Sydney to Parkes road trip: Distance, time & best stops
Sydney to Parkes drive: Bathurst to Orange
Attractions in Bathurst include Abercrombie House, the Bathurst Rail Museum, Abercrombie House and the Mount Panorama motor racing circuit. The Rydges Bathurst hotel is by the race track.
The drive from Bathurst to Orange is along the Mitchell Highway. There’s not all that much to see on the way, but the Macquarie Woods section of the Vittoria State Forest has good walking trails.
Towards the end of the Sydney to Orange section of the drive you’ll go close to a few Orange wineries. Solid options include Patina Wines and the Highland Heritage Cellar Door.
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.
Orange does art as well as wine, however. Drop into the Corner Store Boutique Gallery and Orange Regional Gallery while you’re there. If you prefer the great outdoors, then plump for the Orange Botanic Gardens and walks on ancient volcano Mount Canobolas.
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.
Click through to the next section: Orange to Parkes.