

If you visit the Bella Vista Bar and Cocktail Salon, for example, you'll stumble across a hidden 'art' room with authentic European art that survived the holocaust and was passed down through his family.

We stayed in a Oriana King Terrace Suite during our stay - the room was well appointed the bed was comfortable. It's spacious and no-fuss. It's clear the aim is to spend time enjoying the amenities and service the resort has to offer.

Our Africa-themed Oriana King Terrace Suite. (Nine/Supplied)

The 'hidden' art room in the Bella Vista lounge. (Nine/Supplied)

Where to eat

At Oriana, evenings are spent sipping local wines and experiencing outstanding food in the Peacock Room Restaurant.

The luxurious restaurant and retro chic cocktail bar offer a classic European dining menu with a modern twist. You could be anywhere in the world really, with the venue exuding elegance with antique chandeliers, plush velvet lounges, and cut crystal glasses. 

A hot spot for early evening get-togethers and those wanting to explore different culinary tastes, given how busy it was it's little surprise the venue has been described as "one of the best in Orange". 

The European-inspired menu has proven a hit with Orange locals and visitors alike. Think black forest venison, Parisian cheese souffle so light you will be hard-pressed to refrain from ordering a second, forest foraged mushrooms and quite possibly the most succulent Australian lamb sourced from local Kinross Station.

We tried the pumpkin raviolini and the mega-popular Venison. (Nine/Supplied)

Before or after dinner, you should definitely hit up the Bella Vista Bar and Cocktail Salon.

It's a retro-chic cocktail bar and a sophisticated meeting place with plush velvet lounges, vases of fresh flowers and hundreds of twinkling candles.

A huge shout out here actually to the extensive mocktail menu across all venues! Owner Espen gave up alcohol himself a year ago and realised the trend was growing so made sure it was a priority across his property. As someone currently pregnant and also not a big drinker to begin with, this was a major plus.

The Oriana hotel has an extensive mocktail menu. (Nine/Supplied)

Venturing outside of the property and into the town, there are plenty of local cafes and restaurants to choose from for breakfast, brunch or lunch.

Byng Street Local Store, for example, is known as the café with the red door and has become an Orange icon, known and loved for its delicious food, excellent Allpress Espresso and friendly staff. Known to locals just as "Byng Street", it is a table service venue that serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week. The burger was juicy and they also had great service.

If you want to head a little more out of town and into the countryside, Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe is a must-visit. Situated on the picturesque banks of Lake Canobolas in nearby Nashdale, you can stretch your legs after your meal as you take a stroll around the lake and meet some of the locals and their dogs.

Lakeside kiosk and cafe fuelled us for a day of exploring. (Nine/Supplied)

What to do

Outside of eating and drinking (though enjoyable) there are plenty of other things to do in the area. Here are just a few suggestions:

Explore the Orange Retail Scene

Take a stroll down Summer Street to hit the local boutique retail scene. When Myer vacated its prime spot in Orange City Centre almost a decade ago, the local boutique scene went wild. These are a few to add to your retail therapy list:

• Jumbled – The home to Pip and Jess and the other wonderful gals that bring us The Huddle each year, plus regional artists, homewares and great fashion.

• Cint – An eclectic mix of quality, timeless and fashion-forward pieces for all women!

• The White Place – Lover of all things beautiful, providing the best customer service and spreading the 'The White Place' magic.

• Hawkes General Store – A little store filled with BIG love!

If you're in need of a caffeine hit after shopping, Jumbled is a great place to stop for coffee and soak up the hustle and bustle of downtown Orange.

Hillside Harvest Orchard in Borenore

About a 15-minute drive out of town is Hillside Harvest Orchard. It's a family-owned and operated farm store and orchard in Borenore where you can pick your own sun-ripened fruit straight from the tree.

Especially popular is the cherry picking season with busloads of people expected to visit later this year for their fill of the fruit which is, at this stage, due in late November/December.

Hillside Harvest has popular 'pick you own' activities. (Nine/Supplied)

Small Acres Cyder

Enjoy the 2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show Champion Cider with a tasting at Small Acres Cyder. The team produce craft cider with only the fresh juice of cider apples and draw on traditional methods of authentic cider production, achieving great success with the simple formula of great quality ciders made with passion from locally grown apples and pears.

They also produce some delicious non-alcoholic options as well: the apple and cherry was a definite favourite!

Small Acres Cyder also has great non-alcoholic options. (Nine/Supplied)

Visit Millthorpe

On your way back to the city it's worth a visit to Millthorpe for a vintage village vibe. A picturesque heritage-listed town, Millthorpe NSW is a step back to the 1900s with a contemporary edge.

Cobbled, bluestone-lined streets border relatively unchanged 19th-century buildings, many now housing fine dining restaurants, cellar doors, sophisticated homewares stores or boutique accommodation options.

You'll find it hard to leave the wide open spaces and fresh air behind by the end of the weekend, trust us!

The writer was a guest of The Oriana.

Article originally published on 9 Honey