The best luxury accommodation in Orange NSW for a lavish getaway

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Fine food, cool-climate wine and vineyard views for days: there’s luxury aplenty to be had in Orange and a range of accommodations to suit the mood.

From boutique hotels and heritage homes in town to vineyard villas and country cottages dotted among the region’s wineries, those looking for luxury accommodation in Orange NSW are spoilt for choice. So, whether you want to stay in town or go remote, we’ve rounded up our pick of the bunch.

1. Basalt Orange

The modern exterior of Basalt.
The modern exterior of Basalt. (Image: Monique Lovick)

Basalt Orange is the newest luxury accommodation to open in this pocket of the Central West sitting just below the extinct volcano of Gaanha bula (Mount Canobolas).

The quaint property has three private studios, each with its own personality and perspective. Chaser is for the dreamers, Drifter is for the wanderers and Yonder is a nod to our childhood adventures, where the great outdoors was our playground. 

Each studio sleeps two and features a freestanding bath with views over the owner’s cherry orchard, an internal fireplace, an outdoor firepit and a telescope for stargazing. Basalt has also partnered with local businesses to offer exclusive experiences for its guests to immerse themselves in the best of the Orange region. 

One of the bedrooms at Basalt in Orange
The cocooning bedroom is an idyllic spot to unwind.(Image: Monique Lovick)

Address: 1100 Pinnacle Rd, Canobolas
Price: From $550 per night.

2. Sona Molong

Sona Orange accommodation facade.
The charming facade belies the modern interiors. (Image: Pip Brett)

This newly opened luxury accommodation has quickly made its mark on the region. Sona is the brainchild of Pip Brett, owner of popular Orange shop JUMBLED, who transformed an old bank into this incredible accommodation that’s infused with character and history.

Located in the cute village of Molong just outside of Orange, embrace a slower pace at Sona. The bold interiors take influence from the building’s original Art Deco architecture, and it effortlessly blends its history with modern luxury. An indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit guarantee a cosy stay no matter where you while away the hours.

Gather your nine closest friends and family, because this funky stay sleeps 10.

Sona Orange accommodation
The design-led interiors make for an elevated home base. (Image: Pip Brett)

Address: 68 Bank St, Molong
Price: $1600 per night (sleeps 10).

3. The Horned Cow

The exterior of Horned Cow accommodation in Orange.
Enjoy a luxury escape you won’t forget.

If a secluded farm stay is your cup of tea, look no further than The Horned Cow in Lucknow, on the outskirts of Orange. The five-bedroom house is blessed with views of the one-hectare property from all angles, and the rural chic interiors combined with innovative amenities (hello Smeg) make this a luxury stay to remember.

Don’t be afraid to brace an Orange winter; The Horned Cow has zoned heating, a fireplace, an outdoor firepit and underfloor heating in the bathrooms is a special touch. Private chefs are available if the thought of cooking ruins your holiday buzz.

Horned Cow accommodation in Orange
Enjoy bucolic views from the comfort of your sofa.

Address: 4646 Mitchell Highway, Lucknow
Price: From $750 per night (sleeps 10).

4. Ultimate Wine Escape at Rowlee

Rowlee Orange accommodation
Spend a peaceful afternoon on the verandah. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Rowlee Wines in Nashdale is an Orange winery making the most of its idyllic setting by offering superlative onsite accommodation. The Ultimate Wine Escape at Rowlee is a two-night stay in a private, luxury guesthouse surrounded by established vines and gardens and overlooking a croquet court, no less. Sleek but cosy, it has a master bedroom with a large and indulgent ensuite complete with underfloor heating and a freestanding stone bathtub.

There are further designer touches throughout – from the Ralph Lauren couch made for sinking straight into, to the 1200 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and feather pillows. A larder is packed full of food and beverages including a bottle of Rowlee wine – enjoy it on the verandah on a sunny afternoon.

Rowlee accommodation in Orange
Experience true relaxation in the freestanding bath. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Address: 19 Lake Canobolas Road, Nashdale
Price: $795 per person for two nights (sleeps 1-2).

5. Yallungah Boutique Hotel

Yallungah Boutique Hotel exterior in Orange NSW
Yallungah Boutique Hotel blends the city’s rich history with its contemporary edge.

Stay at this design-driven boutique hotel in the heart of Orange for an experience that blends the best of the city’s rich history with its contemporary edge. This upscale offering is comprised of a beautifully restored three-bedroom homestead juxtaposed with a bold and colourful 19-room modern wing.

The signature room, The Yallungah Suite, in the heritage wing, is all light and charm and tonic tones of blue and coral. Embodying the building’s strong sense of place, it has a sumptuous king-size bed and statement headboard, fireplace, separate lounge area and large private balcony overlooking the garden.

A two-course à la carte breakfast of local produce is served downstairs each morning in the Yallungah Dining Room.

Yallungah Boutique Hotel Yallungah Suite in Orange NSW
The Yallungah Suite is light-filled and charming.

Address: 62 Byng St, Orange
Price: From $360 per night.

6. Lakeview Luxury Retreat

Purpose-built as a couples’ retreat, Lakeview Luxury Retreat is all about providing guests with the space to relax and reconnect, and the means to pamper and indulge themselves. It features three award-winning, secluded and eco-friendly penthouse villas spread across a tranquil bush setting in the Canobolas Valley, slightly south-west of Orange.

The living area at Lakeview Luxury Retreat
The spacious open-plan living and dining area.

Each villa is supplied with a generous gourmet food hamper packed with local fare, large picture windows for taking in the scenery (and kangaroo-spotting), a deep tub for soaking in and underfloor bathroom heating.

Stay in the Emerald Gem Villa for utmost seclusion and privacy or the Natures Haven Villa to keep cosy in front of a gas log fire; the Twin View Villa , meanwhile, is ideal for two couples and each bedroom has its own bathroom.

