Orange will fuel your country escape daydreams

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Country comfort is given a stylish glow-up at these charming Airbnb abodes in Orange.

With its city limits propagated with world-class wineries and cellar doors, Orange is a beloved minibreak full of agrarian charm and a sophisticated food and wine scene. So it follows there’s no shortage of places to rest and recharge in style here, from heritage cottages in the town centre to grand homesteads and polished farm stays overlooking undulating landscapes. To fuel your daydreams of that long-awaited country escape, we’ve rounded up the best and most pinnable Airbnbs in and around Orange.

1. Loft House

Best for: wine-focused minibreaks and cooks keen to work with Orange’s seasonal bounty.

You’re front and centre to some of Orange’s best drops when you stay at this beautiful, two-bedroom brick cottage set in the undulating hills overlooking Heifer Station Vineyard. The town itself is just a two-minute drive away, making dining and wining ventures effortless.

the exterior of Loft House in Orange
Loft House is nestled next to the Heifer Station Vineyard.

However, the full kitchen, outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and vineyard vistas at this New York loft-style abode will make you rather hesitant to leave. Luckily there are many good reasons to do so, including gathering local produce to cook and stretching legs on outdoor adventures at Lake Canobolas and Borenore Caves.

the interior of the Loft House Airbnb in Orange
Book a stay at this New York loft-style abode.

2. White Place Home on Byng

Best for: groups of couples looking for an elegant country escape.

This adorable home in Orange is an opportunity to try on charming country life for size. A short and very pretty stroll to the town’s incredible restaurants, bars and cafes, this four-bedroom house is a welcoming place to retreat to following a day exploring the region.

the bedroom at White Place Home on Byng
Settle into the four-bedroom White Place Home on Byng.

Timber floors, fireplaces, ornate ceilings, pool and established gardens fill out a tick-list for cottage life, but are all styled with a contemporary sensibility for a stay that feels authentic without being old-fashioned.

the dining area at White Place Home on Byng
This contemporary retreat in Orange gives you a taste of cottage life.

3. The Hermitage

Best for: celebrating an event birthday or milestone (this one is ripe for a dress-up party or murder mystery dinner).

A grand old dame, this sprawling 1870-era homestead makes a strong argument for the romance of country living. With six bedrooms, four bathrooms, fireplaces and a formal dining room complete with dinnerware and cutlery at your disposal, this heritage home seems to expect entertaining.

The Hermitage accommodation exterior in Orange
The Hermitage is an 1870-era homestead just five minutes from Orange CBD.

Beautifully manicured gardens and a well-tended lawn are also every bit of your manor-born fantasy. Only five minutes from the Orange CBD and in easy reach of surrounding vineyards, there’s plenty to keep you busy when you’re not finding different corners of the house to relax in.

the kitchen and dining interior at The Hermitage, Orange
Embrace country living at The Hermitage.

4. La Mia Casa

Best for: close friends who relish long conversations by the fire.

Full of warmth, this beautifully styled cottage has tactile elements of exposed brick, restored timber floors and heritage hues to curate feelings of complete cosiness.

the cottage exterior at La Mia Casa, Orange
La Mia Casa will make you feel at home.

With three bedrooms, a custom kitchen, fireplace, fire-pit and indoor-outdoor entertaining area, this cottage is everything you need to cocoon with your favourite people in the cool weather.

the living room with fireplace at La Mia Casa, Orange
Cosy up by the fireplace.

Head out wine tasting and return to cook up a beautiful meal to share over your favourite bottle foraged that day.

the living space at La Mia Casa, Orange
This cottage is everything you need for a quiet weekend spent relaxing with loved ones.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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5. Warruga Shack Farm Stay

Best for: sinking into a rural state of mind.

You’re only 15 minutes from Orange when you drop your bags at this modern farm stay in Belgravia. Light, bright and beautifully bucolic, this three-bedroom ‘shack’ has been thoughtfully renovated to retain its original charm while blending in a more contemporary aesthetic.

the exterior of Warruga Shack Farm Stay
Check into the rustic but charming Warruga Shack Farm Stay.

