It’s not difficult to see why Orange is called Australia’s Colour City, as a walk or drive around the city or surrounds at any time of the year reveals a kaleidoscope of colours. Nestled in the foothills of Mt Canobolas, a mountain approximately 1,400 metres above sea level, Orange and its district blend the modern features of city living with the rural qualities of tranquillity, fresh air, and wholesome country living.
The city experiences distinct seasonal changes, most notably in the temperature and tree foliage. The beauty of each season has its special quality – the brilliant whiteness of the snow or frost, the magnificent colours of the spring blossoms, the warmth and golden heaviness of a summer’s day and finally, the radiance of the leaf colour change that heralds autumn.Orange – named in 1846 after the Prince of Orange who later became King of Holland – has always been renowned for its beauty.
Back in the 1930s and 40s, Orange was a popular weekend or week long holiday destination for city dwellers wanting to escape to the country. In those days, picnics, relaxing family outings and drives in the country were popular pastimes and led to Orange being knows as ‘Queen City of the West’.
Today, Orange’s many boutique vineyards and modern restaurants still attract the weekend visitors for a relaxing time at one of the many B&Bs situated in historic homes. Orange’s food and wine has won many acclaims by ‘foodies’ who return time after time to experience the unique atmosphere of a mountain lifestyle.
The Orange district is diverse where the four seasons combine with a healthy local economy featuring agricultural production, industry, manufacturing, recreation, education and all ranges of services. Tourism is an expanding industry with many natural features – mountain trails, waterfalls, wildlife, caves and unique flora – as well as wine tasting, gold panning and cultural pursuits.
The Orange Civic Theatre is a premier venue for local and touring performing arts, along with the Orange Regional Gallery and Conservatorium of Music which provide educational and quality exhibitions and recitals. Golfing weekends at the Orange Golf Club, which is home to the historic Duntryleague Guest House, and the Wentworth Golf Club and Bloomfield Country Club, are a must for the golfing enthusiast. Leisure experiences in Orange are varied, accessible and lots of fun.
Often the beauty of the city belies its rich gold mining past and future. From the 1850s, when the district had gold finds at Ophir and Lucknow, to the 21st century when again payable gold has been found and is being mined at Cadia. Australia’s first payable gold was found at Ophir in 1851.
Architecture and design have always played a part in the local built environment. The many gracious buildings from colonial times through to today present a wonderful streetscape to the visitor and resident.
Former City Councils had the foresight to extensively plant trees and establish parks and gardens, to build water storage and construct fine cultural infrastructure. The natural environment, so important for the City’s survival, is being managed carefully with waste management, recycling, and land use planning, all receiving proper attention.
Whatever you chose to do, Orange will entice you back with its many attractions because even though the climate can be cold, the hospitality is always warm.
