Here are some of our favourite things to do and places to go.

Farmers’ Markets

The markets in Castlemaine and around the region are the very best places to browse and sample the extraordinary range of Central Victoria’s produce and gourmet delights. With as much abundance as you could possibly imagine, you’ll return to the park laden with everything needed for inspire holiday cooking. The Castlemaine Farmers’ Market is on the first Sunday of the month, followed by the Bendigo market on the second Saturday of the month, Maldon on the second Sunday and the Malmsbury and the famous Talbot market on the third Sunday. Castlemaine also has a smaller weekly market offering local seasonal produce. Check the Victorian Farmers’ Markets website or just ask our team for more detail.

Cycling

Bring your bikes and head off to explore the quiet and scenic back roads of Castlemaine and nearby Harcourt or try the easy and level 17.7-kilometre walking and cycling Castlemaine and Maldon Trail.  For the serious mountain biker, Leanganook Track offers exciting off-road adventure and La Larr Ba Gauwa at Harcourt provides world-class mountain bike trails

The Mill

This huge, extraordinary foodie and artisan precinct situated in a re-purposed 1870s woollen mill is just across the road from BIG4 Castlemaine. It’s your go-to for amazing meals, coffees, wines, beers and gourmet treats with vintage shopping, arts and crafts, live music and events thrown in for good measure. Everything you want for holiday feasting is right here: fruit and veg, handcrafted sausages, smoked salmon, hams, and terrines, organic fresh cheese and dairy products, coffee, artisan breads, chocolates and ice cream. Just yum!

Buda House. Treat yourself to an afternoon at Castlemaine’s Buda House, a Museums Australia accredited goldfields villa house and gardens. Purchased in 1863 by successful Hungarian-born businessman Ernest Leviny, the villa was home to the Leviny family until 1981 and houses the family’s significant collection of furniture, artworks and personal belongings.  The 1.2 hectares of gardens feature original plantings, a bird aviary, tennis pavilion and garden ornaments and there’s a lovely giftshop where you’ll find that special locally-crafted holiday souvenir.  

Gardens

The magnificent and historic 23-hectare Castlemaine Botanical Gardens and Bushland Reserve is right next door to us. Enjoy walking and cycling, admire the lake, the birdlife, the garden beds with colourful autumn plantings and, of course, the autumn leaves! The lovely Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, established in the 1850s, are also well worth a visit.

Maldon

Head to this historic town just 15 minutes from Castlemaine and explore the gorgeous heritage streetscapes. There are great cafes and pubs for a cosy lunch and plenty of good shopping to be done.

Forest Creek Historic Gold Diggings, Chewton

This is an ideal starting point for exploring the history of Castlemaine's vast Central Goldfields.  A 400-metre track circles around an historic alluvial goldfield and detailed signboards along the way provide fascinating facts and information about the ancient Forest Creek River bed, the gold rush of the 1850's and 1860's, and the remnants and relics of the structures and equipment left behind. Further information is available on the Parks Victoria website (look for Castlemaine-diggings-national-heritage-park).

Steam Train

Book a memorable journey on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, the authentic steam heritage train linking Castlemaine and Maldon. The train operates on Wednesdays and Saturday and bookings are essential. Keep an eye on special fun events that are often scheduled on Saturdays throughout the year. They include the popular Ales and Rails and Murder on Orient Express movie night (And remember, BIG4 Perks members enjoy discounted tickets).

Castlemaine Art Museum (CAM)

This gallery and museum on Lyttleton Street in the heart of Castlemaine is well worth a visit for an hour or two to have a look at the range of art and artefacts reflecting the history and social life of Castlemaine and the surrounding region Exhibition details and opening hours are available on the castlemaineartmuseum.org.au website.

There's a lot more to see and do – Castlemaine cafes to enjoy, wineries to visit, boutiques to browse and nearby towns to explore! So come and enjoy the autumn magic on offer in Castlemaine. We're looking forward to welcoming you soon.