34 Albert Collison purchased two blocks of land on the Hunter River on either side of the Omadale Brook in June 1916. In 1931 he planted 1500 orange trees, 300 apple trees and tobacco plantations were already underway. By 1945 3000 trees were planted and at its peak close to 200 cases of apples would be going out of the apple shed each day during the season. Fast forward to 2026 and Roma Orchard is run by 6th generation Tilses’ Steve and Alison. There are 1000 apple trees for picking and three acres of wine grapes including Cabernet and Merlot. The Orchard has also been well known for many years for its refreshing Apple Truck Cider. Today Roma Orchard isn’t about trucking apples down the highway or just selling wine and cider, it’s about an experience. Steve and Alison took over in 1995 and gave the Orchard Lodge, that looks over rows of wine grapes and the iconic avenue of paulownia trees, a facelift. The lodge sleeps up to 33 people across 10 bedrooms each with air conditioning. There is a full kitchen, barbecue facilities, and a spacious living area including a games room as well as indoor and outdoor fireplaces. The Roma Cottage is one of the original homes on the property and has been renovated to sleep eight people across three bedrooms. If you prefer to sleep alongside the tranquil sound of the Omadale Brook and the Hunter River, camping is for you. Simply take the bridge over Omadale Brook and you’ll find the Roma Orchard Campground. There are basic toilet and shower facilities available as well as a camp kitchen with a barbecue and sink. “Why wouldn’t you want to come here,” said Steve with a wine in hand among the wine grapes. “You get to experience the real Australia from the moment you start your drive through the hills of the Upper Hunter. Whether the hills are green or brown it’s a sight to behold.” You feel like you’re part of the Tilse family when you speak to Steve and hear about the history of Roma Orchard. That family has certainly expanded over the years with families and groups of friends coming to stay at the Orchard every year. One group from Newcastle has been coming to stay for more than 20 years. “I love the family connection here and the history. Everyone becomes part of the family by the end of their stay, and I think that’s why people keep coming back. “There aren’t too many places where a big group of people can hang out around the campfire, have some alone time by the river, pick some apples or play a game of pool inside. There is something for everyone,” said Steve. Apple trees have been growing at Roma Orchard against the backdrop of the Barrington Tops National Park for six generations. Once upon a time an old red apple truck took thousands of boxes of apples over the Pages River to Sydney and now you can go and pick them yourself. For details on booking accommodation and your upcoming wedding at Roma Orchard head to: www.theorchardlodge.com.au You can pick apples during the season usually in March/April. Keep an eye on the Roma Orchard social media pages for information. ROMA ORCHARD WHERE THE OMADALE MEETS THE HUNTER Photo credits: CORAL HAGAN PHOTOGRAPHY
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