The Castlemaine region is renowned for its thriving arts scene. Around 400 practising artists and makers have made the region their home, from sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, painting, textiles, music, writing, dance, photography and more.
Look out for exhibitions and events at Lot 19 and The Mill or visit many of the open studios during the Arts Open Festival.
Bromley Collection Museum at the Old Castlemaine Gaol is definitely worth a look not just for the artwork but how its been incorporated into this historic space. Allow a couple of hours at least, there’s so much to see.
Held biennially, The Castlemaine State Festival brings together major Australian and visiting international artists from all disciplines to the region; to perform and exhibit alongside our many local, renowned creatives.
Enjoy a movie, or live music at The Theatre Royal, Victoria’s oldest continually operating theatre. Other live music venues include The Bridge Hotel, the Tap Room and The Red Hill Hotel in Chewton.
Don’t forget to visit the fabulous Castlemaine Art Gallery, the monthly Artist’s Market or weekly Farmer’s Market.
Surrounded by the bush, Castlemaine and the broader Goldfields region has an abundance of beautiful outdoor spaces and places to unwind in and to explore.
Relax by the lake at Castlemaine Botanical Gardens which are spectacular throughout the year. You could do this while enjoying (the best) ice-cream from Ice-cream Social. Look for their window just across the road at The Mill.
Glimpse into the past at Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.
If you enjoy walking or riding like we do, try the Goldfields Track & Kalimna Park.
We love the Oak Forest in Harcourt for a picnic and a walk. While you are there indulge in a coffee, locally made cider or a delicious something to eat at one of Harcourt’s fine eateries.
La Larr Bagauwa Mountain Bike Park at Harcourt has tracks designed for all riding abilities.
‘The Res’ is a very popular swimming and walking spot for the locals.
Vaughan Springs and The Cascades at Metcalf are both popular with locals and are a very worthwhile 20 min drive.
Dog Rocks on Mt Alexander is a beautiful place to explore with spectacular views and rock formations.
Have a chat to Bev for even more ideas. These are her happy places.
Castlemaine may have a reputation for the arts, however a number of talented chefs also live in the area, so foodies and lovers of a fine beverage won’t be disappointed.
We have a terrific offering of exceptional local wineries.
You could visit Bress Cellar Door, Black Jack Winery or Harcourt Valley Vineyards all in Harcourt, or indulge in a long lunch matched to their lovely selection of wines at the Guildford Vineyard.
Boomtown Winemakers are conveniently located at The Mill and keep good company with neighbours Shedshaker Brewing Company & The Tap Room. Both of these fabulous venues also offer food and live music from time to time so check out their facebook or web pages.
Harcourt is renowned for its apple orchards, so it goes without saying that we have our very own cider. Try the award winning Harcourt Cider or Henry of Harcourt.
There are many great cafe’s and restaurants in town and The Mill is fast becoming a hub for more boutique offerings. Visit Das Kaffeehaus for a Viennese coffee house experience, serving authentic Austrian food and roasting their own special Coffee Basics blends. Alongside the vintage market, artist and maker studios at The Mill, you can also find quality small goods, Cabosse and Feve handmade chocolates, Sprout Bakery, Long Paddock cheeses, Ice Cream Social and organic fruit and veg.
In town Naam Pla Thai, Fig Café French provincial-style, Origini’s & Bella Fresca Pizzeria, are among our favourites, but there are so many other great offerings. Saff’s and Togg’s are long standing local favourites for good reason, as is The Dove Cafe who also offer frozen takeaway meals that you can order via their website, great for a weekday night! And then there is Saint Florian, a licensed cafe nestled in Castlemaine’s historic fire station.
The Theatre Royal offer great pasta dishes along with a varied movie schedule and they also host live music. In warmer weather their rear courtyard is a lovely spot to hang out in.
Run Rabbit Run and Bruce’s Kitchen are another couple of great cafes neighbouring the Theatre Royal. You can purchase Love Shack beers from their pop up store next door to the Theatre Royal and rumour has it they will be opening a bigger venue at some point!
Johnny Baker’s pastries, cakes & coffee are nothing short of amazing. They are also doing icecream now as well!
Bar Midland is an upmarket option for those seeking something special, and you can now drop into their cocktail bar for a drink and nibbles. Wild Food and Wine is our other more upmarket restaurant, also offering a drop in option if you just feel like a drink at their bar. For dinner reservations at either of these 2 lovely venues, make sure you book ahead.
Our pub scene is also quite vibrant with The Railway Hotel down the bottom of our street, The Bridge also in short walking distance and often featuring live music. A little further afield are the Red Hill Hotel in Chewton, also featuring live music on the weekends, and the Five Flags in Campbells Creek.
Wesley Hill Community Market runs every Saturday morning and The Castlemaine Farmers Market runs weekly on a Wednesday evening and on the first Sunday of each month (ex. Jan).
Castlemaine town has many examples of Gold Rush era architecture, grand public buildings, wide streets and ornate hotels.
The Visitor Information Centre, in the historic Market Building on Mostyn Street can provide maps for self-guided tours.
The Victorian Goldfields Railway runs an authentic steam train service which links Castlemaine with close by historic mining town, Maldon, where there is plenty to see and do. This makes for a lovely day excursion.
52Views is very nearly neighbours with the Old Castlemaine Gaol.
Buda Homestead is an authentic goldfields villa house and garden, with interesting collections, displays and jewellery exhibitions.
Castlemaine exists on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. The story of ‘Two Feuding Volcanoes’ shares the teachings of two local volcanoes, Tarrengower and Lalgambook (Mt Franklin).
All Castlemaine tourism images courtesy of Visit Victoria. © 2021 Visit Victoria.
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