10 reasons to visit Castlemaine

Whether you're a vintage shopper or classic Hot Rodder, thrive on cafe culture or creative pursuits, love nature or a small craft brew – Castlemaine's for you. Try our top ten things to do.

1. The Mill

Mill about with artisans, foodies, swillers and collectors at Castlemaine's creative hub. The restored woollen mill houses vintage stalls and upcycled goods, fresh produce, a bakery, coffee house, ice cream scoopery, and Shedshaker Brewing's tap room.

2. Castlemaine Art Museum

Wander among the landscapes and get lost in Australian art. With contemporary and major works of the late 1800s and Edwardian era, the Castlemaine Art Museum is an art-class act.

3. Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

A tranquil gem located close to The Mill, these gardens are wondrous at any time of year. Delight in the significant collection of trees, lush garden beds, Lake Joanna and the flora and fauna reserve.

4.Castlemaine State Festival

Pack as much as you can into ten days of art, music, film and theatre at one of Australia's longest running arts festivals, the biennial Castlemaine State Festival.

5. Victorian Goldfields Railway

Choo-se steam for a trip between historic gold mining towns Castlemaine and Maldon. Experience old-school glamour in first-class and take in the scenery from the parlour car's viewing platform.

6. The Bridge Hotel

Make like James Brown and take it to the Bridge. Catch gigs, spend sunny afternoons in the beer garden and wintry evenings by the fire, all with craft beer and great pub-grub on hand.

7. Theatre Royal

Have a royally good time at Australia's oldest continually operating theatre. Originally constructed to entertain diggers during the gold rush, the restored art deco Royal is now a cinema and live music venue.

8. Maldon

Located only 15 minutes from Castlemaine, the town boasts a well-preserved historic streetscape now home to a contemporary collection of boutique shops and cafes.

9. Castlemaine Artists Market

Treasure hunt at more than 60 stalls offering handcrafted goods from local artists, designers and craftspeople, rounded out with live music and top local fare. The first Sunday of every month.

10. Cideries

Take a sweet side trip to Victoria's apple capital, Harcourt. Stock up on doctor-delayers at roadside stalls, or compare the fruit fizz at local cideries Henry of Harcourt, Bress, and Harcourt Perry & Cider.