Set in the heart of the Victorian goldfields, Castlemaine is a historic township known for its vibrant arts scene. The town centre is lined with magnificent heritage buildings that house everything from local art galleries to farm-to-table restaurants. There are lush gardens to admire, fascinating museums to visit and a gleaming gold rush legacy to discover.

Things to do

Castlemaine is brimming with 19th-century architecture that was raised during its gold mining heydey. Self-guided walks are a great way to discover the town's grand public buildings, elaborate hotels and century-old shopfronts. To enrich your experience, stop by the Visitor Information Centre and pick up an MP3 audio guide.

Castlemaine is home to a vibrant community of artists. From sculpture and paintings to ceramics and jewellery, there are a string of local studios to explore. For a unique night out, book tickets to a show at the Theatre Royal, Australia's oldest continually-operating performing arts venue.

Over the past few years, Castlemaine has won itself a place on the Victorian food and wine circuit. The town centre is packed with trendy cafes, stylish bars and farm-to-table restaurants. The Public Inn is a firm favourite, luring diners in with its gourmet food and extensive local wine list.

Planted in 1856, Castlemaine Botanical Gardens is a wonderland of silvery bushland, exotic plants and towering National Trust trees. The magnificent Buda Historic Home and Garden is another highlight, welcoming you with an art collection and picturesque grounds.

Getting around

Castlemaine is easy to navigate on foot, but if you want to explore the rest of the Victorian Goldfields Region you'll need a car. From Melbourne, the drive to Castlemaine takes around 1.5 hours. Trains also run from Southern Cross to Castlemaine Station in around two hours.