Hikes, Walking Tracks & Swimming Holes

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Orange Region by foot or bike. This area is rich in native wildlife, like colourful rosellas, cheeky cockatoos, and playful kangaroos. Each season brings its own charm: think cherry blossoms in spring, sunny summer days, autumn colours, and cozy winter mornings.

Tackle the mountain trails on Mount Canobolas, where you can crunch through snow in winter and spot wombat tracks along the path. Check out the heritage trails for some self-guided tours that let you discover historic buildings and local folklore.

 

The scene of Australia's first Gold Rush, Ophir Reserve is a rugged yet peaceful reminder of the colonial past. The first Australian payable gold discovery was made here in 1851, just 30 kilometres north east of Orange. Now a picturesque picnic and camping ground at the junction of the Lewis Ponds and Summer Hill Creeks evidence of old alluvial, reef and deep lead mines is still visible to those exploring the area.

While Ophir has much to offer with camping, fishing, fossicking and exploring the old diggings, it is not a "museum" and remains much as the diggers left it all those years ago. Care should be taken around the old open mine shafts. Hire a gold pan from the Orange Visitor Information Centre and try your luck in Summer Hill Creek just as the early settlers did during the gold rush of the 1850's.

Address

Ophir Road
Orange

Classifications

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations, Agritourism, Natural Attractions

Special Features

Barbeque, Carpark, Picnic Area

Costs

Child: -
Visit Website

Upcoming events

Fireside Feast at The Oriana Gardens

07 - 15 Aug 2026
Fireside Feast returns to The Oriana Gardens this Orange Region Fire Festival for four winter evenings of fire, flavour, cocktails and outdoor dining.

Millthorpe Fire Fair

07 Aug 2026
The historic village of Millthorpe comes alive each year for the opening night of the Orange Region Fire Festival. Held along the main street of Millthorpe under ambient festoon lights and a star-lit sky, this is an annual event event for all ages.

Monty’s Après Club

07 - 16 Aug 2026
Monty's Après Club is bringing big alpine energy to Orange this Fire Festival - the kind usually reserved for European ski towns where lunch starts with Champagne and nobody goes home before midnight.

Orange Region Fire Festival

07 - 16 Aug 2026
Every August, the Orange Region's Fire Festival showcases local artists, musicians and producers through a series of collaborations spanning a ten-day program.

The Ultimate Fire Festival Weekend at Lakeview | First Weekend

07 - 09 Aug 2026
Stay at Lakeview Luxury Retreat during this year's Fire Festival and enjoy a weekend of fire, food, wine and live music, relaxing in your private eco-luxury villa overlooking Lake Canobolas.

Brushstrokes and Barrels at Hillside Harvest

08 Aug 2026
Spark your imagination at Brushstrokes and Barrels, a soul-warming celebration of art, landscape, and flavour, hosted by Hillside Harvest, Orange Mountain Wines, and local artist Kerrie Stewart.

Fire Night at Philip Shaw Wines

08 Aug 2026
Winter is the perfect time to gather around the fire, especially when paired with a glass of cool-climate wine.

Forage and Feast - Truffle Hunt and Long Lunch

08 Aug 2026
Join renowned local trainer, Teneka Priestly, and her truffle dogs for a special Fire Festival edition of Forage & Feast.

Nashdale Lane x Ignite. Food over Fire, Wine, Music

08 Aug 2026
Ignite Bar and Grill have teamed up with Nashdale Lane Wines at their Cellar Door as part of the Orange Region Fire Festival for an 'after hours' night of food cooked over fire, including wood from from old French Oak barrels, award-winning wine and live music.

The Great Canadian S'mores Experience

08 Aug 2026
Discover one of North America's most beloved campfire traditions at Stockman's Ridge Wines this Orange Fire Festival. Join Canadian-born Lisa Hambrook for a hands-on campfire experience as she shares the history of the iconic s'more and reveals the secrets to perfectly toasted marshmallows.

Festa del Fuoco

13 Aug 2026
As part of the Orange Region Fire Festival, Fiorini's Osteria Italiana extends an invitation to experience one of Orange's most memorable winter dining experiences.

Ignite x Michael Manners: A Four Hands Dinner

13 Aug 2026
As part of the annual Orange Region Fire Festival, Ignite Bar & Grill welcomes guest Chef Michael Manners, former Chef of Selkirk, for a special four-hands dining experience celebrating the connection between fire, seasonality, and memory.

Rikard x Lucetta

13 Aug 2026
Rikard Wines together with Lucetta Dining are coming together for a truly special, one-night-only experience as part of the Orange Region Fire Festival. Join Will as he presents a selection of Rikard Wines, expertly matched to Francesco's hearty four course winter menu.

