Orange is renowned for its award-winning restaurants and wineries, picturesque countryside, local produce and boutique shops. It's the perfect place for a quick weekend break and the ultimate destination for a romantic couples getaway. In Orange we get the full four seasons: lush springs, mild summers, crisp autumns and chilly winters. Our cooler winter months are what makes this place unique. It's why the cool-climate wine that comes out of Orange is outstanding and causes a stir with sommeliers and wine lovers worldwide. But the cold isn't only good for producing excellent wines; here are 5 reasons to visit Orange NSW in winter.
Ask any local, and you will hear that the reward for the cold is the snow. There is something so serene about the moment it begins to snow. The silence that comes as the tiny snowflakes gently fall to the ground is extraordinary. Or the feeling of waking up and looking out the window to discover a thick sheet of white powder obscuring the landscape; it's a moment you need to live through. If you've never experienced this, there's always a chance a weekend away in Orange in winter could be your fate.
There's something extra special about stoking up the fire when the wind is blowing outside. Snuggling up with a warm blanket is even more enticing when you are watching the rain from the safety of the lounge. Visiting Orange in winter means this could be you. Imagine you are tucked up, looking out over some of the best views in the region, away from the hustle and bustle, a moment of complete relaxation.
The average temperature of Orange during winter is around 5 degrees Celsius but don't let that scare you off; see it as the perfect opportunity to make the most of your winter wardrobe. That means cracking out your scarves, popping on a beanie and wrapping yourself up in a warm coat. And if you haven't got the winter essentials or maybe you just fancy a shop, we have the best local boutiques that have lots of goodies to make your trip more enjoyable. Some of our favourites are Blowes Clothing, Hartfords Menswear, Jumbled, Cint Boutique, Bobbies Clothing and Hawkes General Store.
Photo credit: @orange360_allyearround
You may have heard of the Orange Wine Festival or F.O.O.D. Week, but have you heard of the Orange Winter Fire Festival? The annual Winter Fire Festival is a great chance to experience an Orange winter through events run over the festival. The event showcases the best of winter with a market in Millthorpe complete with mulled wine and unique experiences offered by local producers, wineries and restaurants. There is even the chance to picnic by a firepit and enjoy delicious winter-inspired meals by renowned local chefs.
Photo credit: @orange360_allyearround
For the ultimate unique experience, we suggest stargazing! It may seem a little crazy to pry yourself away from the warmth of the fire, but the fantastic sights will make it all worthwhile. Why not make the most of being out of the city to experience the Milky Way like you never have? You can book a private stargazing experience at Basalt - just give us a call!
These 5 reasons to visit Orange NSW in Winter are the tip of the iceberg! Jump over to our booking page and lock in your visit to Orange this winter.