WINTER WONDERLAND

Situated at 800 metres above sea level means that Orange gets a decent covering of snow at least once every winter. However in June, this year the snowfall was spectacular and it lasted.

We woke up to a stunning winter wonderland of thick snow, which the dogs and kids loved. Snow fell throughout the day and the landscape transformed into something magical - hope you like the photos.

IMG-9015.jpg
da7c2376-3001-4aa2-93be-df24ccda6256.JPG
2ea864bf-f7f5-49a1-9b84-68641263dbf5.JPG

Visit Orange This Feb!

February is such a lovely time to visit Orange, hot sunny days and cooler nights with far fewer visitors so it is easy to get into restaurants and cellar doors.

Three restaurants in the area have recently been awarded chefs hats and we highly recommend trying them out . Cellar doors are offering live music nights, food truck experiences and plenty to occupy the kids.

2020 brought so much rain to the region that the drought suffering plants have totally transformed and the gardens now look amazing. Enjoy a stroll down tree lined streets and visit the historic Cook Park to relax and bond with the trees!

cottages in orange - garden redesign

Outdoor Fire Pit

The best bit about the temperature dropping over winter is that we can light the outdoor fire more often!

Outdoor Fire Pit at Darling Cottage - Cottages in Orange

Getting the family together around the fire always seems to be the highlight of our weekends. The kids get busy toasting marshmallows or adding sticks to the fire whilst the adults sip a large glass of Orange merlot & enjoy the dancing flames.

All our cottages have firepits, firewood, firelighters and matches so all you need to do is turn up and bring some marshmallows.

Outdoor Fire at Dalton St Studio - Cottages in Orange

Timing is really important as the temperature really drops after 4pm, so we advise getting your fire going around 3.00 - 3.30pm , have fun for an hour then head inside.

School Holiday Fun in Orange

if you fancy a change of scene during the school holidays this July, then a trip to Orange could be just what you need.

apple picking in orange - family friendly activities.

Check out these awesome family friendly holiday recommendations and a lovely review of one of our cottages on Ella's List.

We still have availability at our cottages throughout July and would love to ensure you have an amazing trip to Orange.

A Great Weekend in Orange

Here are some of our favourite places, that we like to visit whenever friends come to town. All are family friendly and fantastic in both summer and winter.

LAKE CANOBLAS

The Lakehouse is a gem of a spot whether you simply want a coffee or feel like breakfast or lunch. Cute furnishings and lots of magazines and newspapers make this an awesome place to relax. The Lakehouse is also licensed for those needing a beverage. Take a walk around the lake afterwards or take the kids to the playground.

Lake Canoblas - Cottages in Orange

AGRESTIC GROCER

Live music, amazing cakes and locally produced craft beers and wine all prove a winner on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. It can get really busy so we recommended booking a table, especially if you are a larger group. Great spot for breakfast and lunch as well.

Agrestic Grocer - Cottages in Orange

HEIFER STATION CELLAR DOOR

This kid friendly cellar door has animals for the children to pat along with a big grassed area where they can play with a ball or run around. As well as doing a tasting you are able to buy wine by the glass or bottle along with delicious cheese boards or dip platters. Brilliant for groups of families and friends wanting a relaxed afternoon in the sun.

Heifer Station Cellar Door - Cottages in Orange

Super Stop Offs Between Sydney & Orange

To break up the journey from Sydney, there are a few hidden gems where you can stop and stretch your legs whilst getting something yummy to eat, here are a few of our favourites.

Cottages in Orange - Stop Offs

The Hub

The Hub in Bathurst is one of our favourite spots for breakfast or lunch, located 45 minutes from Orange. The place is always pumping, the service is excellent and the food is always very good with generous portions. Kids are well looked after with colouring sets and a special kids menu available. There is a large leafy courtyard for al fresco dining and a lovely log fire inside for winter afternoons. Located at 52 Keppel St, Bathurst. Tel: (02) 6332 1565

The Red Door Café

We have found this awesome little spot has great food and speedy delivery, which is just what you need when on a roadtrip. Located at 134 Leura Mall, Leura. Tel: (02) 4784 1328  

The Hydro Majestic - Cottages in Orange

The Hydro Majestic

This is more of a luxury coffee stop, but the views and gorgeous building are worth it. Located at 52-88 Great Western Highway, Medlow Bath. Tel: (02) 4782 6885 

Beekeepers Inn

A lovely place to stop and stock up on delicious local honey. There is also a café where you can grab lunch or cakes and coffee as well as locally brewed craft beer. Located 30 minutes from Orange, just off the main highway. Located at 2319 Mitchell Highway, Vittoria. Tel: 02 6368 7382.

The Old Mill Café

The quaint village of Millthorpe is a fantastic place to stop en route (just 20 minutes drive from Orange) for lunch or cake and coffee. The sweet selection is a sight to be seen with everything baked in house. We love the beef and shiraz pie with handcut chips. You can also wander the streets of Millthorpe and check out the shops, cellar doors and beautiful old bluestone buildings. Recommended for Fri, Sat, Sun only. Booking advised. Located at 12 Pym St, Millthorpe. Tel: (02) 6366 3188

winter in orange

To really experience a change in the seasons, there is nothing more invigorating than a trip to Orange during winter (June - August). You get the chance to don your warmest winter hat & scarf whilst visiting cosy cellar doors boasting crackling log fires and delicious wines. 

Whilst we can't promise snow, there is a strong chance you will see some on the mountain during your visit.  Even in winter, walks around Cook Park or Lake Canoblas are still beautiful and allow you to layer up with winter woollies and appreciate the heating when you return.

Winter in Orange - Cottages in Orange

We can highly recommend spending lazy afternoons at the Agrestic Grocer with some locally crafted beer (for him) and scones & jam (for her) whilst listening to great live music. Tucking into a bowl of homemade soup at one of the many awesome cafes around Orange and enjoying the papers is also a wonderful way to unwind.

Winter in Orange - Cottages in Orange

Many of our guests have headed to the Orange Farmer's Markets to stock up on fresh produce and then cook up a storm in the evening following a busy day of wine tasting. Our cottages are fully heated and have electric blankets on all the beds and flannelette sheets to ensure you stay cosy as the temperature drops.

Snow in Orange - Cottages in Orange

Hope to see you in Orange soon.

Doggy Holiday In Orange

Trying to find good, pet friendly accommodation is so difficult that we decided to start up our own so at least visitors to Orange could find a great place for themselves and their pooch. 

We have a dog ourselves called Bailey and know that four legged friends really are one of the family. Going away quickly becomes very expensive when you have to factor in kennel fees, especially during peak holiday periods.

dogs in Orange, NSW - Cottages in Orange

Cottages in Orange offers two pet friendly cottages, each has three bedrooms and large established gardens which are fully fenced, so whether you bring a small dog or big dog there will be no escaping.

Plenty of space to run around like a mad thing.

Plenty of space to run around like a mad thing.

We have provided dog water bowls, dog treats and some dog toys to keep your puppy entertained whilst staying at our cottages. At night guests are welcome to bring their dog into the laundry area to sleep.

pet friendly cottage - cottages in orange

We provide tips and suggestions on leash free dog parks nearby as well as, dog friendly cafes and wine bars in Orange.,

For those who would love a dog but don't have one yet (you know who you are!) you can always come and stay at Dalton St Studio and enjoy lots of quality time with our beloved puppy Bailey, who is a gentle giant that adores attention from guests.