Castlemaine (Victoria)

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Introduction

Castlemaine is a town in the Goldfields region of Victoria, near Bendigo. The discovery of gold in 1851 established the town. Many old buildings from the gold rush era still remain, providing a nice historic centre and some interesting sights and relics related to the era. Castlemaine is also a veritable hub in the hot-rodding culture and quite a few signs of this can be seen around the town, from old cars to specialist mechanics.

Sights and Activities

• Castlemaine Art Gallery & Museum features a good collection of Australian art, particularly from the late 1800s. 14 Lyttleton Street, Tel: 03 5472 2292. Open Mon - Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat & Sun, Public Holidays 12pm to 5pm. Adults $4.00
• Botanical Gardens - these gardens, established in 1860 provide some nice relief on a hot summer's day.
• Old Castlemaine Gaol
• Buda Historic Home & Garden - an authentic old house from the gold rush era. 42 Hunter Street, Tel: 03 5472 1032. Open Wed - Sat 12 noon- 5pm & Sun 10am - 5pm.
• Victorian Goldfields Railway - a steam train links the towns of Castlemaine and Maldon.
• Theatre Royal - if you fancy a movie out while in Castlemaine, then have a look at the Theatre Royal. The building dates back to 1854. 30 Hargraves St, Tel: 03 5472 1196
• Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park - a 7500 hectare national park to the east and south of town, which includes relics from the gold mining era.
• The Restorer's Barn is an interesting shop to wander around, full of old tools, supplies, doors and the likes. 129-133 Mostyn Street.

Events and Festivals

• Castlemaine State Festival - An arts festival running at the end of March / beginning of April.
• Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens sees numerous gardens in the area open to the public - November.

Getting There

By Plane

By Train

V-line trains can take you to Castlemaine from Melbourne's Southern Cross station in about 90 minutes, with trains leaving roughly every hour during the day.

By Car

From Melbourne, travel north along the Calder Freeway (M79) until the freeway ends just after Kyneton. Continue along the smaller road through to Castlemaine.

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

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Sleep

Budget

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Upscale

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