Castlemaine

In the 1850s it prospered, thanks to the discovery of gold. The legacy of those times is still evident today in Castlemaine, with cute miners’ cottages set beside grand old buildings. Nowadays, this lively town is home to a flourishing arts scene, matched by a talented community of brewers, winemakers and restaurateurs. 

Get ready to stroll farmers’ markets, find handmade goods at independent boutiques, and finish the day with a cocktail. There are walking trails all around Castlemaine, as well as historical ruins to be discovered. It’s like country life with all the city trimmings.

Find somewhere beautiful to stay through Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation, which has apartments, cottages and homes for up to 18 people among its options. Next door to the botanical gardens is Big 4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park, where you can book a campsite, vintage caravan, studio, villa or glamping accommodation.

What to do in Castlemaine

There is plenty here for history buffs. Buda Castlemaine is a goldfields villa house built by Hungarian man Ernest Leviny that remained his family’s home for 118 years. The house and garden transports visitors to another time. Jump aboard the Victorian Goldfields Railway, a heritage train that runs between Castlemaine and Maldon. Check out the area’s sparkling history at Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, with its abandoned mines and settlements in ironbark woodlands. Walk around the lake and find some of the rare trees at Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest in the region.

Ready to be inspired? Stop at a local artist’s studio to find sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, paintings and textiles, or spend the day viewing the excellent collection of Australian art at Castlemaine Art Museum. After dark, see what’s on at Theatre Royal Castlemaine, which plays host to gigs and movies.

You’ll need a few hours to explore The Mill Castlemaine, a makers’ community in an old wool mill. It’s home to Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar, galleries, studios, restaurantsand an artisan food precinct. Check to see if Long Paddock Cheese is holding one of its day-long cheesemaking workshops.

Eat and drink

There’s a strong food culture here. Start at The Mill Castlemaine, where you’ll find the Viennese-style Das Kaffeehaus, Boomtown Winery, which is both cellar door and bistro, and Shedshaker Brewing Company. Twenty-four taps, Italian share plates and live music on the weekend… What’s not to love?

Set inside the town’s old fire station is Wild Food & Wine for local wine, well-shaken cocktails and a short, sharp menu of dishes perfect for sharing. At Bar Midland, get ready for either four or seven courses created using sustainably grown, local produce. Otherwise, there are cocktails and snacks at its lounge, the Radio Room.

Sunny day? You can’t beat the beer garden at The Bridge Hotel. There’s a succinct but crowd-pleasing menu for those who are hungry. If you want to get a glimpse of pubs from years gone by, head to Love Shack Public Bar & Brewery, where there’s cold beers, good food and, sometimes, a party.

The best Castlemaine events

There’s a lot going on throughout the year. In March, the Castlemaine State Festival brings together music, theatre, performance and more at venues across the town. There’s more arts and entertainment, including a street parade, at Castlemaine Fringe Festival in March and April.

Get cosy with winter festivals, like the Castlemaine Jazz Festival in June and July’s Castlemaine Documentary Festival. Every second year in October and November, the Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens sees local gardeners opening the gates of historical, country, town and sculpture gardens. Town Folk Festival, with local and international performers, rolls into town for a single day in November.

How to get to Castlemaine

It takes about 90 minutes to drive from Melbourne to Castlemaine. There’s also a regular V/Line service from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to town.