Leading interior and event stylist Steve Cordony owns picturesque Rosedale Farm in Orange, NSW. One of his favourite places in the world, he travels between Sydney and Orange in Range Rover comfort and refinement. Finding the bustling town as design driven as his Velar, Steve shares his favourite places to eat, shop, visit and stay in this special part of the world. 

The cafe culture is strong in Orange and Steve has a number of “absolute go-tos” for breakfast and coffee. His Saturday morning spot is Groundstone Cafe, where the awesome team serves the most delicious food. Bills Beans, an “institution cafe”, gets a callout for its great coffee and the equally great tunes playing in the background. For irresistible baked treats, bread and pre-made meals, Steve can’t go past Racine Bakery. And for his weekly food shop, and everything organic and seasonal, Grocer and Co Organics is a must-visit. 

With so many great restaurant options in Orange and surrounding towns, visitors are spoilt for choice. Steve’s favourite restaurant is The Union Bank, where you can sit in the courtyard under the magnolia and fairy lights. Mr Lim serves up brilliant Vietnamese food with a side of karaoke, while Raku Izakaya is renowned for its fresh, delicious Japanese. Brand new cellar door Printhie serves a mouth-watering 5 course degustation, and for a pre-dinner drink of local wines and moreish cheese, it’s hard to go past Ferment.

Orange claims the title of Australia’s highest-altitude wine region, and covers the mineral-rich contours of extinct volcano Mt Canobolas. These conditions enable winemakers to create world-class cool-climate wine including pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Any winery tour should include stops at Phillip Shaw, Rowless, Printhie, Nashdale Lane, Heifer Station and Ross Hill. And planning a trip around the Orange Wine Festival held in October is always a good idea.

While the food scene in Orange is a real drawcard, in between meals you can indulge in a little retail therapy, from fashion and homewares through to kitchen essentials and gardening. Jumbled at The Sonic curates “the most incredible art, fashion, homewares and furniture” in the renovated masonic hall, a space that is “an eclectic, fantastical wonderland”. Steve’s go-to for kitchenware is The Essential Ingredient, which also offers perfect gifts and gourmet treats. For green thumbs, Thompson’s Garden Centre is a great place to buy pots and plants.