You might have noted that we tend to have regular locum options going in Orange. That’s because 1) there’s a great site there that has capacity for both short and long contracts and 2) there is so.much.on in the Orange region. It’s seriously buzzing. If you’re keen for a bit of a regional explore but don’t want to stray far away from a good coffee…think Orange!
Give us some context
Ok, so contrary to the town’s name…Orange does not grow lots of oranges. It is a well-known fruit growing district (apples, pears, stone fruit etc) but the climate is actually too cold for citrus! (the name is thought to come from Prince William of Orange or something along those brown nosing lines…). It’s 250kms west of Sydney and has a population of over 42 000 people. It has a growing number of vineyards (60+!! and therefore wine and tourism industry), a gold mine nearby and has the headquarters for the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
What’s worth doing there?
There’s a myriad of options for the weekends, but our insider knowledge points us in these directions:
- Explore the awesome produce – tour orchids, vineyards (options below) and truffle spots.
- Walk/picnic at the Canobolas
- Country driving and visit some of the cute little towns in the area (Molong, Mudgee, Millthorpe)
- Japanese Gardens in Cowra
Ok, hit me with coffee, food and wine reccos
Byng Street cafe, Gather at Sonic, Mad Hatter and many more serve top notch coffee. Mr Lim, Birdie, The Union Bank and Fiorini’s (book ahead) are our pick for food. Wine…where to start?! Definitely head to Philip Shaw, Printhe, Swinging Bridge and Nashdale Lane OR sample them all at Ferment wine centre. You really should consider at least a month there to get through these options and more!
Time your locum for…
Orange F.O.O.D Week – Australia’s longest running regional food and wine festival that has a huge range of evens over 10 days in April (during the local autumn harvest and vintage season).
Orange Wine Month – in October each year!
And sooooo many more fun events – check out the Orange360 website to find something that tickles your fancy.
