Castlemaine Day Trip
Castlemaine, Victoria
1 day
Discover Castlemaine, Victoria's hidden gem where history and contemporary charm collide. Self-guide your way through vibrant streets, admire colorful facades, and dig up the secrets of its gold rush past. Indulge in culinary delights at local markets and artisanal cafes. Castlemaine is a whimsical wonderland waiting to be explored on our free day trip itinerary!
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Style
Public Transport
Day Trip
Traveller -
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Transport
Train
or Self Drive -
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Distance
Walk 5km
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Time
1 Day
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Difficulty
Easy
Town walking with one hill
CASTLEMAINE
Castlemaine lies about 120km northwest of Melbourne and 40km south of Bendigo in Central Victoria on Dja Dja Wurrung land. The town is historically significant as a central town of the great gold rush period. At its peak the town contained 30,000 people but is now home to 7500 people and known for its eclectic arts scene, gold rush history, and growing reputation as a fine food destination.
CASTLEMAINE FOR $10: To do this trip on a budget use your myki on the train ($10, cheaper on weekends), bring a picnic lunch to eat in the Botanic Gardens opposite The Mill, and walk around the outside of the Old Castlemaine Gaol to avoid the $20 entry fee.
CASTLEMAINE HISTORY: If you want to learn more about the history of Castlemaine, you have plenty of time on the train to read this article from the Castlemaine Historical Society.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY: This trip is designed to be at its best on a Fri, Sat or Sun as some of the sites visited do not open every day. However, even if you come outside the prime opening days there is still a lot to enjoy. Opening hours are listed in the detail below.
MARKETS: If you are lucky enough to time it right, Castlemaine’s Farmers Markets run to the following schedule:
First Sunday of each month • 9am-1pm • Western Reserve, Forest Street
Every Wednesday • 2.30-5:30pm • Camp Reserve
MAP & DIRECTIONS
GETTING TO CASTLEMAINE:
The best way to travel from Melbourne is on the train. Vline services run every hour and take 1.5 hours.
The trains are very comfortable and only cost $10 for a full day of travel ($7.20 on weekends) making it the easiest and most economical way to travel.
A myki card is required to travel on public transport and seats do not need to be reserved.
Double check the train timetable on the PTV website: Melbourne-Castlemaine timetable
If you do decide to drive, head straight up the Calder Freeway. Castlemaine is 120km from the centre of Melbourne. Free all day parking is available at the train station on the west side of the track. Navigate to the Railway Hotel and you will find it.
WALKING ROUTE: The self-guided walking route is only 5km and easily done by anyone with reasonable fitness. There are a couple of short hills to get up and down.
Google Maps does not seem to allow you to walk through the underpass at the train station so we’ve made the walk in two parts and you can walk through the underpass to connect them. Navigate by Google Maps: Part 1 & Part 2.
If you find the walking too much at any stage, Castlemaine Taxis are just a phone call away: (03) 5472 3377.
STOP 1
THE MILL
WALK FROM THE CASTLEMAINE TRAIN STATION:
Leave the station on the east, platform 1 side of the station.
As you exit the station turn left to walk north along Kennedy St. Walk 800m to the end of the street. Across the road is Flowserve, a foundry that has existed on this site since 1875. Originally known as Thompson’s Foundry it has produced everything from locomotives to the main towers for Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge.
Turn left onto Walker St and cross the train tracks.
The Mill is the large and very obvious series of buildings on your left.
THE MILL: There are so many things to do here this place could be your whole day out. Located in the old wool mill, The Mill consists of various boutique and artisan businesses that will cloth you, feed you, and (de)hydrate you.
VINTAGE BAZAAR: How you explore The Mill is entirely up to you. It is a place designed for wandering. Starting with the Vintage Bazaar is a good idea. We think their website explains it best, “A market of multiple stallholders with knick-knackery, bric-a-brac-ery, second hand curios, retro accoutrement and a soupcon of handmade finery. And stuff.” Enjoy! Open everyday 10am-5pm
FOODIES: In a separate area of The Mill are a number of fine food producers deserving of your time. Oakwood Smallgoods (Thu-Mon), Sprout Bakery (Thu-Sat), Cabosse & Feve Chocolates (Tue-Sun), Long Paddock Cheese (Fri-Sun), and Ice Cream Republic (Thu-Sun) all produce on site and are of the highest quality. You could certainly buy one item from each, head across the road to the Botanic Gardens, and have a picnic lunch.
LUNCH
There are 3 great choices for lunch at The Mill so we’ll leave it to your taste buds to decide:
BOOMTOWN WINES: Born as a shared winemaking space, Boomtown has blossomed into a local winery, events space, kitchen, bar, and social club with a cellar door for tastings and a kitchen with a close connection to local farmers and producers serving up delicious food for Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.
