If you’re looking for the perfect winter experience, the Orange Region Fire Festival has something for everyone, and to set the scene for this year’s program is the much-loved Millthorpe Fire Fair. More than just a single event, the festival brings together a 10-day celebration of fire-inspired dining experiences, cool-climate wines, local produce, live entertainment and unique regional adventures across the Orange region.
The Millthorpe Fire Fair officially launches the festival and transforms one of Australia’s most picturesque heritage villages into a vibrant winter playground. As night falls, Pym Street comes alive with glowing fire pits, festoon lights, live music and the irresistible aromas of food being cooked over flames. Visitors can wander the street enjoying regional wines, craft beers and local spirits while sampling gourmet food from producers and vendors showcasing the best flavours of the Central West. Boutique shops stay open late, market stalls line the village and entertainment keeps the atmosphere buzzing throughout the evening.
Families will find plenty to enjoy, with children’s rides, activities and entertainment creating a fun-filled evening for all ages. Couples can linger around the fire pits with a glass of local wine, while groups of friends can settle in for an evening of live music, great food and country hospitality. It’s a celebration that perfectly captures the warmth and community spirit for which Millthorpe is renowned.
A major highlight this year is the opportunity to arrive in style aboard the special Fire Festival Train operated by the Lachlan Valley Railway. Departing Orange and travelling to Millthorpe Heritage Station, the train offers a nostalgic journey through the countryside before delivering passengers just a short walk from the festival gates. The return ticket includes entry to the Fire Fair, making it an easy and memorable way to experience the event while leaving the car at home. For many visitors, the train ride will be every bit as magical as the festival itself.
While the Fire Fair is a highlight, it is only the beginning of what the Orange Region Fire Festival has to offer. Across the festival’s 10-day program, visitors can discover fire-cooked feasts, intimate long lunches, winemaker experiences, tasting events, live entertainment and opportunities to explore cellar doors and local producers throughout the region. From food lovers and wine enthusiasts to families and day-trippers, the festival offers countless ways to experience the best of winter in the Central West.
This year, make a night of it. Gather your family and friends, book a seat on the train, rug up and head to Millthorpe to experience the sights, sounds, flavours and warmth of one of the region’s most anticipated winter celebrations. The Orange Region Fire Festival is a reminder that some of the best adventures are waiting right here in our own backyard.
