town in the center of the Central Western region on New South Wales . Just 4 1/2 hours by train from Sydney into this attractive part of NSW . XPT as it is called , this comfortable train service of “ Countrylink NSW “, takes visitor into rich history of the early settlement of New South Wales .
At first , area where Orange is situated was called “ Blackmans Swamp “ only to be named later on , by the first Surveyor-General Thomas Mitchell , with proud name of ORANGE . The name is not associated with citrus fruit. Contrary apples are grown here . Maybe the orange colour of gold which brought prospectors and all these who hoped for easy and quick riches of finding this pressures metal ,still plentiful in the region . As the matter of fact the name given to this ,already in early 1800 prosperous place , to honour Prince of Orange, who later became the King of Holland. Orange being on the open , flat area situated over 862 m above the sea level, provides crispy fresh air in winter and warm , dry temperatures in summer . Under the foot of Mt. Conobalas , which is extinct volcano , on the rich soil full of minerals ,resulting out of great geological phenomena magic of takes place . Artistically hanging , from its bushes , grapes , drenched in the sun, bathing in the right temperatures, give birth ,in these picturesque vineyards of area to some of the best Australian wines .
Orange with great homes , attractively positioned on broad streets in this purpose designed town is true pleasing experience for visitor . One can see that it must be also very comfortable and great place to domicile , as the locals confirm during the friendly encounters . This pleasant town while visiting parks , gardens , observing nice houses framed by colourful floral arrangements , stimulates one imagination and takes one into rich past of days gone by .
While walking around the place along the routes of some of historical paths in town one is bound to visit some of many magic parks . Cook Park with its majestic Bhutanese Cypress lining walkways is truly great place of charming beauty . Robertson Park in the center of town ,where many great historical pubs are placed , is welcome place to seat and observe the locals going about their lives or relaxing under some of tall gum trees . From here one can go to one of the pubs and over the refreshing glass or two of beer , immerse oneself into the historical past . The Royal Hotel , while reading the history of that place one can take self for a historical ride into the past of this town . By the way the hotel was called in its days of early history , more specifically in 1850 , Wellington Inn and was opened by citizen of that already important town , Denis Hanrahan . Here the bookings for the Cobb &Co services journeys across the plains of NSW or carriage of gold , were taken . The original Inn during 1881 was renamed and is holding ever since name of Royal Hotel . Up to 1930 it was one story building . As town went through dynamic changes, hotel also changed . Appearance became in these days very fashionable style Art Deco structure , which even now gives joy to the onlookers . Many more buildings in Orange were constructed in this charming form of Art Deco style . These structures shine in the former glory with their facades and frontages for aesthetic pleasure of all . Park View Hotel on other hand with great timber shades enveloping its structure ,also by the Robertson Park , beside great meals serves top deserts . The Mexican Caramel Tart is a true winner , even mentioned in the major Australian newspaper “ Sydney Morning Herald “ for its delicious taste and culinary art of its creative appearance . On the large , white plate rests crust of pastry adorned with ice cream and caramel which after a while slowly start flow like volcanic lava into pebbles of white , and dark chocolates, to stimulate one appetite for this delight of an extraordinary desert .
While relaxing in town in spring time the thoughts are enriched by music of cicadas which were as in the past , one can only imagine enriching and stimulating artistic mind of famous Andrew Barton Paterson , who is know as Banjo Paterson . This great Australian poet ,writer , author of “The man from Snowy River “ written in 1895 ,reflects the pioneer mood and spirit of early development of Australia , which could be only assumed were also common in Orange . Banjo Peterson was born at
Narrambla near Orange .
Orange Railway Station where one after the rail trip from Sydney arrives and also has to return again to this great building ,to embark for travel back to Sydney present great visual and historical experience . This station in the past witnessed many important events. Great Australian operatic soprano Dame Nellie Melba in 1907 was welcomed here by many lovers of her great, already world renown and loved, voice . Here in 1920 Prince of Wales , later King Edward VIII also was welcomed by Orange citizenry at this very attractively designed building . So in comfort of the NSW Railways crew of “ XPT “ we travel back via Bathurst , Lithgow , Blue Mountain back to “ pearl of Pacific ” Sydney .
To Sydney overseas visitors arrive on board of Qantas Airways , Singapore Airlines , Air China which with LOT Polish Airlines provide great airfares from all corners of our Globe to Sydney and other regions of Australia .
November 2013
WMIG
Websites helpful with planning the trip to and in Orange :
http://www.nswtrainlink.info/ – for XPT – Countrylink train bookings ,
http://www.visitnsw.com/visitor-information-centres/orange-visitor-information-centre -Tourism information Centre NSW – Orange ,
http://www.parkvieworange.com.au/home.html – Hotel Park View Information / accommodation
and meals ,
http://oesc.com.au/ – meals at RSL – Return Servicemen League ,
http://www.visitorange.com.au/ – Orange Visitors bureau
Mitch Godziemba Swiat
mitchgodziemba