Castlemaine
Quick facts
- Population approximately 7,600
- 119 kilometres north-west of Melbourne
- Site of world’s richest shallow alluvial goldfield
- Prior to European settlement the area was occupied by the Dja Dja Wurung aboriginal people.
Castlemaine, at the intersection of the Pyrenees and Midland highways, is a town that serves a substantial fruit-growing and farming area. Paved by gold, Castlemaine’s history and heritage is visible in its fine public buildings, wide streets, ornate hotels and century-old shops selling everything from gourmet food to antiques and art. Castlemaine has a thriving arts and cultural community.
Activities and attractions
- Follow the Mt Alexander Diggings heritage trail and find out about life on the goldfields – pick up a brochure from the historic Market Building in Mostyn Street
- Spend time browsing through the Gold Interpretive Centre
- Take a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the lake in the Botanical Gardens. The 13-acre gardens provide are complete with barbecues, playgrounds, and toilets
- Visit the Buda Historic Home and Garden with its magnificent nineteenth century gardens
- View major Australian artworks of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries at the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum, or visit one of the city’s many private galleries
- Dine in one of many fine local restaurants
- Relax with a drink and watch a movie or live music at the famous Theatre Royal
- Browse the local antique shops such as the Restorers Barn
Major events
- Fryerstown Antique Fair – January
- Harcourt Applefest – March
- Swap Meet – April
- Queen's birthday weekend Art show – June
- The Melbourne to Castlemaine Cycle Race – July
- Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens – November (biennial)
- Castlemaine State Festival – November (biennial)
- Castlemaine Truck Show – November.
How to get there
Castlemaine is just under 90 minutes from Melbourne via the Calder Highway. Alternative route is via Western Highway to the Midland Highway passing through Daylesford.








