Newcrest Orange Challenge
On top of some unbeatable riding locations, Orange is home to so many other attractions and activities to indulge all of the senses. From historical sites, to wining and dining experiences and natural wonders – we’ve listed a few suggestions below to help you plan your Orange escape.
We will continue to update this page as we get closer to event weekend. If we’ve missed one of your favourites, please let us know about it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
Things to do
There’s an abundance of things to do when visiting Orange, both on and off the bike. You can check out the full catalogue of things to do at visitnsw.com.au, or we’ve listed a few of the most popular attractions below.
Orange Regional Gallery
The centre for visual arts in the Central West of New South Wales, this Gallery is dedicated to enriching people’s lives through engaging with their unique art exhibitions, collections and programs. Though temporarily closed for extension works, the new building is expected to open this Spring!
Fruit picking
The fertile soil from the nearby extinct volcano of Calobolas is ideal for growing just about everything, except oranges, ironically. Check out which farms are in growing season here.
Browse the main street
The charming Summer Street is said to be designed so wide to accommodate for the passing bullock trains of the 1800s. Whatever the reason, it makes for a great stroll browsing the many cafes, restaurants, pubs and boutique shops.
Learn more about the best markets and shops for some retail therapy.
Orange Adventure Playground
If you’ve got little ones with you, wineries, galleries and cafes are not going to be on their priority list (unfortunately) – but luckily Orange has a genuinely good adventure playground which the whole family will enjoy.
Walks, trails and rides
The surrounding region is full of picturesque and unique walks, trails and bike tracks for you to explore – just make sure you save some legs for Newcrest Orange Challenge! You can see a list of the best trails here.
Surrounding villages
From Canowindra to Cargo, Orange is surrounded by charming villages just a short drive from the city centre – each offering their own unique attractions and historical significance (Eugowra boasts the largest gold robbery in Australian history).
Wine. Wine. Wine.
It would be remiss not to mention wine on a page about Orange, as the region is nestled between vine-covered hills and is widely recognised for its emerging wine and food culture – not to mention the popular breweries and distilleries in the area.
Nashdale Lane | Colmar Estate | Heifer Station | Ross Hill Wines | Nashdale Lane | Swinging Bridge | Phillip Shaw
Just to name a few…
Things to see
If you just want to kick back and enjoy the surroundings before or after Newcrest Orange Challenge, you’re in the right place. The region is visually stunning and has been described as “a photographers dream in Spring.” Check out just some of the postcard-perfect places to visit while in town.
Orange Botanical Gardens
Orange’s Botanical Gardens sprawl out across 17 hectares, scattered with impressive native and exotic plant collections. There’s also picnic areas, playgrounds and plenty of space to stop and smell the flowers (literally).
Ophir Reserve
A rugged reminder of our colonial past, the historic Ophir Reserve was the site of our first gold rush – but is now a peaceful camping and picnic ground at the junction of the Lewis Ponds and Summer Hill Creeks, just 30km from Orange.
Robertson Park
You can’t miss this one, as it is the site of our event village. But Robertson Park is an attraction in its own right – with a feature fountain gifted to the city by Cobb and Co, and a birds-eye profile in the shape of the Union Jack.
Lake Canobolas
The original water supply for Orange, Lake Canobolas is now a popular hive of seasonal activities, as well as an oasis for native water-dwelling fauna and flora. It’s a great place for a casual ride and picnic, and there’s a kiosk on site.
Pinnacle Lookout
Pinnacle Reserve and lookout offers unrivaled panoramic views of the region that are well worth the climb. The reserve has picnic shelters, toilets and BBQs, as well as a walking track to Towac Pinnacle for more views of Towac Valley.
Cooks Park
Right in the centre of town, Cooks Park is designed in traditional Victorian style with straight paths and rows of trees, and much of the original structures still in place. Inside you’ll discover a heritage cottage and the Park Guildry.
FUN FACTS:
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Stay tuned for the next Newcrest Orange Challenge in 2024
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