Published on April 10, 2024
Ride Profile
Six cellar doors close to the beautiful Lake Canobolas. Grab a coffee or lunch before you start or maybe have a swim before heading on to the cellar doors. This route takes you to Borrodell first, then back past the Lake and on to See Saw and Rowlee.
Turn on to Cargo Road (watch the traffic) then turn left and head uphill to Printhie. From there it’s a further steep, challenging climb up to De Salis (optional, but the views on the way up are spectacular). Head back down the lane, carefully cross Cargo Road at Nashdale before heading downhill to Nashdale Lane.
Note: this route is on-road, shared with traffic, so please be careful drinking and riding. The section of Cargo Road from the Lake Canobolas turn off to Nashdale (80kmh limit) can get quite busy but does have some shoulder (see below).
Road Condition
Fully sealed except for the cellar door driveways. Generally quite good condition, although the section past the lake to Borrodell gets quite rough.
Which Bike?
As most of the cellar doors have gravel driveways, something with wider tyres is ideal such as a gravel bike or MTB. If you struggle with hills you might prefer an e-bike.
Bike Hire
DG Cycle Co have a good selection e-bikes to hire.
Traffic
Generally light, although during peak hours and school pickup / drop-off there are more cars on the road. Lightens once you are off Cargo Road. Single file recommended in busier areas. Busier on Sunday during the day with higher tourist traffic.
When to Ride
Later in the week is probably best if you want to eat at one of the wineries. Note, the café at the lake is closed on Mondays. Traffic around the lake is busiest on weekends from late morning. Cellar doors are generally open from late morning to late afternoon.
Route Stats
| Distance: | 18km |
| Elevation: | 285m |
| Time: | 1hr |
| Profile: | Rolling |
| Type: | Cellar Door |
| Longest Climb: | |
| Percent Gravel: | 5% |
| Gravel Rating:* | Level 2 |
*See gravel rating for more details
The Cellar Doors
An excellent selection of cellar doors on this route, generally open around 11am, some a little earlier on weekends – check their websites for details.
Borrodell
Vineyard, orchard & trufferie. Sitting high above Lake Canobolas, the views from Borrodell across the Towac Valley are stunning. Features Sister’s Rock restaurant.
Open: Thu to Mon
Food: grazing platters & restaurant
Bookings: recommended
See Saw
Certified Organic. Multiple award-winning winery including best organic wine in NSW three years in a row & best Pinot Noir in NSW. Produces Orange’s only Prosecco that has won multiple awards including best Australian Prosecco.
Open: 7 days
Food: grazing boards, tasting plates
Bookings: required
Rowlee
Award-winning cellar door offering a range of tasting experiences. Rowlee Dining & Bar is open Thurs to Sun with light meals & snacks available.
Open: 7 days
Food: restaurant
Bookings: recommended
Printhie
Ultimate Winery Experiences Group member, offering tastings, picnics, sparkling masterclasses and helicopter winery tours. Enjoy lunch in the Wine Bar where oysters are shucked to order from the innovative oyster tank.
Open: 7 days
Food: Wine Bar open Wed to Sun
Bookings: recommended
Lunch / Snack Options
Lakeside Kiosk & Café at Lake Canobolas is open Tuesday to Sunday, breakfast & lunch.
Sister’s Rock Restaurant at Borrodell is open for lunch Thursday to Monday.
Rowlee Dining & Bar is open Thursday to Sunday for light meals and snacks.
Printhie Wine Bar is open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday.
Tasting Plates / Grazing Boards / Snacks & Nibbles at Borrodell, See Saw and Nashdale Lane.
Pack your own picnic from Racine, Sugar Mill or the Agrestic Grocer or return to town and grab lunch at anyone of our excellent cafés, restaurants or pubs. Stop at the Lake picnic tables.
Alternative Routes
Coming from town? See the longer Nashdale Cellar Doors from Orange option. It’s 35km (613m elevation gain).
Gallery