Settle in by the wood-burning fireplace to watch the sunset’s orange hues wash over the landscape from the western deck and, on a clear night, gather around the firepit and gaze up at the celestial orbs above.

the living space inside Warruga Shack Farm Stay
Scenic vistas can be found from every window in the stylish shack.

6. The Horned Cow

Best for: those after contemporary country vibes and sleek lines.

Set on 2.5 acres and angled to absorb the tranquil country views, this sleek and sustainably crafted five-bedroom abode is all polished, laidback luxe just 10 minutes from Orange.

outdoor seating at The Horned Cow Airbnb in Orange
Gather around the firepit and watch the day change to night.

Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you don’t miss a moment of your serene setting as you unwind amid the black-hued, design-led spaces.

the country views at The Horned Cow Airbnb in Orange
Absorb the tranquil country views from the deck.

A fully-equipped kitchen and seating for 10 encourages gastronomic indulgences, but if you’re not up to cooking up a masterpiece yourself, you can request a private chef to put it all to good use.

The Horned Cow Airbnb in Orange
Relax in a contemporary abode at The Horned Cow.

7. Shinglewood Cottage

Best for: interior design geeks and lovers of refined style.

Straight from your Pinterest board to your dream minibreak, this white-washed, two-bedroom cottage is so elegantly styled that it has been featured in Country Style magazine. Set eight minutes from Millthorpe village and 20 minutes from the Orange CBD, this sweet stay is a brand-new build and an updated approach to rural design sensibilities.

the door entrance to Shinglewood Cottage
The elegantly styled Shinglewood Cottage has been featured in Country Style magazine.

Bright, open and angled to absorb the beautiful scenery, this home places the kitchen at the heart and invites relaxation in its well-considered spaces. Both grand and approachable, it’ll have you looking up real estate in the area and plotting your escape to the country.

the white-washed living room interior at Shinglewood Cottage
The space is both grand and approachable, with all the comforts of home at hand.

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8. Luxury off-grid tiny home

Best for: romantic interludes or solitary retreats.

Small but marvellous, this petite abode reaches peak cosiness. Carefully placed on a vast 19-acre property on the outskirts of Orange but within a five-minute drive to the town centre, you can feel utterly untethered from everyday life, while still being close enough to relish nearby wineries and dining.

the Luxury off-grid tiny home in Orange
Step into this charming petite abode at Luxury Off-grid.

It’s off-grid and low-impact, so expect a composting toilet, but also views that unravel over green pastures and stylish and clever interiors. There’s a mini kitchenette for self-sufficiency and light snacks are provided.

the accommodation interior at the Luxury off-grid tiny home in Orange
Find modern comforts and all the necessities for a relaxed escape.

9. Kangaroobie Cabin

Best for: architecture fiends and those who like to live on the luxe side.

The Borenore Valley and Gaanha bula (Mount Canobolas) may be the backdrop here, but they take centre stage from the floor-to-ceiling windows in this sleek, modernist cabin that has been designed and built by Melbourne’s Modscape.

the Kangaroobie Cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows
The floor-to-ceiling windows offer unbeatable views.

Three bedrooms, two living spaces, a dining area and full kitchen are sharply minimal yet softened with natural textures and the muted tones of the landscape beyond.

the Kangaroobie Cabin on top of a hill in Orange
The sleek and modern Kangaroobie cabin is situated atop a hill.

There’s an indoor and outdoor fireplace for cosiness year-round and a hot tub for soaks while stargazing if you don’t mind some bovine spectators. Just 15 minutes from Orange and surrounded by cool-climate wineries, this stay is the best of all worlds.

the living room at Kangaroobie Cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows
The modernist cabin was designed and built by Melbourne’s Modscape.

10. The Heart of Orange

Best for: Couples looking to cocoon between restaurant reservations.

This heritage apartment is rural living with an urban upswing. Set above commercial premises, this immaculately styled heritage abode is light-filled, beautiful and right where you need it to be to take full advantage of Orange’s lively restaurant and cafe scene.

the bedroom at Heart of Orange Airbnb
Bed down in a heritage apartment in the centre of town.

The one-bedroom, one-car space unit has a lofty vantage that feels like your own hideaway.

the living room at The Heart of Orange Airbnb
Pull yourself away from the cosy space to experience the restaurant scene below.

See also: The best luxury accommodation in Orange.

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Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.