Woof & wine

High-altitude, mineral-rich volcanic soils and passionate producers have made Orange one of the country's most superb wine regions. Happily, many of the best wineries welcome four-legged visitors to join the adventures. They can even swap stories with the resident winery dogs, who are often seen mooching around the cellar door or napping in the sun. Just remember to keep them outside, on lead and away from other tasters.

Heifer Station, Borenore - Credit: Heifer Station

Start your sipping in the large outdoor area of Rowlee Wines, famous for their award-winning single vineyard chardonnay. Nearby, De Salis Wines is known for their signature French styles and the friendly welcoming party of winery dogs. Other pup-friendly wineries with outdoor areas include Philip Shaw Wines, Ross Hill Wines, Cargo Road Wines and See Saw Wine.

Rowlee Wines & Guesthouse, Orange

At Stockman's Ridge Wine's your dog can enjoy some al fresco live music with you and at Heifer Station Wines they can sniff the chickens and cows of the petting zoo (through the fence, of course). Cider fans can visit Small Acres Cyder, where there are dog beds and bowls in the sun. Prefer to let someone else to do the driving? Book a private pet-friendly wine tour with Country Food Trails or Thirsty Trails.

Country Food Trails, Canobolas - Credit: Country Food Trails

Doggy dining

If you want to sample some of the region's famed gourmet delights, many cafes have outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. The Agrestic Grocer serves breakfast and lunch daily, accompanied by local wines and beers, and there's a large grocery section stocked with award-winning produce. Nile Street Cafe and Groundstone also have outdoor seating, great coffee and all-day menus. You can also bring your well-behaved, on-leash dog to the Orange Farmers Market, one of the best places to find local goodies.

The Agrestic Grocer, Orange - Credit: Lucas Martin

There are two outdoor areas at Badlands Brewery, including the cosy enclosed laneway, the perfect spot for a beer tasting paddle and a burger. Feeling fancy? The leafy courtyard of The Union Bank will happily welcome your furry friend. Grab one of the tables out the front of Lucetta Dining to enjoy their signature authentic Italian pasta paired with a glass of local wine.

Union Bank wine bar and dining, Orange

Fun & frolicking

Start with a stroll through the 17-hectare Orange Botanic Gardens, where dogs (on leash) are welcome to sniff the thousands of native and exotic plants in the collection. The gardens are beautiful all year-round, but particularly spectacular in autumn – Orange is known as the 'Colour City' for good reason. Lake Canobolas is one of the region's most famous landmarks, and leashed dogs are welcome to explore the surrounding trails with their people.

Orange Botanic Gardens, Orange - Credit: Alf Manciagli

If your pooch would like to learn some new skills on holiday, Anzac Park on the eastern edge of town has agility equipment including an A-frame, balance board and rings to run through. Pretty Cook Park – filled with huge trees, a rose maze and duck ponds – also welcomes dogs on-leash. An off-leash path runs beside the green expanse of the Duntryleague Golf Club, and it's a great spot for kids to ride their bikes.

Cook Park, Orange

Where to stay

Holiday houses and country cottages are the best options if you want to bring your pet to Orange. Cottages in Orange operate four beautiful three-bedroom homes plus a one-room studio, all with fully fenced gardens and extras for your pup like a water bowl, toys and treats. In nearby Blayney, heritage-listed The Millhouse was built in 1865 and is the centrepiece of the delightful 2.6-hectare Athol Gardens.

The Millhouse at Athol Gardens, Blayney - Credit: The Millhouse at Athol Gardens

Stay and sip at one of the pretty cottages set on Orange's top wineries. Swagman Homestead at Stockman's Ridge Wines has peaceful vineyard views, farm animals and wildlife just outside the door, and a roaring fire for winter. Small Acres Cyder has a charming cottage on site that can sleep up to six.

Swagman Homestead at Stockman's Ridge Wines, Lidster - Credit: Stockman's Ridge Wines

Budget travellers can check in to the Canobolas Caravan Park or Colour City Caravan Park, where pets are welcome at the caravan and tent campsites (though not in the cabins). Also nearby in Millthorpe, the Millthorpe Boutique Motel loves four-legged guests as much as their owners.