Situated 3.5 hours west of Sydney, with a growing population of 40,000. Orange has many strong industries, well established services, a rich local history, a blossoming agricultural sector, and a reputation as the food and wine hub of regional NSW. 

The Orange region is the traditional land of the Wiradjuri people. The first Europeans to reach the area were a party led by G.W. Evans which saw Mount Canobolas on 23 June, 1813. The first European to pass through the present townsite was Lieutenant Percy Simpson who was heading towards Wellington in 1823. He was accompanied by Chief Constable John Blackman who gave his name to Blackman’s Swamp which was what the settlement was called until the name ‘Orange’ began to appear on official documents in the late 1820s. The site of Orange was officially proclaimed on 18 November, 1846. The name ‘Orange’  comes from Major Thomas Mitchell who renamed the town after the Prince of Orange. Mitchell had been involved with the Prince in the Peninsular War in Spain.

Orange has spectacular countryside and is ideal for hiking and mountain biking. Visit Pinnacle Reserve and Lookout, where you will find picnic shelters near a trail that climbs to beautiful views of Towac Valley. Mount Canobolas, an ancient volcano, has a variety of walks, such as the Spring Glade walking track. Further west is Nangar National Park, where you can admire breathtaking views from the lookout.

Orange features some fantastic gardens including the Orange Botanic Gardens or visit a range of boutique shops, gift shops, art galleries and more. A food lover’s paradise, Orange is renowned for amazing local produce, aclaimed restaurants, chalming cafes and awarded local wineries in the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Orange is a well-known fruit growing district, and produces apples, pears, and many stone fruits such as cherries, peaches, apricots, and plums; oranges are not grown in the area, since its climate is too cool. In recent years, a large number of vineyards have been planted in the area for rapidly expanding wine production. The growth of this wine industry, coupled with the further development of Orange as a gourmet food capital, has ensured Orange’s status as a prominent tourism destination.