Cowra to Orange drive: Distance, time & road trip stops
The Cowra to Orange drive covers a distance of 91km in a driving time of around 1h6m. Possible stops to add to a country NSW road trip itinerary include Nangar National Park near Canowindra.
The Cowra to Orange drive connects two of the largest towns in the Central West region of New South Wales. Most tourists are most likely to drive it on a longer road trip – either from Canberra to Orange or Canberra to Dubbo.
Cowra’s highlights can be explored on an attraction-packed e-bike tour.
Orange activities include gourmet picnic lunches in the vineyards and wine-tasting by trike. For the top Orange accommodation options, book here.
Cowra to Orange distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Cowra to Orange is 91km. You can expect a driving time of one hour and six minutes unless you build in a road trip stop along the way.
Where to stay in Cowra
The best Cowra accommodation options are:
- For four star quality in a central location: Cowra Club Services Motel.
- For overall quality: Country Gardens Motor Inn.
- For character and something a bit different: The Shearing Shed – Boutique Farm Stay.
Five memorable experiences to book in Orange
- Private wine-tasting tour – on board a rather cool-looking trike.
- Sparkling wine masterclass – with vineyard tour and three course lunch.
- Helicopter tour to a top winery – with wine-tasting.
- Private picnic in the vineyard – with wine included.
- Half day foodie tours – taste the best the region has to offer.
Where to stay in Orange
The top Orange accommodation choices are:
- For style and cool factor: Byng Street Boutique Hotel.
- For a solid motel with (usually) cheap rates and free parking: Ophir Hotel.
- For a glorious three bedroom cottage in a vineyard: Borrodell Vineyard.
- For quality, business traveller-friendly apartments: Quest Orange.
- For studios with spa baths: De Russie Boutique Hotel.
The route leaves Cowra along the Canowindra Road, and Canowindra is the first worthwhile stop along the route. It is something of a ballooning hotspot, and visitors can try hot air balloon rides over the surrounding countryside.
Cowra to Orange road trip: Nangar National Park
Canowindra is also the gateway to Nangar National Park. There are several good walking tracks here, as the hills jut out above the surrounding farmland. The 6km return Mount Nangar Walking Track offers a steep climb surrounded by wildflowers, and the even tougher 8km return Mount Murga Walking Track tends to bestow plenty of adorable wildlife encounters.
If you’re doing a balloon tour, you’ll probably need to stay over the night before. Canowindra hotels include the centrally-located Canowindra Riverside Motel and the very highly rated Blue Jacket Motel.
Cowra to Orange drive: Cargo and Orange wineries
The only other town before you reach Orange is Cargo. Here, you can go for a beer at the Cargo Inn.
On the way into Orange, however, you will pass the walking trails of the Glenwood State Forest and several Orange region wineries. These include Stockman’s Ridge, Printhie Wines and Rowlee Wines.
Things to do in Orange include walking on Mount Canobolas, ambling along the Orange Heritage Trail and visiting the Botanic Gardens. You can also book on a half day foodie tour.
Orange accommodation options include the charming De Russie Boutique Hotel, the apartment-style Quest Orange and the functional but central Town Square Motel.
More Orange distances and driving times
Orange to Bathurst: Distance 57km, driving time 47m. (More Bathurst driving times)
Orange to Canberra: Distance 279km, driving time 3h17m.
Orange to Cowra: Distance 91km, driving time 1h6m.
Orange to Dubbo: Distance 142km, driving time 1h41m. (More driving times to Dubbo)
Orange to Forbes: Distance 116km, driving time 1h18m.
Orange to Parkes: Distance 99km, driving time 1h8m. (More driving times to Parkes)
Orange to Sydney: Distance 256km, driving time 3h32m. (More Sydney road trips)
Orange to Lithgow: Distance 119km, driving time 1h39m.