Address: 57 Stanford Rd, Canobolas
Price: From $355 per night.

7. Dragonfly Cottages

Ten minutes from Orange in the rural locale of Borenore, these two bold and contemporary cottages sit lightly on the landscape surrounded by twisted gums on the grounds of a working farm. Views of vineyards and Gaanha bula in the distance make for spectacular sunsets.

You’ll find a bottle of wine and a selection of local produce waiting for you on arrival and breakfast supplies in the morning. The Dragonfly Cottages boast king beds, thoughtful, artistic touches throughout and private decks.

The exterior of Dragonfly Orange
Stay in a modern cottage with scenic views.

Guests are invited to explore swathes of the property including its bubbling creek and cider apple orchard, with the region’s wineries an easy drive away. This is a truly peaceful place where your only neighbours are native wildlife and farm animals.

Dragonfly cottages in Orange
The soothing tones in the bedroom mimic the country surrounds.

Address: 92 Heifer Station Lane, Borenore
Price: From $325 per night.

8. Nashdale Lane Glamping

Nashdale Lane is a family-run winery and vineyard just a short drive out of town in the sleepy locale of Nashdale, a traditional fruit growing hub. The boutique property offers onsite accommodation by way of two luxury glamping cabins , Rustig (meaning quiet/calm in Dutch) and Kalmte (serenity/calm).

Nashdale Lane Glamping Orange
Get comfy in this cosy tent.

Well secluded from each other, both cabins are decked out stylishly with a four-poster queen-size bed, hardwood floors, bathroom with monsoon shower and wood fire. Details like Australian designer merino wool blankets and throws add further luxury touches and outside you’ll find a built-in deck with a sunken lounge and a barbecue. Pick up a bottle of wine after your tasting at the property’s cellar door – based in an old apple-packing shed – and enjoy it on the deck while the sun goes down over the shiraz vines and patchwork of farmland in the distance.

Nashdale Lane Glamping in Orange
The “Kalmte" tent comes with a kitchenette.

Address: 125 Nashdale Lane, Nashdale
Price: $315 per night (plus cleaning and Airbnb fees).

9. Borrodell Estate Accommodation

Set on the volcanic slopes of Gaanha bula, Borrodell Estate is one of the Orange region’s highest vineyards and home to fruit orchards, a trufferie, a great cellar door experience and a must-visit restaurant, Sister’s Rock. You’ll also find vineyard accommodation including two three-bedroom cottages, Chardonnay and Truffles, and The Cider Suites – designed as the ultimate romantic retreat for couples.

Borrodell Accommodation in Orange
The accommodation is situated on the picturesque slopes of an extinct volcano.

These split-level, sustainable and modern studio spaces have king-sized bedrooms, cosy fireplaces, heated concrete floors, spa baths and floor-to-ceiling windows that take in views across the valley. Celebrating an extra special occasion? Enhance the Borrodell experience with a pamper package to guarantee all the epicurean delights you could wish for plus an in-house masseuse.

Borrodell accommodation in Orange
Enjoy peaceful views of the rolling hills.

Address: 298 Lake Canobolas Rd, Orange
Price: From $395 per night.

10. de Russie Boutique Hotel

With 25 luxurious rooms, de Russie Boutique Hotel is set within a striking brick building on a tree-lined street in central Orange, a short stroll from the Central West city’s must-visit shops and restaurants.

Opt to spend the night in a Studio Suite , where each one opens up to a romantic Juliet balcony and some come with a spa bath in the ensuite bathroom stocked with L’Occitane amenities. Or up the ante in The Blue Room , a decadent space with a four-poster bed, velvet accents, an oversized bath and a terrace for stretching out on.

De Russie Boutique Hotel in Orange
The hotel is conveniently located just off Orange’s central business district.

Address: 72 Hill St, Orange
Price: From $269 per night.

11. Strawhouse Wines Vineyard Apartment

Strawhouse is a small, sustainable and family-run vineyard in the Orange region with boutique accommodation onsite. This one-bedroom, self-contained retreat is architect-designed and contemporary but blends into its setting among a stand of mature eucalypts. It has a bedroom with a queen bed, two armchairs and a spacious bathroom, plus books and games.

Strawhouse accommodation in Orange
Enjoy a peaceful stay at Strawhouse.

The adjacent cellar door space has a kitchen, dining/tasting table, window seats and chairs to curl up in in front of the wood fire. There’s no television or wi-fi here, encouraging you to really switch off and reconnect, but 180-degree of the Strawhouse vineyard, Gaanha bula and the Boree Creek Valley will hold your attention instead. Order a picnic hamper of local produce to enjoy on the deck and book a private wine tasting or dinner with the winemaker to make the most of the experience.

Address: 116 Boree Lane, Lidster
Price: From $225 per night.

12. Mayfield Vineyard Cottages

Check into one of the five cottages on the historic estate at Mayfield Vineyard , located just 10 kilometres from Orange and offering the ultimate in rural tranquillity. Based in a variety of interesting buildings, its cottages come in all shapes and sizes.

The Homestead sleeps 10, The Overseers Cottage sleeps six and four guests can stay in The Rose Cottage, The Garden Flat and The Settlers Cottage.

The Settlers Cottage is over a century old, built in 1886, and is one of the oldest cottages in Australia. These days the cottage is newly renovated, retaining its heritage bones but elegantly appointed with creamy, natural tones and a rustic twist. It has a north-facing, sun-soaked verandah, original polished floorboards and a gas fireplace.

Address: 954 Icely Road, Orange
Price: From $224 per night.

This article was originally written by Imogen Eveson with updates by Emily Murphy.

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare
From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food
Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong
Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics
See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food
Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare
Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.