Fire Festival - Music, Pizza and Wine Night

14 Aug 2026
Winter in Orange is made for nights around the fire, great local food and a glass of wine in hand.

Forged | A Journey Through Fire

14 Aug 2026
As part of the Orange Region Fire Festival, Ignite Bar & Grill and Stockman's Ridge Wines present Forged, an exclusive one-night-only dining experience inspired by the transformative power of fire.

The Rowlee Winter Table

14 Aug 2026
As part of the Orange Region Fire Festival, Rowlee presents an intimate winter evening celebrating handmade pasta, wood-fired cooking and cool-climate wines.

The Ultimate Fire Festival Weekend at Lakeview | Second Weekend

14 - 16 Aug 2026
Stay at Lakeview Luxury Retreat this Fire Festival and enjoy a curated weekend of fireside wine, live music, mystery, and unforgettable local food, all while retreating each evening to your private eco-luxury villa overlooking Lake Canobolas.

Bonfire Blues

15 Aug 2026
Head to the Mortimers Wines Cellar Door this Orange Fire Festival for an afternoon around fire pits at their latest live music event - Bonfire Blues.

Earth and Fibre Mini Fest

15 Aug 2026
Discover the art of pottery and crochet at this immersive hands-on workshop, presented as part of the Orange Region Fire Festival.

Fire Cooking Masterclass with Michael Manners at Ross Hill

15 Aug 2026
Join renowned chef Michael Manners for an unforgettable day of Fire cooking at Ross, the perfect opportunity for food and wine enthusiasts to learn, interact, and indulge.

Sterling Silver Ring Making Workshop and Wine

15 Aug 2026
Discover the artistry of silversmithing in a creative three-hour workshop with Skye Bragg Designs, hosted at the beautiful Barrel Shed at the Heifer Station cellar door.

There's a Murder at the Dance Hall

15 Aug 2026
As part of the Orange Fire Festival, Canobolas Dance Hall and Macquariedale Wines are proud to present an exciting new immersive event unlike anything seen before. For one night only, the historic dance hall becomes the scene of a shocking crime.

Ember Feast at the Orchard

16 Aug 2026
Gather with family and friends under the bare winter branches of Hillside Harvest orchard for a magical afternoon of food, fire, and music.

Sterling Silver Earring, Pendant Making Workshop and Wine

16 Aug 2026
Discover the artistry of silversmithing in a creative six-hour workshop with Skye Bragg Designs, hosted at the beautiful Barrel Shed at the Heifer Station cellar door.

Wine Trivia at Mayfield Vineyard

16 Aug 2026
Gather at Mayfield Vineyard for a fun afternoon of wine, food and friendly competition as part of the Orange Region Fire Festival. Set in The Grove, Mayfield's rustic event space overlooking the vineyard, this trivia afternoon will put your wine knowledge to the test.

Orange Wine Festival

16 - 25 Oct 2026
The annual Orange Wine Festival celebrates the vibrant wine and food culture of the Orange region, renowned for its exceptional cool-climate wines. The festival offers a colourful and diverse program of over 40 events.

Orange Wine Festival Night Market

16 Oct 2026
Kick off the Orange Wine Festival with local winemakers and producers of the Orange region as they proudly present their award-winning cool climate wines.

Sip and Savour - The Ultimate Wine Tasting

23 Oct 2026
Sip and Savour is your one chance to taste the 2026 Orange Wine Show winners all in one place. With over 300 wines on show under one roof at the charming Agricultural Pavilion at the Orange Showground, this isn't your usual Friday night drinks.

Orange FOOD Week Night Market

02 Apr 2027
Start your Orange FOOD Week experience at the ever-popular Night Market; an evening that brings together the best of the region’s food and wine beneath festoon lights and the autumn canopy of Robertson Park.

Orange FOOD Week - Sampson Street Lunch

03 Apr 2027
Inspired by an English late summer long lunch, the Sampson Street Lunch is a unique food and wine celebration bringing together some of Orange’s best-known and emerging chefs and foodies, wine producers and fun makers.

Orange FOOD Week - Meet the Producer Series

04 - 09 Apr 2027
A handpicked series of show, tell and taste workshops that highlight the iconic flavours of the region’s produce. Local producers alongside local chefs and cooks create food conversations and share their stories, tips, tricks and samples.

Orange FOOD Week - FOOD Train

09 - 11 Apr 2027
This weekend package is FOOD Week's premium experience. Hosted by local foodies and regional hospitality faves, join a three day guided trip from Sydney to Orange enjoying some of the region’s best food and wine experiences.

Orange FOOD Week - Sunday Producers Market and Brunch

11 Apr 2027
Join the final festivity for FOOD Week 2027! Come along to one of Orange's most spectacular settings in Cook Park to enjoy brunch prepared by well-known cooks and producers. Stroll the market to meet and greet with the producers' taste and purchase their local produce to take home.