Here are just a few of our favourite summer things to do, to help you make the most of your time with us.   

Swimming. Swimming and summer go hand in hand. That's why we're so lucky to have Castlemaine's 50-metre right at our entrance. It’s open from Saturday December 13 to early March and is perfect for cooling off after a day’s sightseeing. There are also outdoor pools at nearby Chewton, Newstead and Harcourt and several options in Bendigo, all perfect for a refreshing dip. And for a true Castlemaine summer experience, head to “The Res” on Golden Point Road, just past Chewton. This large reservoir, surrounded by native bush, is a classic warm-weather hangout.

The Mill. This extraordinary foodie and artisan precinct in a re-imagined 1870s woollen mill is just across the road from BIG4 Castlemaine. A big part of Castlemaine’s creative heart, you’ll find amazing meals, great coffee, wines, craft beers, local gourmet produce, vintage shopping, arts, crafts, music plus events and happenings thrown in for good measure. Everything you want for holiday feasting is right here: fruit and veg, handcrafted sausages, smoked salmon, artisan breads, terrines, organic fresh cheese, chocolates and (of course) ice cream.

Gardens. The beautiful, historic Castlemaine Botanical Gardens and adjoining Flora & Fauna Reserve is right next door to us. Enjoy 23 hectares of shady trees, flower beds, open lawns and walking paths, admire the ornamental lake and birdlife, and let the kids loose in an award-winning play space.

Theatre Royal. This legend in the heart of Castlemaine was built in 1855 and is the longest continuously running theatre on mainland Australia. Catch some live music, enjoy an arthouse film or the kids' summer blockbuster with the family, or sit back with a delicious pizza and a glass of first-rate local wine. The gorgeous beer garden is a particularly popular summer weekend destination

Castlemaine Market Building. Drop into this historic building on Mostyn Street in the centre of town and pick up a wealth of information at the Visitor Centre about local attractions and events. You’ll also find the award-winning Boorp Boorp Boondyll exhibition – a fascinating introduction to Djaara Country – and there’s always an exhibition of works by local artists.

 Mt Alexander Regional Park. Ten minutes from Castlemaine, this 1400-hectare park in North Harcourt offers stunning lookouts (Dogs Rocks is a must), bushwalking tracks, picnic spots and the chance to spot kangaroos, wallabies and native birds.

Buda Historic Home and Garden. Step back in time at this beautifully preserved 1850s goldfields villa. The Museums Australia accredited property houses the furnishings, décor and personal belongings of the creative Leviny family, who resided here for almost 120 years. There are also three hectares of heritage gardens to explore along with a gorgeous giftshop. Open daily 12 noon to 4 pm.

Victorian Goldfields Railway. Ride a beautifully restored steam train between the historic goldmining towns of Castlemaine and Maldon just as people first did back in 1884. For something extra special choose a first-class carriage complete with a fully stocked bar. (BIG4 Perks members enjoy discounted tickets!). Visit the Victorian Goldfields Railway website for summer timetables.

Victorian Miniature Railway. More trains and family fun! The new Victorian Miniature Railway on a 60-hectare site in Harcourt, 10 minutes from Castlemaine, officially opens in early December 2025. Visitors will be able to ride steam and diesel locomotives on a 2.7 kilometres railway loop that includes tracks, sleepers and infrastructure handcrafted on site. Check the website for details.

Jarrahlinga Dingo Conservation and Wildlife Education Centre. This special not-for-profit sanctuary in the Chewton bushlands, a 10-minute drive from BIG4 Castlemaine, is home to many species and varieties of Australian native animals. A Daily Encounters programme gives visitors the opportunity to get up close with koalas, wombats, reptiles and dingo pups – a little holiday magic for all ages. The centre is open every day except Wednesdays. Check the website for opening times and daily activities.

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 view both the current contemporary exhibition and the range of art and artefacts reflecting the history and social life of Castlemaine and the surrounding region. Fun learning for the kids! Open Thursday to Sunday.

Maldon Adventures. Historic Maldon (the first “notable town” listed with the National Trust) is a picture-perfect summer day trip. Climb Anzac Hill or drive up to Mt Tarrengower lookout for glorious views. Explore the town’s heritage streetscapes and refuel in a classic country café or pub. Be sure to stop in at the famous Maldon Lolly Shop where every old-fashioned sweet treat is on offer.

Woop Woop. If you’ve always wanted to find yourself out the back of Woop Woop now you can! Woop Woop is five acres of native bushlands and gardens near Harcourt, just minutes from Castlemaine. You’ll find 100 larger-than-life eclectic sculptures, games, bush poetry, arts and crafts, tea rooms and more. It’s wacky, weird, laugh-filled fun and surprises for all ages. Open on weekends.

Forest Creek Historic Gold Diggings, Chewton. This is an ideal starting point for exploring the fascinating history of the vast Central Goldfields. A 400-metre track circles around an alluvial goldfield and signboards along the way provide fascinating facts and information about the ancient Forest Creek riverbed, the gold rush of the 1850's and 1860's, and the remnants and relics of the structures and equipment left behind. It’s a gentle walk with plenty to see for all ages,

Cafes. There's nothing nicer on a warm summer's day than retreating to a cool café for a lazy brunch or long lunch. Castlemaine and neighbouring towns are packed with places serving fresh local produce, from brekkie classics to seasonal salads and hearty burgers. (You’ll find plenty of recommendations in our Food & Wine Guide here on the website).

Ice Cream Republic. For a cooling and super-delicious afternoon treat, head to this artisan ice cream window at Mill. Open Thursday to Sunday afternoons and every day of the school holidays, it sells homemade ice-cream and gelato that’s impossible to resist. Enjoy!

Castlemaine Maldon Trail. This 17.7-kilometre walking and cycling track runs alongside the historic Victorian Goldfields Railway and across scenic farm and bush lands and historic sites. The vehicle-free walking and cycling shared trail is family friendly and easy to navigate with signage and trail markers providing information on distance, direction and location. There are plenty of resting places along the way and you can arrange to return to Castlemaine on the steam train.

Markets. Buy farm-fresh produce and gourmet delights at farmers’ markets in Castlemaine (every Wednesday afternoon and the first Sunday of the month), Bendigo (second Saturday of the month), Maldon (second Sunday of the month) and Malmsbury (third Sunday of the month). There’s also the very local Castlemaine market at Wesley Hill, Chewton, every Saturday morning – produce, plants, great coffee, bric-a-brac, snacks and baked goods and plenty of smiles.

Further Afield. Castlemaine is ideally placed as your base to explore everything else Central Victoria offers. Head 30 minutes up the highway to visit Bendigo and enjoy a day taking in the city’s goldrush architecture, the Golden Dragon Museum, Central Deborah Gold Mine and Bendigo Pottery – all great family fun! Or head to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs for a relaxing mineral bath and spa treatment and a lazy late lunch. Kyneton and its famous Piper Street shopping and eating strip is also an easy drive away.

There's a lot more to see and do - wineries to visit, Christmas and farmers’ markets to shop at, boutiques to browse and small towns to explore. Come and chill out with us in Castlemaine this summer and see it all for yourself! We're looking forward to welcoming you soon.