Molong

Orchards, vineyards, rich agricultural lands… small wonder the countryside around Molong is known as Australia’s ‘food basket’. Tucked into the rolling green hills of the Macquarie Ranges, the town itself is a charming historic village, its heritage-listed main street lined with grand colonial buildings, today home to vibrant galleries and boutiques. Bring your appetite and thirst, because there are plenty of great restaurants and cellar doors to visit in this part of the Orange wine region.

Highlights

Food & wine

The Orange wine region that surrounds Molong is home to some of the state’s most applauded vintners, producers and farmers. Get a taste for the region and sample delicious cool-climate wines at Heifer Station Wines, Hoosegg Cellar Door and Orange Mountain Wines. Nearby, Borenore is also home to champion cider maker Small Acres Cyder.

Small Acres Cyder, Orange

Amble through bountiful orchards at Hillside Harvest during the warmer months and pick your share of delicious stone fruits. For more produce as well as handicrafts and knick-knacks, be sure to explore the Molong Village Markets, held annually during April, June and October. Excite the taste buds further at Orange F.O.O.D Week, which steals the show every April, and the Orange Wine Festival in October.

Hillside Harvest, Borenore

History & culture

Molong locals are proud of the town’s history, and take great care to preserve it for future generations. Take time to visit Yuranigh's Aboriginal Grave Historic Site. The Wiradjuri Aboriginal man was assistant to the explorer Sir Thomas Mitchell, and the grave is the only known site in Australia where Aboriginal and European burial practises co-exist. The beautifully restored Cobb & Co Coach House is also home to historical artefacts.

Yuranigh's Aboriginal Historic Site in Molong, Orange Area, Country NSW

Yuranigh's Aboriginal Historic Site, Molong

For handicrafts and artwork, visit the nearby Yarn Market Craft Cottage. Lime and Stone is a specialised homewares and gift store that doubles as a café; Molong Stores sells a selection of artisan wares, local produce and an impressive range of hats; and Booful Gifts & Homewares is packed with handmade woollen clothing and bespoke pieces to decorate your interiors. If you'd like to make your own keepsake, join a hands-on pottery class at Earth and Fire.

Historic facade of a building in Molong, Orange Area, Country NSW

Streetscape, Molong

Take time to explore Fairbridge Children's Park, a landscaped public space that features commemorative memorials to the child migrants sent to Molong between 1938 and 1973. Follow the Animals on Bikes art sculpture trail to Yeoval, the birthplace of poet Banjo Patterson. Take a photo next to the Big Hat, modelled on Patterson's signature Akubra.

Natural wonders

Follow the Arch Loop Track in the Borenore Karst Conservation Area south of Molong to find the Borenore Caves, a series of ancient limestone chambers. Bring a torch so you can see the stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstones inside, and pack a blanket and provisions for a barbecue at the grassy Borenore picnic area.

Woman hiking Arch Loop Track limestone caves area at Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve, South Eastern Highlands

Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve, South Eastern Highlands - Credit: Debby McGerty/DPE

Where to stay

There are a number of accommodation options in Molong and surrounds, from motels and guesthouses to farm stays and charming cottages. Sona is a stylish luxury stay from the team at boutique store Jumbled in Orange. Inside a beautifully restored Spanish Mission-style bank building, it sleeps 10 and is filled with high-end features and gorgeous artworks. Dragonfly Cottages are contemporary tiny homes set in rolling farmland and Small Acres Cottage is located amongst the apple trees of Small Acres Cyder.