Millthorpe
Millthorpe, Orange Area - Credit: Orange 360
Millthorpe
Millthorpe offers a taste of the good life, from its cool-climate wineries to its acclaimed restaurants and fascinating history. The atmospheric heritage-listed village, classified by National Trust, is situated in the bucolic countryside of the Orange region – it comes with plenty of country swagger, but just as much forward-thinking verve.
Highlights
Fine food and wine
This part of New South Wales is known for its stellar cool-climate wines and charming cellar doors, and Millthorpe is the ideal base to explore the region’s bounty, including Angullong Cellar Door, Slow Wine Co and Tamburlaine Organic Wines. You can do your own walking wine tour with three cellar doors all within arm’s reach while exploring some of the town’s fascinating heritage.
Tamburlaine Organic Wines Millthorpe Cellar Door, Millthorpe - Credit: Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Enjoy dining at Tonic, an acclaimed restaurant that puts local producers, such as Mandagery Creek Venison and Cowra Lamb, front and centre. The menu is seasonal and is accompanied by an outstanding wine list, as you’d expect. Millthorpe Providore is much more relaxed but arguably just as tasty. Pop in for coffee, light lunch or afternoon tea, and leave with pantry goodies showcasing local makers and bakers. If you are looking for a spot to enjoy a sit down breakfast or lunch, check out The Old Mill Cafe & Restaurant. On weekend nights, cellar doors turn into wine bars, with Tamburlaine Organic Wines often hosting live music and Slow Wine Co serving up a delicious tapas menu.
Tonic Restaurant, Millthorpe
History and heritage
Millthorpe’s history, both Indigenous and colonial, is relived in great detail at the Golden Memories Millthorpe Museum. Occupying eight historic buildings, this museum holds a wealth of historic artefacts, including local stories and memorabilia as well as significant Aboriginal items. Visitors can be a part of the history with interactive displays and working machinery with a push of a button. A craft cottage also operates on the grounds.
Millthorpe main street, Millthorpe
Exploring the town
The heart of Millthorpe is full of fascinating attractions and collection of locally owned shops. Head to boutique The White Place to pick up fashion, accessories, art and bespoke homewares, or Plants n Pretty Pieces to find the perfect gift. A trip to Millthorpe wouldn’t be complete with a stop at the lolly shop, Millthorpe Sweets & Treats, which features all your nostlagic old-time favourites.
Time your visit right (April and December annually) and you can also visit the Millthorpe Markets, widely regarded as among the best of their kind in the state. Explore the town further by plotting a tour of the gardens and market stalls during the Millthorpe Garden Ramble in November or experience a lively winter night at the Fire Festival in August.
Millthorpe Garden Ramble, Millthorpe
Where to stay
You’ll find many places to stay in Millthorpe, from pubs and motels to guesthouses and cottages. Some fantastic options include Pym23, Rosebank Guesthouse and Millthorpe on Pitt Luxury Stay.
Great Western Lodge, Millthorpe - Credit: Great Western Lodge
Getting there
A 20-minute drive southeast of Orange and 30 minutes west of Bathurst, Millthorpe enjoys a prime position in this part of New South Wales. The drive from Sydney through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is 3.5 hours. You can also fly to Orange Airport and rent a car. Intercity trains call at the heritage-listed Millthorpe Railway Station; there is now a daily direct train from Sydney and the journey takes around 4.5 hours.
