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Castlemaine

Castlemaine streetscape

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.