Nestled between the cities of Bendigo and Ballarat is Castlemaine, a small tourist town in central Victoria popular among avid travellers, nature lovers, vintage shoppers, and art enthusiasts. The area boasts many fun activities ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers.
There are several things to do in Castlemaine, from visiting historical attractions sites and exploring botanical gardens to hiking nature trails and shopping for antiques and collectibles.
In the sections below, we’ll explore the various Castlemaine attractions and things to do in this southeastern region of Australia.
Castlemaine Attractions and Places
If you are to enjoy your visit or stay at Castlemaine, here are some of the places you should include in your travel itinerary:
Castlemaine Art Museum
Located in a neo-classical building, this Australian museum and art gallery showcases the rich history of Castlemaine and its surrounding region through an impressive collection of maps, objects, photographs, models, and prints. The museum's thematic exhibition highlights include costumes, Mount Alexander artifacts, and decorative arts, making it a captivating destination for both art enthusiasts and history buffs.
Botanical Gardens
Nestled at 2 Walker Street, the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens house a diverse range of exotic and native tree species. With its picturesque ornamental lake, children's playground, tea rooms, and BBQ facilities, the park offers a delightful setting for various occasions such as parties, weddings, and family gatherings. The gardens' convenient location and numerous amenities make them a perfect choice for enjoyable outdoor experiences.
Buda Historic Home and Garden
Buda, a remarkable house and garden dating back to the gold rush era, provides an authentic glimpse into the past. Adorned with a captivating collection of artworks, jewellery, and furniture, visitors are transported through time as they wander through this historic residence. The expansive three-acre garden boasts various attractions including a bird aviary, outbuildings, and a tennis pavilion. Open daily from 12 pm to 4 pm, Buda Historic Home offers a memorable experience for history enthusiasts and art aficionados alike.
Victorian Goldfields Railways
Step aboard the Victorian Goldfields Railways, a steam-powered heritage train that connects the historic gold mining towns of Maldon and Castlemaine. Embark on a nostalgic journey solo or with loved ones, as you traverse these charming cities and uncover their hidden gems. Operating every Wednesday and Sunday (excluding February and select public holidays), the Victorian Goldfields Railways promises an unforgettable ride through history.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park, a centrally located oasis, invites visitors to relax and enjoy the tranquil ambiance amidst lush trees. With ample tables and seating, it's an ideal spot for families and friends to unwind, taking in the shade and fresh air. The park offers a playground for children and a designated relaxation area for adults and the elderly, complete with convenient access to public toilets and parking facilities.
Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition
This cultural exhibition offers visitors and residents a chance to learn the area’s history and the teachings passed down through the generations. The exhibition also has important cultural lessons about country life, bush foods, waterways, weaving, and medicine. You can visit this exhibition any day of the week, from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Christmas Day.
Castlemaine Presbyterian Church
If you want to explore ancient church architecture, the Castlemaine Presbyterian takes you on a fascinating journey. The church was opened in 1858 and is more than a century old. If you visit the church at night, you’ll love the lighting, the art deco and the shadows.
Exciting Things to Do In Castlemaine
Now that you know the various Castlemaine attractions and places to visit, let’s look at the fun things to do in Castlemaine. The list below isn’t exhaustive but will give you an idea of what to expect before planning your visit.
Explore the Goldfield’s Track
This is a scenic 200-kilometre trail connecting Ballarat and Bendigo through Hepburn, Castlemaine, Creswick and Daylesford villages. Mountain bikers and hikers find this place interesting since they can adventure through the beautiful forests and historic towns. As you pass the villages, you’ll love interacting with the locals and exploring new foods from the nearby cafes and restaurants. The Goldfield’s Track is divided into smaller tracks, such as the Leanganook Track (ideal for mountain bikers), the Dry Digging Track, and the Wallaby Track.
Visit the Castlemaine Golf Club
If you love playing golf, the Castlemaine Golf Club will be an ideal destination to relax and join your friends or other golfers for a casual game. You can also organize a simple event or tournament, depending on your size. Regular competition days at the Castlemaine Golf Club are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Remember, all competitions are favourable for both men and women.
Bike the Maldon Railside Trail
This mountain or hybrid bike trail is suitable for bikers with a reasonable fitness level. The track is well-maintained and signposted, so you don’t have to worry about taking a wrong turn. You can ride the trail one way and take a train on your back. However, you need to confirm with the VGR train that there’s an empty guard’s van for your bike.
Visit the Forest Creek Historic Gold Diggings
If you have plans to visit some historic Gold digging sites, this should be on top of your list. With detailed information and history about the ancient Gold mining activities and tools, there’s much to explore at the Forest Creek Historic Gold Diggings. Pack your picnic lunch and get ready to stroll this ancient yet fascinating ancient Gold mining village.
Visit the Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve
This recreation reserve hosts several events, from weekend sports to shows and cultural exhibits. The Reserve features numerous amenities such as playgrounds, change rooms, a pavilion and restrooms. If you want to use the recreation reserve for an event, you must book with the Section 86 management.
Go Shopping
Castlemaine has several malls, markets and shopping centres where you can shop for foodstuff, fine paintings, artworks, books, antique dressers, curios, and more. Based on what you want to buy, you can choose to visit any of the various markets, from the Castlemaine Artist Market, Farmers Market or the Community Market. Here are the other main shopping centres to consider:
Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar
The Vintage Bazaar is located along 1 Walker Street, opposite the Botanic Gardens. This shopping haven stretching over 2000 square meters is part of the Mill and is a perfect destination when shopping with friends or family. Inside the Vintage Bazaar are a café, roaster, winemaker shop, metal artisans, office spaces, and more. It’s worth noting that this market is well organized and offers a friendly environment for local and foreign visitors. You can also grab your favourite snack or meal.
The Mill Castlemaine
The Mill was established in 1875 and has now undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, the Mill is a thriving hub for artisan and food manufacturers and general businesses. Explore this vibrant market on a lazy afternoon, and you’ll love the collection of unique items and the energizing spirit and enthusiasm of the locals.
Make Your Trip as Memorable as Possible
Experience the best of Castlemaine with its wide array of attractions and activities, ensuring a memorable trip for everyone. Whether you're a solo traveler, adventuring with friends, or exploring with family, this charming town offers something special for all.
From scenic biking and hiking trails to captivating historic sites and vibrant markets, Castlemaine has it all. While it may be challenging to visit all 14 highlighted areas during your trip, take the time to compare and select the destinations that resonate with your interests.
If you're a first-time visitor to Castlemaine, VIC, navigating the various attractions, villages, markets, and historic sites can be overwhelming. Don't worry! Reach out to us for assistance with your tours and adventures. We're here to ensure your trip is smooth and filled with delightful experiences.
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