Top 5 Historical Sites to Visit in Orange - Top 5 Historic Highlights in Orange

Established as far back as 1845 Cook Park was declared a public park as early as 1873. As one of Orange's most coveted public spaces and parklands this historic site is dedicated to the memory of Captain James Cook. As an enclosure that falls within the purview of the National Trust the venue boasts lush gardens and such duck ponds that come to life during the summer months. Littered with rose bushes, daffodils and tulips the venue's other highlights include the Lattice Fernery and the Blowes Conservatory where Begonias are in full bloom. Home to an aviary and the Cook Park Guildry the venue is a popular haunt for bird watchers and nature lovers.

A must-experience highlight for all history buffs exploring NSW the Orange Heritage trail encompasses the city's key historic sites in an educational walk across the annals of time and its prominent state/private institutions. Exploring the city's heritage and legacy stopovers along the way include an exploration of the Orange Court House with its neo-classical 1883 facade. The Holy Trinity Church of Orange established in 1879 and the expansive Duntryleague are other well-known landmarks along the trail while the Bowen Terrace residences and a visit to Orange Town hall is also part of the program which also includes a pit stop at The Soldier's Memorial Hall.

As the first location in the country to mine gold Ophir Reserve is part of Australian history books by no coincidence. As the premier site in which gold was excavated from the ground and the venue in which much of Orange's wealth and precious resources were unearthed no visit to NSW would be complete without a stopover at this well-known former gold mine turned recreational park. Ideal for picnickers and campers the venue offers camping and picnic facilities in scenic surroundings that includes Summer Hill Creeks and the Lewis Ponds. Visitors can also try their hand at mining while fishing expeditions are also organized within the park.

As one of Orange's oldest village communities and most picturesque corners Spring Hill is a hamlet that is integral to the identity of Orange and its local communities. Exploring the rich history of this idyllic community dwelling the Spring Hill Heritage Trail takes visitors across some of the village's most prominent sites in an hour long walk that is as invigorating as it is intriguing. Delving in to the historic legacy of Spring Hill the tour kicks off with an exploration of Spring Hill Temperance Hall (built in 1883) and includes visits to other well-known corners of the village including The Whistle Stop Tavern and the Methodist Parsonage. Visitors based in Sundowner Oriana Orange Hotel NSW or similar well located motels in Orange will enjoy easy access to Spring Hill.

As the author of the iconic children's rhyme "Waltzing Matilda" and many other renowned poems Banjo Peterson is an Orange native that is famed across the globe. Celebrating the work of the revered poet and his life the Banjo Paterson Memorial Park serves as a fitting tribute to the poet that composed many a memorable verse during his lifetime. Known as a "bush poet" Banjo Paterson remains a popular fixture in local culture even today. Picnic areas and barbeque facilities are also provided within the park which also houses several gardens and a monument of its namesake poet.