The newly opened Basalt Orange luxury studios in Orange NSW are the coolest new cabins in the Central West of New South Wales.
Three studios – Chaser, Drifter and Yonder – are scattered across a hilltop, 1,100 metres above sea level facing a panoramic view of over 12,000 cherry trees. These unique studios are an incredible place to stay for a winter getaway in Orange. Uber cosy, with an indoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit and a deep freestanding bath to warm up. The bed has French linen that beckons you in – and makes it hard to leave. Luckily the king-sized bed is also the best spot to watch the sun rise each morning.
Traveller: Lisa Wagstaff
Room: Yonder Studio
Address: 1100 Pinnacle Road, Canobolas
Date: June 2023
Price: $550 per night
Best for: A romantic weekend away
Yonder Studio
We drive up a gravel driveway, lined by maple trees on one side and cherry trees on the other, at the end is the Yonder Studio. Its huge spotted gum door slides open accessed by a pin code to enter the room where in its centre is a divine king-sized bed with a terracotta duvet by carlotta + gee, an all-natural, sustainable Australian linen brand producing 100% French linen bedding. There’s a wooden table and chairs and an indoor wood fireplace with kindling, firestarters and logs ready to go. My favourite feature of the studio is the deep stone bath positioned under bi-folding windows. Once settled in, I run a bath and open the windows with the Milky Way brightly on display above me.
From the bed, the wood-framed glass windows showcase a Central Tablelands view that stretches past the cherry orchard, to lakes and undulating hills. It faces directly east and sets the scene for a sensational sunrise, the horizon bursts with an orange glow so bright that, if I were told this was how the city earned its name, I would believe it. (It was actually named for Prince William of Orange). There are also yoga mats and yoga videos if you’d like to take in this epic sight from a downward dog. The suite has many luxurious little details, from vases of dried flowers, beige towels and linen bathrobes from Città New Zealand and Sailis bath amenities, formulated with Australian botanicals.
Outside there is a timber deck with outdoor furniture and a triangular herb garden edged with corten steel that is thriving with rocket, mint, thyme and rosemary, and nearby a fire pit with sandstone seats.
Staying in at Basalt Orange
The Yonder Studio is made for a cosy night in. Soak in the aforementioned bathtub, play Bananagrams and cook up a feast in the kitchen. You’ll find all the tools to create a hearty meal including an induction cooktop, kettle, toaster, microwave, dishwasher, colander, saucepan, mixing bowls, chopping boards, Nutri bullet and utensils including a two-pronged wand, especially for marshmallow toasting. There’s even a bottle of local Pinot Noir from Swinging Bridge with tasting notes to match with your meal. If arriving late, Basalt Orange can arrange for dinner from Racine to be waiting in the fridge. For the tech heads there is a TV, Bluetooth speaker, lightning-fast internet and iPad will all the information you need to make the most of your stay. Come morning, breakfast of fresh milk, juice, coffee and plunger, sourdough loaf, Berenberg jams, LOVE TEA organic tea bags are also provided.
Stepping out
At night, take the telescope out onto the deck, you’ll be blown away at the number of stars you can see with the naked eye and the telescope takes it to the next level. Roast the complimentary marshmallows over the outdoor firepit. You can also walk around the property’s cherry trees and soak in the landscape’s natural charms.
Quirky and cool
To enter the property, you ring a mobile number and the gate will open instantly, very cool.
Things to do in Orange
Orange NSW has a booming food and wine scene alongside its enchanting natural beauty. Millions of years ago Orange’s Mount Canobolas was an active volcano. Its legacy today is the 1,395 metre Mount Canobolas, nutrient-rich soils that make some of NSW’s best cold-climate wines and fruits and interesting flora and geological formations.
Foodies must try a Wine Flight & Tasting Plate pairing at Ross Hill Wines, Australia’s first carbon-neutral winery and enter culinary heaven during a five-course degustation lunch at Printhie Restaurant & Cellar Door. While the best sunrises are seen from Basalt Orange, you’ll catch the best sunset atop Mount Canobolas. For outdoor adventures, there are a number of walking tracks on Mount Canobolas including the short Nature Walking Track and the four-hour return to Federal Falls. Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve is home to the ancient Arch Cave, the impressive limestone cavern is easily accessible by a short walk.
Read: The best things to do in Orange NSW
Where to find Basalt Orange
The studios are located at 1100 Pinnacle Road, Canobolas. 11 kilometres from the centre of Orange on the right-hand side of Pinnacle Road.
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