Home > Experience > Things To Do > Best Walking Trails in Orange NSW

Orange, NSW, offers a captivating variety of scenic walking trails, from rolling vineyards to lush bushland and volcanic landscapes. Here are some of our favourite walks to consider during your time with us:

  1. Mount Canobolas Summit Walk

    As one of Orange's most iconic landmarks and the highest point in Central NSW, Gaanha-bula - Mount Canobolas provides breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. This 4.5 km return track winds through eucalyptus forests and native wildflowers, leading to a vantage point with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It's a moderately challenging hike and a must for nature lovers and adventurers.

    Gaanha bula Orange NSW Gaanha-bula Orange NSW

    Distance from Basalt > approx. 10mins drive. 

  2. Federal Falls Walking Track

    Located in the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area, this 4 km loop track is a great way to spend half a day and work up an appetite! The trail takes you through lush forested areas, dramatic rock formations, and finally to the striking Federal Falls which you can view from above and below. Even during prolonged dry spells there is normally some water going over, however after rain the Falls are spectacular.

    Federal Falls Orange NSW Federal Falls Orange NSW

    Distance from Basalt > approx. 10-mins drive. 

  3. The Pinnacle Trail

    The Pinnacle Walk, another gem within the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area, is a short but rewarding 1.2 km return walk and is just up the road from Basalt. In fact, looking west from your studio you can easily see the rocky lookout barely 500m away (as they crow flies). As close as it may seem, our neighbour's olive grove sits between Basalt and the trail, so you'll need to take the long way around to walk it - but it's most definitely worth it. Upon reaching the summit enjoy spectacular views over Orange and the Towac Valley, with vistas stretching across vineyards and rolling hills.

    Distance from Basalt > approx. 2-mins drive (or a 15-min walk up the road from the Basalt driveway)

  4. Lake Canobolas Walk

    For a more relaxed option, the 2.5 km loop around Lake Canobolas is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The track circles the lake, offering scenic waterside views, picnic spots, and opportunities for birdwatching. The Lakeside Cafe is also well regarded for a bite to eat before or after.

    Lake Canobolas Orange NSW Lake Canobolas Orange NSW

    Distance from Basalt > approx. 10-mins drive. 

  5. Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve

    Just outside of Orange, this 3 km trail takes you through fascinating limestone formations and past the historic Arch Cave. It's a unique walk that blends geology, history, and the area's natural beauty.

    Borenore Karst Orange NSW Borenore Karst Orange NSW

    Distance from Basalt > approx. 20-mins drive. 

Of course this is just a taste of some of the wonderful walking trails on offer in our region. There are many more to suit all fitness levels. Click here to explore other walking trails in the glorious Orange region.

More Experiences

Racine Grazing Box

Racine Orange

Award winning chef  Shaun Arantz and his wife Willa created something special in Orange when they opened their modest little bakery within a sourdough’s throw of Woolworths in the heart of Orange. After closing their hatted restaurant of the same name, they poured their heart & soul into baking goods that made people feel good. It didn’t take long before Racine Bakery became THE ONLY place to get your freshly baked sourdough, croissants, pastries, muffins, cakes and coffee (their Vanilla Slice is mind blowing!). Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Racine started offering Grazing Boxes!

So while a visit to Racine during your stay at Basalt is a must, we felt that being able to have a pre-prepared Racine Grazing Box in your fridge awaiting your arrival would be the icing on the cake. Enjoy!

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Rikard Riesling

Rikard Riesling

Nose shows lime blossom, jasmine and preserved lemon first, followed by a slatey minerality, some fennel and a slight mealy, biscuity character. Lime and green apple on the palate are overlaid with nettles and green apricot. The acid structure is juicy without being tart and carries the abundance of fruit well. Lovely balance and intensity, with a myriad of spices popping up and then retreating with each sip.

Swinging Bridge “Mrs Payten” Chardonnay

Swinging Bridge Chardonnay

As was Mrs Payten, Tom’s grandmother, these are wines of style, elegance and finesse. This Chardonnay was first released to celebrate Armah’s 90th Birthday in 2013 and was matured in tightly grained French Oak, balancing its rich stone fruit and grapefruit characters. With its depth of flavour, flintiness and natural, cool climate acidity, this is a wine thatwill reward cellaring.

Macquariedale Pinot Gris

Macquariedale Pinot Gris

These grapes were hand harvested from a sustainable grown vineyard on the northern slopes of Mount Canobolas at 860m. The wine exhibits delicate floral aromas of citrus and orange blossom. The palate has lime zest overtones and has a hint of residual grape sugar.

De Salis Pinot Noir

De Salis Pinot Noir

De Salis Estate Pinot Noir with a lively nose of Orange Citrus, Raspberry Liquorice and Pork and Fennel sausage. A fine textured palate of Sour Cherry, White Strawberry backed up with an underlying earthiness of Portobello Mushroom and spice and lingering Campari finish.

Philip Shaw “The Idiot” Shiraz

Philip Shaw Shiraz

The Idiot is dark purple hue. Dark plums with hints spice ranging from cinnamon to white pepper. Its undeniably cool climate shiraz with mid palate tannin and a fine finish with toasted vanilla oak. Enjoy now or cellar for the next 5 years. Ideal accompaniment with friends and BBQ.

ChaLou “Dreaded Friend” Rose

ChaLou Dreaded Friend Rose

Quince and Rasberry with rose water lift. Bright refreshing palate with savoury elements and dry finish.

 

 

 

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Sweet Sour Salt

Located in the heart of Orange, Sweet Sour Salt is a modern Asian fusion restaurant which has grown to become one of the region’s favourite dining establishments over the past 15 years.  Owner and chef Ivan Podres and his team regularly surprise and delight with their unique flavour blends.

Basalt has teamed up with Sweet Sour Salt to enable our guests to make the most of the amazing in-studio dining experience without worrying about what to cook. We’ve selected the 6 most popular dishes on the Sweet Sour Salt menu, matched them to some of our favourite local wines and made them available to our guests to enjoy on their arrival night.

Each guest will receive an email 15 days prior to check-in inviting them to place their order. Orders must be received min. 7 days prior to arrival. Meals will be prepared fresh and delivered by your Basalt host to your studio fridge ready for your arrival. Simply heat up, pick some seasonal herbs from the studio’s garden to garnish and serve. A great way to start your stay!

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Michael Manners

Michael Manners

Manners began his career in France in the early 1960s, followed by a stint at England’s renowned Hole in the Wall in Bath. In 1970, Manners teamed with a Dany Chouet to open the bistro Upstairs in Sydney, giving the city’s fledgling dining out scene an unexpected sophistication. In 1976, following another stint in France, Michael opened the Glenella Guesthouse at Blackheath which quickly became one of the state’s great destination restaurants, regularly earning two hats.

After stints at Katoomba (Table Manners) and Leura’s Silks, Michael and wife Josephine moved to Orange and opened his acclaimed restaurant Selkirks in 1997. In doing so, they gave an already vibrant food and wine scene the focus it needed – a champion restaurant. In the history of the Good Food Guide, Manners is one of the most hatted chefs in NSW, with more than 20 awarded.

Michael is a legend in the Orange food scene and now prepares seasonal, 3-course, easy to plate up meals for Basalt guests to enjoy in the comfort of their studio.

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