Lithgow to Orange drive: Distance, time and road trip attractions
The Lithgow to Orange drive covers a distance of 119km, with a driving time of around 1h39m. Road trip attractions include Marrangaroo National Park, Mount Panorama in Bathurst and the Macquarie Woods.
The drive from Lithgow to Orange connects two of the larger towns in inland New South Wales. Lithgow is at the western edge of the Blue Mountains, while Orange has an increasingly prominent wine region.
Most people driving the route will be on the way from Sydney to Orange, but Lithgow is worth a stop along the way.
Orange activities include gourmet picnic lunches in the vineyards and wine-tasting by trike. For the top Orange accommodation options, book here.
Lithgow to Orange distance and driving time
The distance from Lithgow to Orange by car is 119km. This makes for a driving time of around one hour and 36 minutes. For an international comparison, that’s the same distance as the Birmingham to Oxford drive or Nottingham to Leeds drive in the UK.
Top Lithgow accommodation choices
The best places to stay in Lithgow are:
- For the highest guest ratings: Lithgow Workies Club Motel.
- For heritage and charm: Wenvoe Historic Retreat.
- For a heated outdoor pool: Zig Zag Motel and Apartments.
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.
On the Lithgow to Bathurst leg of the drive, you go past Marrangaroo National Park. This national park is based around the Cox’s River. Attractions include walking to the top of Mount Walker, camping at Marrangaroo campground and kayaking on Lake Lyell.
Further along, near Mount Lambie, you can go trout-fishing at the Thompsons Creek Reservoir.
Lithgow to Orange drive: Bathurst attractions
But the main place to stop on a Lithgow to Orange road trip is Bathurst. Attractions in Bathurst, meanwhile include the Bathurst Rail Museum, Abercrombie House and the Mount Panorama motor racing circuit. The Rydges Bathurst hotel overlooks the race track.
Bathurst is where the Great Western Highway ends, giving way to the Mitchell Highway and Mid-Western Highway.
Lithgow to Orange road trip attractions: Vittoria State Forest
It’s the Mitchell Highway you’ll need for the drive from Bathurst to Orange. On the way, you’ll pass the Vittoria State Forest, which has several good walking trails. The Macquarie Woods section is most visitor-friendly.
There are a few wineries just off the highway on the way into Orange. These include Patina Wines and the Highland Heritage Cellar Door.
Things to do in Orange that don’t involve wine-tasting including getting a flora education at the Orange Botanic Gardens and walking on Mount Canobolas.
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)