MAN OF MANY - How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Orange

If you’re looking for one of the best weekend escapes from Sydney, Orange is one of our favourites. Now more than ever, Aussies are exploring their backyards through beautiful countryside explorations. This country town in the Central West has you covered with great wineries, destination restaurants, and experiences you won’t find in the big smoke.

With the perfect weekend getaways right on our doorstep and just a couple of hour’s drive from the Sydney CBD it’s time you get away and explore the New South Wales backyard.

We’ve done the hard work and come up with a plan for your next country holiday in Orange, all you have to do is execute it (ultimate brownie points with your other half). This quaint country town is filled with some of the best restaurants, wineries, gin distilleries, and antique shops you’ll find in the state. Let’s check it out.

Where to Stay in Orange

The best accommodation in Orange NSW is where you’ll want to stay with friends or family because what’s a good weekend spent with friends and drinks without somewhere to park up with your favourite bottle? Speaking from first-hand experience, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite places to stay.

The Oriana Signature King Terrace Suite | Image: Ben McKimm / Man of Many

The Oriana

On our latest trip to Orange, we had a chance to stay at The Oriana. This is a classic case of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ because this once under-loved 1960s drive-in motel has been transformed into a 4.5-star appointed resort-style experience with great rooms, a top restaurant, bar, and all the extras you won’t find at a traditional chain hotel.

From the moment we pulled into the driveway The Oriana screamed ‘Palm Springs’ with plenty of retro-glamour thrown in throughout the experience. The check-in process is smooth with a glass of local wine on arrival, cookies, and fresh milk supplied from the fridge.

We had the chance to stay in one of the Signature King Terrace Suites upstairs (from $380) but there’s a range of ground-floor rooms available from around $180 depending on the season. Those looking for a great balance of luxury and affordability should look at the Signature Queen Room which can be found for under $300 per night depending on the season.

The Oriana stands out amongst the crowd for the full experience it offers. No matter which room you select you’ll be able to take advantage of the full suite of amenities. Sit by the pool in the warmer months with the Summer Kitchen and Pool Club bringing a retro resort vibe. Sip poolside cocktails and have yourself a feast with long cabana lunches. In Winter, sit cosy in the Winter Garden Martini Bar, take in the warmth of firepits, then head inside and make yourself comfortable in The Peacock Room Restaurant or Bela Vista Bar. More on those two below.

Eat at These Orange Restaurants

The Peacock Room Restaurant

One of the biggest suprises from our recent trip to The Oriana was The Peacock Room Restaurant.

Hotel restaurants don’t have the best track record, however, it’s easy to see why this 140-seat restaurant has such a loyal following amongst the locals and out-of-towners. One of the best restaurants in Orange, you’ll often find the place packed on Friday and Saturday night with guests moving from the retro-chic cocktail bar next door into the restaurant before and after dinner.

The menu is best described as elegant evocation of Europe curated by International Executive Chef Edward Crawford. There are plenty local wines to pair with your French Onion Soup, side of soft sourdough, and tender retro-classic pepper steak. We also highly recommend trying the oysters, barley risotto with zucchini flowers, and bangalow pork loin chop.

Head to the Bela Vista Bar after dinner for one of Orange’s best supper clubs. The cocktail list is filled with twists on old classics rotated seasonally. Think blackberry margaritas and spiced mojitos in Winter before Pina Coladas in summer. Easily one of Orange’s best bars.

Located in: The Oriana, Orange
Address: 178-184 Woodward St, Orange NSW 2800
Hours: Tues-Sat 5:30-9pm
Phone: (02) 6393 9466

Read the full article at Man of Many