The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Castlemaine, Victoria

Authentic Steam Railway linking historic Castlemaine and Maldon. The must do activity for all visitors to central Victoria. You can catch the train for a return trip from either Castlemaine or Maldon stations. Fun for the whole family as you get up close to a real steam train. For a touch of class step back in time to the Golden Age of rail travel when the journey was as important as the destination. Travel in luxury parlour cars complete with full bar service. Enjoy the view from the end observation balcony. Travel with driver for a small extra fare. You can even drive your own special steam train.

Founded in 1913, Castlemaine Art Museum specialises in Australian art. The Gallery's remarkable permanent collection a strong emphasis on traditional landscape painting and includes major works of the late 1800s, and the Edwardian era. Modern and contemporary artists are also well represented. The Museum’s thematic exhibition displays historical items including photographs, costumes, decorative arts and artefacts from the Mount Alexander goldfields district.

It's always good to speak with a local and get the inside knowledge! The Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre can assist with brochures, accommodation booking and travel advice. Located in our magnificent Market Building, we offer a great range of locally made products, regular art exhibitions and you can hire bikes or ipod tours to add to your visit.

The Mill Castlemaine is a place for foodies, art admirers and seekers of the collectable and curious. Located opposite the Botanical Gardens the site, which started as the Castlemaine Woollen Mill in 1875, has been transformed into a go-to zone for tourists and locals alike. Experience a slice of Viennese opulence at Das Kaffeehaus, where lovingly-prepared sausages, goulash, schnitzels and European cakes are partnered with rich brews whipped up using beans from the on-site roastery. Savour traditional German smallgoods from Oakwood Smallgoods. Enjoy a fresh and frosty treat at the Icecream Social scoopery. Sample a paddle of craft beer in the Shedshaker Brewing Co. Taproom or enjoy a wine tasting at Boomtown Winemakers. Browse through the vintage precinct—home of Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar & Platform No. 5—where a multitude of stallholders sell vintage, re-purposed, hand-made and second-hand goods. Observe artists at work in quirky art spaces. Opening hours and days vary by business.

'Buda' is an authentic house and garden surviving from the gold rush era in Castlemaine, Victoria, lovingly named after Budapest by its Hungarian owner, Ernest Leviny. It was home to the creative Leviny family for 118 years and houses their significant intact collection of furniture, art works and belongings. Come to Buda and enjoy walking through the historic house where you will be transported to another era, in this Museums Australia accredited museum. Wander three acres of heritage garden containing original plantings and structures, including the bird aviary, tennis pavilion and outbuildings, including many original garden sculptures created by the Leviny family. Jewellery and homewares featuring Leviny designs and souvenirs and local craft are available from the Buda Giftshop. Heritage plants plus a variety of fruit trees are available from the Buda Nursery