The Union Bank Orange

The Union Bank is a former bank building turned bar and dining room at 84 Byng Street in central Orange, and for dog owners the whole proposition is the leafy back courtyard: a walk-in garden space where leashed dogs are genuinely welcome while you work through shared plates and cool-climate local wine.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the courtyard only, never inside the heritage rooms. The courtyard runs walk-in, so you cannot pre-book it with the dog in tow; you simply turn up and take a spot. Keep your dog leashed and settled under the table, and bring your own water bowl since one is not guaranteed. Best for sociable dogs who relax while you linger.

The vibe

The kitchen builds the menu around seasonal share plates: croquettes, potato scallops, octopus and bigger plates like sirloin, with the drinks list leaning on Orange region wine, craft beer and cocktails. The courtyard is planted out with gardens and lit trees, which makes it the venue's signature space. One catch: it is not fully covered, so rain rules it out and you should aim for a dry afternoon or early evening.

Getting there and parking

Byng Street sits in the middle of town, an easy walk from most Orange accommodation. Street parking runs along Byng Street and the surrounding blocks and gets busier on weekend evenings. Open from midday most days, closed Tuesdays.

Max: A courtyard with trees in it, a shared plate within reach, and no rush to go anywhere.

Close by with the dogs

Heritage-listed Cook Park is a short walk away for an on-lead stroll among the formal gardens, and the Young Street Fenced Dog Park gives an off-lead run close to the CBD. For the full day trip, the Bloomfield Reserve Dog Park adds creeks and wide open space on the town's edge.

Round out the trip with more dog friendly restaurants in New South Wales or the full guide to Orange.