What is the history of Orange?
Before Europeans arrived to Australia, the region surrounding Orange was home to a large Aboriginal group, the Wiradjuri. Today, there is still a prominent Wiradjuri presence in Orange that you will experience after booking airfare to Orange. In 1822, Europeans arrived to the area and set up a convict settlement called “Blackman’s Swamp”, so named after Chief Constable James Blackman. In 1846, the settlement was officially renamed to Orange. Shortly after, in 1851, gold was discovered near Orange and a gold rush caused the village’s small population to boom. During the remainder of the 19th century and into the 20th century, Orange continued to grow as farms were established and more people moved to the area. The population of Orange has grown steadily ever since. Today, it is a small city with plenty of activities to enjoy after flights to Orange.
What are the best things to do in Orange?
Lake Canobolas Reserve
While exploring the city after flights to Orange, head about 10 kilometres (6 miles) west to explore Lake Canobolas Reserve. The reserve is located at the base of Mount Canobolas and features a beautiful lake. There are a variety of activities to enjoy here after cheap flights to Orange, such as canoeing, sailing, and swimming. A walking track winds its way around the lake and provides gorgeous views over the lake and Mount Canobolas. While exploring the reserve after flights to Orange, you are also likely to spot some local wildlife, including kangaroos and many different species of birds.
Orange Regional Gallery
The Orange Regional Gallery showcases the history and culture of rural NSW through art. When you have return flights to Orange, visit the gallery to see a variety of unique paintings and sculptures, many which have a primary focus on modern and contemporary pieces. The Orange Regional Gallery rotates its exhibits often, so every visit can be unique. While donations are appreciated, tickets to Orange Regional Gallery are free.
Orange Heritage Trail
After arriving into Orange Airport (OAG), take a trip along the Orange Heritage Trail to learn more about the city. After your flights to Orange, visit the Visitor Information Centre to begin the walk that takes around 90 minutes to complete. The Heritage Trail winds through the city passing several places that have been significant in Orange’s history. It travels past Town Hall, Boer War Memorial, Holy Trinity Church of England, and a series of heritage houses. Once you have completed the main heritage trail after your cheap flights to Orange, you can walk a smaller heritage trail in East Orange or take a heritage drive to 20 landmarks around the Orange area.
What’s on in Orange?
Parkes Elvis Festival
The Parkes Elvis Festival is an award-winning event that honours one of the greatest rock stars of all time, Elvis Presley. If you are a fan of Elvis’s music and 1950s culture, book tickets to Orange for travel in the second week of January. The event is held during this week in order to coincide with Elvis’s birthday on January 8. During the festival, visitors with return flights to Orange can attend more than 200 events across the city. The festival is celebrated from the morning into the late night hours, with events such as dance parties, screenings of movies that starred Elvis, competitions between some of the country’s best Elvis impersonators, and Elvis-themed trivia.
Orange Antique Fair
For one weekend every June, the annual Orange Antique Fair takes over Function Centre on Eyles Street. If you enjoy antiques and vintage items, don’t miss the opportunity to book airfare to Orange for the event. Antique dealers from all over eastern Australia set up stalls at the fair where they sell many of their finest pieces. Visitors who book return flights to Orange during the Antique Fair can browse a variety of vintage jewellery, furniture, books, Persian rugs, and fine glassware.
Orange Wine Week
A handful of spectacular vineyards are located just outside of Orange. In order to taste the wine from some of the region’s top producers, plan your cheap flights to Orange during Orange Wine Week. This event takes place over nine days in October. Throughout Orange Wine Week, you can enjoy complimentary tours and tastings at many of the region’s vineyards and attend special art and dinner events in the city that are centred around the wine of the region. After your flights to Orange, you can also visit the Orange Wine Festival Night Market in the city where more than 50 stalls serve wine and food from local producers.
