Orange
Orange
Orange: the low down |
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The cherry tree-lined streets of
Located in central-western New South Wales and within easy reach of Bathurst, Forbes, Parkes, Dubbo, Cowra an Known as Blackman’s swamp at the beginning of the 1800s, it was renamed Orange in 1846 and has been a mining town since Australia's first payable gold was found nearby at Ophir. Still a mining town today, the Cadia Valley Operations gold and copper mines are owned and operated by Newcrest Mining and include the Cadia Hill open pit and Ridgeway underground mine. They currently employ more than 1000 people for these mines, situated 20km south-west of the town itself. Mining is not the only driving economic force in Orange, though. Thanks to an extinct volcano, the region is blessed with fertile volcanic soils which support major agriculture and horticulture industries. In fact, Orange is now known as the 'food basket' of New South Wales. With its delicious stone fruit and pretty orchards, Orange really is a foodie's heaven - local produce is available in boutique shops, delicatessens and at the farmers' market held on the second Saturday of every month. There is also the annual FOOD Week in April and Orange Wine Week in October. Orange also boasts a thriving retail industry, with two shopping malls offering the big chain shops from Myer to Big W and everything in between. The two main shopping streets, Anson Street and Summer Street, provide an opportunity to wander and relax with speciality shops, unique boutiques, sidewalk cafes and galleries. For families moving to town,
Medical services are healthy too, with a new $250m hospital proving a massive asset for the region. When it comes to relaxation, Orange offers plenty of reasons to get out of the house and have fun with the kids - not least at Mount Canobolas and Lake Canobolas, where locals get into hiking, picnics, fishing and water-sports. There also also more than 50 vineyards in the surrounding area, with over 20 cellar doors open to the public. And for evening entertainment, there are several pubs, restaurants and wine bars in the centre of town. Be warned: the same climate that supports such rich food production can also bring a big chill in the winter months (there's even the chance of a snow flurry or two!) But if all the cold and countryside get too much,
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I have found living in Orange a fantastic lifestyle and career experience. I was born and bred in Broken Hill and lived in Kalgoorlie for 12 years, both 'real mining towns'. Orange has a fantastic mine and long mining future although it’s not a mining town, so its good for a change. I am fortunate enough to have five acres on the side of town with a heap of animals and room for the kids to ride mini bikes and kick the ball about. Orange has many excellent schooling options, first-class medical facilities and every sporting activity you could ask for. My daughter is enjoying a first-class dance school and music conservatorium while my two boys, play AFL, NRL, cricket and touch footy. There are always community activities on, be it in Orange, Bathurst or one of the nearby villages. Sydney for music, footy or the beach is only 3.5 hours away. Although if like good quality food and wine, Orange has plenty of both. Orange is a large country town that’s not remote with loads of great attractions for the family with a huge long life mine. If you are in mining what else could you ask for? - Stu, Orange
- Sarah, Sydney Ever lived in Orange? Tell the world.
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d the Blue Mountains, Orange is a friendly, vibrant town with a population of more than 38,000.
