The Best Orange Breweries | Australian Traveller

Award-winning late disgorge cider, craft gin cocktails and beers from the largest independently owned farm-based brewery on Australia’s eastern seaboard; there’s a lot to love about Orange’s brewery and distillery scene.

Orange’s food and drink scene is booming. And while the regional city’s wineries and restaurants have long since stolen the show, there’s a new wave of independent breweries and distilleries now demanding attention from you and your palette.

Here are five of the best to swing by if you’re visiting this scenic corner of the Central West.

1. Badlands Brewery

Not your average cellar door, the award-winning Badlands Brewery was Orange’s first brewery, opening in 2010. Producing ‘dangerously drinkable’ beers that are unfiltered and free of preservatives, all of Badlands’ brews are hand-crafted, 1000 litres at a time, without additives such as corn, rice or cane sugar.

the Badlands Brewery signage on top of the wall — Opened in 2010, the award-winning Badlands Brewery was Orange’s first brewery.

While the brewery’s focus lies squarely on traditional beer styles (pilseners, IPAs) they do dabble in the art of less conventional flavours, too, (hello chocolate, rum and vanilla-spiced porter) and release 15-20 new beers per year.

people enjoying inside Badlands Brewery, Orange — Nab a spot at Badlands Brewery for a cold pint.

Head into the Taproom and join a 45-minute brewery tour that shows you where all the behind-the-scenes magic happens (with two beers included). Or order a tasting paddle to sample any four beers.

the beer tap countertop at Badlands Brewery, Orange — Badlands Brewery is a beervana for a reason.

Address: 153 Summer St, Orange

2. Gracie’s at 4 Pines Brewing Co

The iconic 4 Pines Brewing Co was born in Manly and has grown its empire with the opening of Gracie’s at 4 Pines . Before partnering with 4 Pines Brewing Co, Gracie’s was a well-known and loved burger joint, but what better to pair with a burger than an ice-cold pint?

With eight taps of 4 Pines beers available including the Pacific Ale and Hazy Pale Ale, a burger menu to die for and some seriously addictive shakes, Gracie’s is a must-stop on your Orange itinerary.

There’s something on all the time at Gracie’s, from live music every Friday and Thursday night musical bingo to Wing it Wednesday with bottomless wings, fries and live music for $35.

Address: 20 Sale St, Orange

3. Parrot Distilling Co.

With a plum perch right in the centre of town, Parrot Distilling Co. is a relative newcomer to the Orange scene, having opened its doors to the public in 2018. The distillery’s cellar door, known as The Aviary , is housed within a converted brick warehouse, and among the more vibrantly decorated watering holes in town (think orange neon script signage and an artificial vertical garden).

the entrance of Parrot Distilling Co. — You’ll find Parrot Distilling Co. in a brick warehouse. (Image: Monique Lovick Photography)

Sample a selection of this local outfit’s classic gins in the House Tasting Board for $25. Non-purists might prefer to sample a ‘gintail’ instead; expect classics with a twist, such as the ‘Ginspresso’, Parrot’s take on an espresso martini, or try a ‘Foragers Negroni’ if that’s more your vibe.

gins and spirits on display at Parrot Distilling Co. — There’s a lot to try at Parrot Distilling Co. so get tasting.

Satiate appetites piqued by the strong spirits with one of the house pizzas served straight out of the wood-fired pizza oven at Parrot Pizzeria in The Aviary.

wood-fired pizza at Parrot Pizzeria in The Aviary — Grab a heavenly slice of wood-fired pizza at the nearby Parrot Pizzeria in The Aviary.

Address: 66 Endsleigh Ave, Orange

4. Small Acres Cyder

Before Orange made its name as a renowned wine region, the vineyards you see now were largely filled with apple and cherry orchards. And while many of the orchards have now transformed into vineyards, you’ll still find plenty of them scattered around the region.

Multi-award-winning Small Acres Cyder is located right in the heart of apple and wine country, the perfect place for producing premium ciders and perrys (made from pears).

the outdoor seating area at Small Acres Cyder — Sit down at Small Acres Cyder to taste some apple and pear ciders.

Made using traditional methods of authentic cider production, there are no shortcuts here. Rather, you’ll find a local institution that takes cider as seriously as winemakers take their wine. Even the bottles themselves signal respect for the craft, with wine bottles used for many of the varietals, as is so often the case with French cider.

Take a tasting at the cidery’s cellar door , in tiny Borenore, and compare the sparkling and still varieties. If you’re a non-drinker, designated driver or are bringing the kids along, there’s a non-alcoholic tasting available too with delicious zero-alcohol apple and cherry, and apple and pear ciders to try.

the exterior of Small Acres Cyder, Orange — Small Acres Cyder is at the heart of apple and wine country.

Address: 12 Akhurst Rd, Borenore

5. Jones & Smith Distillery

A family-owned craft distillery in Lucknow, Jones & Smith is home to a small but perfectly formed range of spirits.

spirit bottles and glasses on the table at Jones & Smith Distillery, Orange — Sample special spirits on offer at Jones & Smith Distillery.

The distillery’s gin range branded ‘epoch’ includes their signature dry gin, sloe gin, cherry gin and navy strength gin. If gin isn’t your thing, Jones & Smith also makes single-malt whisky. Try its first-release whisky collection for something special.

glasses of the signature gin at Jones & Smith branded epoch — Signature gin at Jones & Smith branded epoch is something to delight in.

Head to the cellar door and bar for a gin or whisky tasting session and linger a while sampling the seasonal menu at the onsite restaurant. In winter, get cosy by the fireplace with a whisky in hand. Come summer, the sunny beer garden is the perfect spot to sip your way through the gin range.

a close-up shot of the gin bottles at Jones & Smith Distillery — Get cosy by the fireplace with a whisky in hand

Address: 4617 Mitchell Hwy, Lucknow

This article was originally written by Chloe Cann with updates by Emily Murphy.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

The 5 best breweries and distilleries in Orange