Castlemaine is sat right in the middle of central Victoria state and it is around 1 hour 30 mins from Melbourne, even less if you floor it out of the city, not that I condone speeding 🙂
Castlemaine town itself is in quite an isolated area of Australia, it’s a pretty historic town though and whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who loves a good hike, Castlemaine and its surrounding areas have something for you.
I’ve been here many times as we have family living nearby and we’ve always found something to do around here so I’ve written up a list of the 11 best things to do in the Castlemaine area.
1. Take a stroll the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
Castlemaine Botanical Gardens might sound a bit boring out in a regional town but it’s actually a pretty impressive garden to walk around. These gardens are over 150 years old, you will spot century-old oaks, a beautiful lake, and a variety of walking paths so you can grab a coffee from the town and take a walk around for 30-60 mins or grab some food for a picnic.
2. Find yourself a bargain at The Mill Castlemaine
The Mill Castlemaine is a hub for food, art, and culture housed in an old woollen mill. You can spend a couple of hours here looking through vintage treasures at the bazaar, or picking up some great local produce as we have done for barbecues and family feasts.
There’s a brewery onsite if you want to try some craft beers as long as you nominate yourself a designated driver. There are live bands on, art to look at and plenty of other artisan creations to get stuck into.
3. Visit the Castlemaine Art Museum
Ok if you’re even slightly into art then it’s great but obviously that’s not for everyone. The Castlemaine Art Museum is still a gem and features an impressive collection of Australian art.
It has a good mix of contemporary and traditional art with plenty of landscapes and a focus on the local artists. Its permanent art collection is known as one of the most important in regional Victoria so still worth a look if you haven’t got any plans.
4. Pies, pies, pies! You must try a Castlemaine pie
There are a couple of places in Castlemaine that I think make some of the best pies in Victoria. McShanag’s and Johnny Baker’s drive-through are two of the town’s favourites so if you’re into pies of any flavour then you will likely find the pie for you here. They’re delicious, especially the beef ones in my opinion, which are the best.
5. Take a trip to Bendigo
Ok, so it’s cheating a bit as it’s not IN Castlemaine as such but it’s not far away. If you’re out in regional Victoria then it’s no sweat to drive 30 minutes from Castlemaine to Bendigo to check out Victoria’s fourth biggest city. It has a great mining history, built-up shops and plenty of restaurants and nightlife. Bendigo is well known for its arts and culture, not to mention the museums including the pretty cool Golden Dragon Chinese Museum.
6. Take a Trip to Maldon
Again, just a short drive from Castlemaine, but it’s worth checking out the surrounding areas while you’re here. Maldon is Australia’s first ‘Notable Town,’ well-known for its preserved 19th-century buildings.
Take a walk down the main street and check out the charming local shops, or take a ride on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, which is a proper historic steam train journey so I think it feels like something out of a storybook.
7. Walk through time at the Castlemaine Historical Society Museum
If you really want to do a deep dive into the town’s past, the Castlemaine Historical Society Museum is the way to do it. Housed in the old courthouse, the museum showcases an impressive set of artefacts, photographs, and documents that tell the interesting story of Castlemaine’s gold rush days. It’s like stepping back in time to the 1850s!
8. Go for a hike in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
If walking is your thing then lace up your hiking boots! The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park is a goldmine (pun intended) for outdoor walkers, it’s nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and catch some views of the rolling hills.
The park is crisscrossed with walking tracks that take you through amazing bushland, past old mining relics, and it sends you deep into the heart of Victoria’s gold rush history, even if you’re not into history it’s still better than your average walk in the park.
9. Check out the local shops and cafes
While the town might not seem huge there are some great cafes that sell good coffee and pastries, restaurants such as Bar Midland and Wild where you can get a great evening meal
There are also some local shops that might offer something you don’t see every day. A lot of it is run-of-the-mill stores but there’s a few hidden gems or good spas if you need some relaxation. The local IGA has some fancy delicacies too that aren’t in the usual supermarkets.
10. Sip on Local Wines at Sutton Grange Winery
You can’t spend some time in regional Victoria without a visit to one of its local wineries. Sutton Grange Winery, just outside of Castlemaine is one local favourite.
It offers a good range of wines, all grown and produced on-site. The cellar door has a welcoming atmosphere, take your mates along and grab a cab if you don’t want to choose a designated driver.
11. Wander Around the Wesley Hill Market
If you’re in town on a Saturday, the Wesley Hill Market is a must. This big market is a Castlemaine institution, it has all the local fresh produce to handmade crafts. It’s the perfect place to pick up some cool local finds or just go there and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
12. Take a Dip at the Castlemaine Swimming Pool
When the weather heats up, there’s no better place to cool down than the Castlemaine Swimming Pool. This outdoor pool is a great spot to relax, swim a few laps, or just soak up the sun.
With its retro vibe and friendly atmosphere, it’s a throwback to simpler times. Chewton Pool is another smaller, cheaper option nearby if you need a dip outdoors.
Castlemaine in a nutshell
Castlemaine is more than just a stop on your Victorian road trip, it’s a destination in its own right. It has the history, arts scene, and stunning natural surroundings, so spend a bit of time to get to know the local area if you’re in town!