Here are some of our favourite things to do and places to go.  

The Mill. This extraordinary foodie and artisan precinct in a re-imagined 1870s woollen mill is just across the road from BIG4 Castlemaine. A big part of Castlemaine’s creative heart, you’ll find amazing meals, great coffee, wines, craft beers, s huge range of local gourmet produce for holiday feasting, vintage shopping, arts, crafts, music plus events and happenings thrown in for good measure.

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. These beautiful, historic gardens and adjoining Flora & Fauna Reserve are right next door to us. Enjoy 23 hectares of shady trees, flower beds, open lawns and walking paths, admire the ornamental lake and birdlife, and let the kids loose in an award-winning play space.

Theatre Royal. This legend in the heart of Castlemaine was built in 1855 and is the longest continuously running theatre on mainland Australia. Catch some live music, enjoy an arthouse film or the kids' summer blockbuster with the family, or sit back with a delicious pizza and a glass of first-rate local wine. The gorgeous beer garden is a particularly popular summer weekend destination

Farmers’ Markets.  The markets in Castlemaine and around the region are the best places to browse and sample the extraordinary range of Central Victoria’s produce and gourmet delights. The Castlemaine Farmers’ Market is on the first Sunday of the month, the Bendigo market is on the second Saturday of the month, Maldon is on the second Sunday, and the Malmsbury and Talbot markets are on the third Sunday. Castlemaine also has a smaller weekly market on Wednesday afternoons.  

Castlemaine Artists’ Market. Dozens of stalls showcasing the work of local and regional artists, including jewellery, clothing, sculptures, prints, ceramics, handcrafted leather and timber products, plus coffee, food trucks, pastries and music. Fun for all the family. Last Sunday of the month from 10 am at the Western Reserve in town.

Buda House. Treat yourself to an afternoon at Castlemaine’s Buda House, a Museums Australia accredited goldfields villa house and gardens. Home to the Leviny family from 1863 to 1981 the villa houses the family’s significant collection of furniture, artworks and personal belongings.  The 1.2 hectares of gardens feature original plantings, a bird aviary, tennis pavilion and garden ornaments. There’s also a lovely giftshop where you’ll find that special locally crafted holiday souvenir.  

Bushwalking and Cycling. Castlemaine and Central Victoria offer outstanding bushwalking and cycling through State and National Parks, forests and historic reserves, with trails ranging from gentle strolls to challenging rides. The famous 317 km Goldfields Track passes right through the region, linking Bendigo and Ballarat via Daylesford and offering flexible entry points for shorter walks or bike rides. There is the easy and scenic 17.7-kilometre walking and cycling Castlemaine- Maldon Trail, following the historic railway corridor between the two towns, the local walking and Cycling Campbells Creek Trail linking Castlemaine communities and walking tracks in beautiful areas such as Mount Alexander, Vaughan Springs and the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

Victorian Goldfields Railway. Ride a beautifully restored steam train between the historic goldmining towns of Castlemaine and Maldon just as people first did back in 1884. For something extra special choose a first-class carriage complete with a fully stocked bar. Visit the Victorian Goldfields Railway website for current timetables and special events. (BIG4 Perks+ members enjoy discounted tickets!)

Jarrahlinga Dingo Conservation and Wildlife Education Centre. This special not-for-profit sanctuary in the Chewton bushlands, a 10-minute drive from BIG4 Castlemaine, is home to many species and varieties of Australian native animals. A Daily Encounters programme gives visitors the opportunity to get up close with koalas, wombats, reptiles and dingo pups – a little holiday magic for all ages. The centre is open every day except Wednesdays. Check the website for opening times and daily activities. (Our guests enjoy one free child voucher per family).

Woop Woop. If you’ve always wanted to find yourself out the back of Woop Woop now you can! Woop Woop is five acres of native bushlands and gardens near Harcourt, just minutes from Castlemaine. You’ll find 100 larger-than-life eclectic sculptures, games, bush poetry, arts and crafts, tea rooms and more. It’s wacky, weird, laugh-filled fun and surprises for all ages. Open on weekends. (BIG4 Perks+ members receive 10% off a game of mini golf).  

Victorian Miniature Railway. More trains and family fun! The new Victorian Miniature Railway is on a 60-hectare site in Harcourt, 10 minutes from Castlemaine. Visitors can ride steam and diesel locomotives on a 2.7 kilometres railway loop that includes tracks, sleepers and infrastructure handcrafted on site. Check the website for details.

Maldon. Head to this historic town just 15 minutes from Castlemaine and explore the gorgeous heritage streetscapes. There are great cafes and pubs for a cosy lunch and plenty of good shopping to be done. 

Forest Creek Historic Gold Diggings, Chewton. This is an ideal starting point for exploring the history of Castlemaine's vast Central Goldfields.  A 400-metre track circles around an historic alluvial goldfield and detailed signboards along the way provide fascinating facts and information about the ancient Forest Creek riverbed, the gold rush of the 1850's and 1860's, and the remnants and relics of the structures and equipment left behind. Further information is available on the Parks Victoria website (look for Castlemaine-diggings-national-heritage-park).

Castlemaine Art Museum (CAM). This gallery and museum on Lyttleton Street in the heart of Castlemaine is well worth a visit for an hour or two to have a look at the range of art and artefacts reflecting the history and social life of Castlemaine and the surrounding region Exhibition details and opening hours are available on the castlemaineartmuseum.org.au website.

There's a lot more to see and do – Castlemaine cafes to enjoy, wineries to visit, boutiques to browse and nearby towns to explore! So come and enjoy the autumn magic on offer in Castlemaine. We're looking forward to welcoming you soon.