Best attractions and places to see around Orange, New South Wales, encompass a diverse landscape of natural features and cultural sites. The region is characterized by its volcanic origins, offering panoramic views from Mount Canobolas, a dormant volcano. Ancient limestone caves and serene gardens provide further natural exploration opportunities. Orange also boasts a rich cultural heritage, including significant historical landmarks and a renowned cool-climate wine region.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
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Edward Whalley and William Goffe were two of the 59 British judges who sentenced King Charles I to death in 1649. When King Charles II, the son of Charles I, was eventually restored to the throne, he issued an order that each judge should be hanged, drawn, and quartered. Whalley and Goffe and another judge, John Dixwell, all fled across the Atlantic to North America. They initially hid in people's homes in Boston and New Haven, but even that was too dangerous, so Whalley and Goffe fled to the woods of what is now West Rock Ridge State Park. In the woods, they hid in this large rock for an unknown amount of time in the spring of 1661, aided by local townspeople who brought them food. A scary encounter with a panther forced the judges to flee their hiding spot in the woods. They eventually settled in Hadley, Massachusetts, where they escaped arrest and execution. In honor of these fugitives, this "cave" was named “Judges Cave” and the trail to it, “Regicides Trail.” There is a small plaque on the west side of the rock dedicated to this history.
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West Rock Ridge State Park is located on 6-mile long ridge. Because of the elevation of the park, there are impressive views of New Haven and the Harbor, Long Island Sound, East Rock Park, and the Sleeping Giant. The park is equipped with picnic areas and restrooms.
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Viewpoint in the south end of West Rock Ridge State Park. It gives an excellent view of New Haven and the Long Island Sound. The road to get up to the overlook is paved and there is parking nearby.
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The Beach Street Trail is a beautiful paved trail that runs along the shore of the Long Island sound. It is traffic free, so it is a great way to get a wonderful view of the water at your own pace.
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Fussy Coffee at Science Park on the trail in New Haven, a great trail stop!
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Great View of New Haven and neighboring cities. Long Island can be seen in clear weather.
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Passing some of the heritage buildings from Yale. To note: the trail ends in a dead end. Nothing dramatic, but you have to go back by a few meters to leave the trail and enter the city.
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A tad boring (no climbs, best condition road, ...) but quite beautiful way that slopes gently out of New Haven. Perfect tarmac - made for road cycling.
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The Orange region offers diverse natural beauty. You can visit Mount Canobolas, a dormant volcano with panoramic views and walking trails like the Summit Walk and Snow Gum Track. Explore the ancient limestone formations at Borenore Caves, including the easily accessible Arch Cave. For water activities and picnics, Lake Canobolas Reserve is a popular spot. Additionally, the Mullion Range State Conservation Area provides views, wildlife, and the Historic Water Race Walking Track leading to The Falls Water Falls.
Yes, Orange is rich in history and culture. The Orange Regional Museum showcases local stories, Aboriginal culture, and gold mining history. Art enthusiasts can visit the Orange Regional Gallery for modern and contemporary Australian art. Discover the city's past on the Orange Heritage Trail, a self-guided walk highlighting historic buildings like the Court House and Town Hall. You can also visit Banjo Paterson Memorial Park, marking the poet's birthplace, and the historic Emmaville Cottage.
Families can enjoy various activities. Lake Canobolas Reserve offers swimming, cycling, sailing, and playgrounds. Cook Park, a Victorian-era park, is perfect for a stroll with its beautiful gardens and conservatory. The Orange Botanic Gardens provide a serene environment with diverse plant collections and walking paths. Exploring the Arch Cave at Borenore Caves is also an accessible and engaging activity for families.
The Orange region is renowned for its cool-climate wines. There are over 40 wineries and approximately 30 cellar doors where you can enjoy tastings and tours. Notable wineries include Philip Shaw, Ross Hill, Printhie Wines, Borrodell Estate, Rowlee Wines, Nashdale Lane Wines, and Mortimers Wines, offering a true taste of the region's viticulture.
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. Within Mount Canobolas, the Summit Walk and Snow Gum Track offer accessible paths. The Arch Cave at Borenore Caves is part of a 700m loop walk. For more options, you can explore the easy hikes around Orange, which include trails like Solomon Woods Blue Trail Loop and Orange Triangle Trail.
Orange offers various cycling routes. The Lake Canobolas Reserve has paths suitable for cycling. For dedicated road cycling, you can find routes like Walnut Beach – East Coast Greenway quiet road loop or Atlantic pier view – New Haven Green loop. Explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Orange guide.
The Orange region experiences four distinct seasons. Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) are generally considered ideal for outdoor activities, offering mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, such as blooming gardens or vibrant autumn leaves. Summer can be warm, while winter brings cooler temperatures, and sometimes snow on Mount Canobolas, which can be picturesque for different types of outdoor experiences.
While specific accessibility details for all attractions vary, some natural areas like the Arch Cave at Borenore Caves are noted for their easy accessibility via a 700m loop walk. Many parks and gardens, such as Cook Park and Orange Botanic Gardens, often have paved paths suitable for wheelchairs. It's always recommended to check with individual venues for their specific accessibility features.
Yes, there are several running trails available. The paths around Lake Canobolas Reserve are popular for jogging. For more structured routes, you can check out the Running Trails around Orange, which include options like the Naugatuck River Greenway and Mark Schaefer Trail.
Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the Mullion Range State Conservation Area for its views, wildlife, and the Historic Water Race Walking Track leading to The Falls Water Falls, where you can swim or fish. The longer 7km return hike to the Verandah Cave at Borenore Caves along the Boree Creek trail offers a more secluded experience. Also, the historic towns of Millthorpe and Canowindra nearby offer unique charm and experiences.
From the summit of Mount Canobolas, you can expect stunning panoramic views of the entire surrounding countryside of the Central West. As the highest peak in the region, it offers expansive vistas that stretch across rolling hills, farmlands, and distant horizons, making it a prime spot for photography and enjoying the natural landscape.
Orange's city center is known for its elegant Edwardian architecture. You can see significant historic buildings such as the Orange Court House (1883), Orange Town Hall (1887), and the former Union Bank building. The Holy Trinity Church and the Gladstone Hotel also represent links to the town's early days, and the Orange Railway Station is another heritage-listed site worth noting.


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