Orange to Parkes drive: Distance, driving time and road trip attractions

Road trip attractions on the Orange to Parkes drive in New South Wales include the Swinging Bridge winery and Borenore Caves. The distance from Orange to Parkes by car is 99km, with a driving time of 1h8m.

The Orange to Parkes drive connects two of the largest inland towns in New South Wales. Most tourists are unlikely to encounter either, unless they’ve chosen to eschew the coast and embark on an inland road trip.

Orange activities include gourmet picnic lunches in the vineyards and wine-tasting by trike. For the top Orange accommodation options, book here.

Book in advance for the best rates on Parkes accommodation.

Both Orange and Parkes, however, have several attractions worth contemplating. But are there any road trip attractions on the drive between them?

Orange to Parkes distance and driving time

The distance from Orange to Parkes is 99km going via the quickest route. This makes for a driving time of one hour and eight minutes.

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 Orange to Parkes drive starts out along the Escort Way, going past a few Orange region wineries. These include Swinging Bridge and Orange Mountain Wines, both of which have cellar doors open to visitors.

Orange to Parkes drive: Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve

Shortly afterwards, you’ll come to the Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve, home to the Borenore Caves. Verandah Cave – all rocky outcrops and pools of water – is the star of the show here.

At Boree, you need to branch off the Escort Way and on to Henry Parkes Way. Alas, from here, the Orange to Parkes drive gets pretty bland. You can refuel and buy snacks in Manildra. And, if you’re really determined, you can make a slight detour to either Lake Endeavour Dam or Bumberry Dam.

Orange to Parkes road trip attractions: Parkes Aviation Museum

But you may as well carry straight on through to Parkes. You’ll pass Parkes Airport on the way in, where you can pay a visit to the Parkes Aviation Museum.

Top of the list of things to do in Parkes, however, is paying a visit to the Dish. Also known as Murriyang, this powerful radio telescope at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory transmitted the images of the 1969 moon landing to the world.