Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Castlemaine offers so many opportunities to get active and enjoy the Great Outdoors. Surrounded by bushland, rolling hills, watering holes and historic landmarks you will always have a reason to get out and about.

A country holiday at its best is about getting back to nature and enjoying the beauty of the landscape. This starts right here at our park overlooking a trickling creek to the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens and with natural bushland reserve behind us. In fact the park was once part of the Botanical Gardens and we have the original heritage listed Glasshouse and Caretakers Residence on site.

So when you arrive you can start your stay with a beautiful stroll through the elm lined paths of the Gardens to unwind before settling in to the sounds of nature surrounding you.

Then plan your days, lots of days, to get out and about.

One of the best ways to experience the area is the Goldfields Track. Shared by bushwalkers and mountain bikers, the Goldfields track cuts a 210km path through the heart of Victoria’s historic Goldfields. Fern gullies, rolling pastoral country, thick woodlands, dramatic granite boulders, open forests and flora reserves, the track takes in an ever changing natural landscape.

Mount Alexander, overlooking Harcourt the apple centre of Victoria, hosts the brand new La Larr Ba Gauwa Park with 34 kms of mountain bike trails that take advantage of the areas stunning views and unique rock features. The park has 11 trails that cater to riders of all abilities from beginner to advanced. There are also plenty of family friendly bushwalking trails, picnic and BBQ facilities, lookouts and animal sightings.

Near the peak of Mount Alexander you will find Dog Rocks, huge, picturesque granite outcrops. A favourite spot for abseiling and a popular stopover landmark for bush walks. Also a great picnic spot.

If you like trees wander amongst the 118 year old Oak Forest in Harcourt followed up by a picnic under the oaks in this beautiful setting.

See nature at its best at the Vaughan Springs Reserve. Take a picnic, enjoy a bushwalk, swim in the river and don’t miss the giant slippery dip. Don’t forget to take along an empty drink bottle to sample some tasty mineral water too.

Of course the Castlemaine Pool is right at the entrance to our park but if you fancy some freshwater swimming or kayaking head out to Expedition Pass Reservoir. One of the most beautiful swimming and fishing places you will ever find. Swim, fish or just lay back and relax.

Take the opportunity to go fishing, exploring, boating or even swimming at Cairn Curran Reservoir. There’s BBQ and Picnic facilities available here too.

Set off for the day on one of our Road Trips incorporating fishing, swimming, lookouts and bushwalks. Have look at our web page under Things to See and Do for Itineraries.

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