The 10 Best Things to Do in Castlemaine, Australia

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.

From the remains of house sites and puddling machines to the gold mines and gullies that yielded up fortunes, Australia's first national heritage park harbours fascinating tales of a golden past and retains much of its gold-rush character. It is the largest non-indigenous protected cultural landscape in Australia. The Park is popular for Spring wildflowers, scenic drives, bushwalking, cycling, picnics, guided tours and gold fossicking. Visit 19 heritage sites in and around the park on a journey through one of the most remarkable periods in Australian history. Self-guided and guided tours are available through the Castlemaine Visitor Information centre. Picnic facilities are located at Kalimna, Vaughan Springs (with toilets and mineral springs), Garfield Waterwheel, Spring Gully Junction and Eureka Reef. Camping is available at Vaughan Springs, Warburtons Bride and Chokem Flat Campgrounds. Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park is about 120kms north of Melbourne. Turn off the Calder Highway at Elphinstone and travel 13kms through Chewton to Castlemaine. The Park can also be accessed via the Pyrenees and Midland Highways. A regular rail service runs between Melbourne and Bendigo stopping at Castlemaine. Vehicles, including motor bikes, may only be used on formed open roads.

Looming atop the western horizon in Castlemaine sits a symbol of justice for the Goldfields. First built in 1861 and active for over 130 years, the Old Castlemaine Gaol has seen men, women and children of all ages pass through its imposing wooden gates, the last prisoners were transferred to HM Prison Loddon in 1990. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience for yourself this piece of Australian history. Guided tours of the gaol run Friday 2pm, Saturday and Sunday at 10am & 2pm. Self-guided tours run every day between 9:00am and 4:00pm. Private tours are available by request. The Governor's Cafe is located in the former governor's house and is open for breakfast and lunch, Thursday to Sunday (closed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday).

The Mill Castlemaine is a creative hub for foodies, artisans and seekers of collectables and curiosities. 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. Enjoy a fresh and frosty treat at the Icecream Social scoopery, where flavours range from the traditional to the avant-garde. Browse through the vintage precinct—home of Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar and Platform No. 5—where a multitude of stallholders sell vintage, re-purposed, hand-made and second-hand goods. Meander around the artisan precinct where metal craftsmen and furniture makers create bespoke pieces destined to become treasured heirlooms. Observe artists at work in quirky art spaces. Opening hours and days vary by business. Visit the Mill for creativity at its best.

'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

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.