Molong

Tucked into the rolling green hills of the Macquarie Ranges, Molong is a gorgeous historic village known for its grand colonial buildings and rich agricultural produce. Stroll down the heritage-listed main street and explore the architecture, coloured with vibrant local galleries and boutiques. Nestled in the Orange wine region, you’ll find plenty of cellar doors to visit.

Food & wine

Acclaimed for its cool-climate wines and delicious produce, the surrounding Orange wine region is rich with vineyards, orchards and markets. Sample some delicious high-altitude wines at Heifer Station Wines, Hoosegg Cellar Door and Orange Mountain Wines. Nearby Borenore is also home to champion cider maker Small Acres Cyder.

Amble through bountiful orchards at Hillside Harvest during the warmer months and pick your share of delicious stone fruits. For more produce be sure to explore the Molong Village Markets, held during April, June and October. Excite the taste buds further at Orange F.O.O.D Week, held annually in April, and the Orange Wine Month in October.

History & culture

Molong and the surrounding towns are full of significant history. 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 Coachhouse is now home to a showcase of local history. For hand-crafted works, produce and artwork, visit the nearby Yarn Market Craft Cottage. Both Lime and Stone and Red Door also have wonderful ranges of unique art pieces and an art gallery featuring local art and sculpture. Drop into Sweetness Cafe and General Store for a refreshing treat.

Nature & adventure

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.

Take time to explore Fairbridge 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. Refresh at Clancy's Café before exploring the Banjo Paterson Museum, home to the Banjo Paterson…More than a Poet exhibition.

Getting there 

Molong is just over four hours from Sydney by car. You can also catch a train or fly to Orange, a 30min drive away.