Cleverly designed NSW luxury cabins offer a place for all seasons

We’re in the light-filled “Drifter” and, like its sister cabins “Yonder” and “Chaser”, it sleeps two and packs a clever design punch inside a high-ceilinged 43-square-metre frame. Enter via solid glass doors to take in sleek spotted gum and polished concrete interiors, plush rugs and linens, bluetooth speaker, a full kitchen with cooktop, microwave, fridge, coffee plunger, toaster and kettle. There’s a walk-in rainshower, bathrobes and a separate toilet. A snug couch sits across from a smart TV disguised as a painting, and there’s a table for two, genius hanging space with an iron, hairdryer and bonus Scrabble, and yoga mats under the bed. A bedside ipad puts instructions and suggestions at your fingertips, but we don’t need it, as avoiding frustration seems to be a key design element. Light switches are labelled, the air-conditioner and TV remotes are intuitive, and there’s no-password Wi-Fi. Even the internal wood fire is easily lit. The king bed faces that view of the orchard, the rolling countryside beyond it, and beyond that, the lights of Orange, as does a giant egg bath which nests in its own window nook. A telescope on a tripod reminds you that star-smudged skies are also on the viewing guide.

Food + drink

It’s late afternoon, you have that view and that fire: stay put with a pre-ordered meal from the local Racine eatery and enjoy the likes of lasagne, salad and a freshly made vanilla slice. But Orange’s strong foodie cred is there for a reason. Try Birdie Noshery and Drinking Est; Charred Kitchen & Bar; Sweet, Sour, Salt for Asian flavours; Hey Rosey for cocktails and bites, and the Agrestic Grocer, Factory Espresso or Byng Street Local for coffees/breakfast. But for a unique mix of storytelling, history and good food, book the three-hour experience that is lunch or dinner at Antica Australis at nearby Carcoar. Here you can hear about Roman invasions and eat fare enjoyed by Italian shepherds centuries ago as Kelly and Paolo Picarazzi transport you to ancient Italy one dish at a time. Back at Basalt, breakfast is supplied: sourdough, jams, good coffee and tea. There’s also chocolate, marshmallows for roasting, and a Swinging Bridge pinot noir. Speaking of wine, Orange is awash with it. There are many to sample but for a pleasant tasting in an (often) sun-drenched courtyard try Angullong Wines Cellar Door at picturesque Millthorpe.

Out + about

We stroll around the orchard, pass a dam with a rowboat, and spring kangaroos chilling in the sunshine. Basalt can organise winery tours, a stargazing guide or a bush tucker encounter with a local Wiradjuri host. A hike up to the nearby Pinnacle lookout takes an hour. There’s a new viewing platform at nearby Gaanha-bula (Mount Canobolas) – an extinct volcano that can put on a snow show in winter – or take a walk around Lake Canobolas (about an hour). The pretty towns of Carcoar and Millthorpe have interesting shops (look for vintage fabrics at Tomolly Homewares, Carcoar) bakeries, restaurants and wineries. Abercrombie House, Bathurst, holds a quirky treasure trove, and if you’re driving back to Sydney, divert to the gobsmacking folly that is Mayfield Garden near Oberon.

The verdict

One for all seasons: the perfect weekend getaway from Sydney.

Essentials

Basalt, 1100 Pinnacle Road, Canobolas. Rates $550 a night Sun-Wed; $605 Thurs- Sat. See basaltorange.com.au

Rating out of five

★★★★

Highlight

Waking to the brilliant red glow of a sunrise that fills our cabin.

Lowlight

That nagging feeling: which is more spectacular, winter, spring or autumn?

Jane Richards stayed in Orange as a guest of Basalt.