Thu-Sun from 11am • ph 0422 479 968 • website
THE TAPROOM / SHEDSHAKER BREWERY: Since 2016 Shedshaker have been brewing up a great range of local beers. The Taproom is their pub with beers on tap and a rotating selection of special pizzas, share plates and salads for lunch.
Tue-Fri from 2pm, Sat-Sun from midday • ph 0487 860 060 • website
DAS KAFFEEHAUS: A Viennese coffee house, serving traditional Austrian food, freshly roasted coffee, local and Austrian beers and wines, old-fashioned, “like Oma used to cook”, hearty meals and an extensive range of cakes and pastries including the magnificent apfelstrudel – yum!
Daily 8am-4pm • ph (03) 5470 6270 • website
STOP 2
OLD CASTLEMAINE GAOL & THE BROMLEY COLLECTION
WALK TO THE OLD GAOL:
Exit The Mill turning left along Walker St. Cross Barkers Creek and take the first left to head south along Gingell St.
Walk 700m, mostly alongside the creek.
Turn right to go steeply uphill on Edward St. The entrance to the Gaol is 200m uphill on your left. You can go up the obvious steps on the left to shorten the walk slightly.
THE GAOL: This building was constructed between 1857 and 1864, early in the gold rush period. From its position looking down over the town, has been a dominating part of the town ever since. The gaol closed in 1990 and has been in private hands since.
THE BROMLEY COLLECTION: The Old Gaol was purchased in 2018 by well known Melbourne artist David Bromley. After a long renovation the doors to this historic building finally opened in 2023. The gaol is now home to the eclectic private collection of Bromley and is a Castlemaine experience not to miss. Bromley “wanted to shift the axis of what the gaol was known for, a place of despair, sadness and trauma into a place that evoked a sense of life, joy and art.” In this he has certainly succeeded.
STOP 3
CASTLEMAINE ART MUSEUM
WALK TO THE ART MUSEUM:
From the Gaol return back downhill on Edward St turning right when you reach Gingell St.
A short way along you’ll reach the Railway Hotel where there is a large open car park.
At the far end of this car park before you enter Camp Reserve there is an underpass to the left at the Train Station. Go through the underpass and once out the other side (Google Map Part 2 starts here) turn right and walk alongside the small park then uphill to Kennedy St.
Crossover Kennedy St to walk along Lyttleton St passing two historic churches. On the right is the original Presbyterian Church (now Uniting), an adaption of Florentine or Paduan Gothic, built in 1894. On the left is the former Congregational Church (now Presbyterian) built in 1861.
The Art Museum is just after the churches on the right.
CASTLEMAINE ART MUSEUM: Founded in 1913, and housed within this 1930 heritage-listed art deco building, the Castlemaine Art Museum has a unique collection of Australian art recognised as one of the most important in regional Victoria, with a strong emphasis on traditional landscape painting and works by women artists. The holdings of Tonal Realism paintings are of national significance. With five gallery spaces the gallery presents a vibrant calendar of changing exhibitions.
Downstairs is the section for the history buffs. A great range of displays document the history of Castlemaine from the first nations people to the present. This is the place to learn about the gold rush that transformed the region and the nation.
Thu-Sun 12-4pm & 6:30pm on Fri • free • website
STOP 4
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
WALK TO THE VISITORS CENTRE:
Turn right as you exit the Art Museum and walk down the hill to the traffic lights.
Diagonally across the intersection is the grand post office building, built in 1875. This classical building was designed by James J Clark who was also responsible for Government House, Melbourne, the famous Maryborough Railway Station and the Melbourne city Baths.
Crossover Barker St at the lights then turn right to walk south along Barker St.
The next intersection is with Mostyn St. As you gaze south along Barker St from the intersection, there stands a row of grand bank buildings, testaments to the wealth extracted from the surrounding gullies.
Turn left and walk 100m along Mostyn St.
Just after passing the now closed ANZ Bank (1856 - it’s for sale in case you’re interested!), across the road, you’ll see the Visitors Centre, located inside the beautifully restored 1860s Market Building.
STOP 5
VISITOR CENTRE
IMAGE: A wood engraving dated 18 Oct 1862 by Cuthbert Clarke. The crowds around the Market Building are celebrating the occasion of the first train to arrive into Castlemaine (there is a train in the background) which occurred on 16 Oct 1862. State Library of Victoria.
CASTLEMAINE MARKET BUILDING: Guarding the entrance to this historic structure is Ceres, the Roman goddess of harvest, holding a cornucopia (horn of plenty). The entrance is a grand Doric portico attended by domed corner pavilions.
The grand opening of the building in 1862 marked a significant moment. With wings originally extending on either side, it formed the bustling heart of the town's market complex. Back then, Castlemaine boasted Victoria's largest Chinese population, with many engaging in market gardening. Beyond commerce, the building served as the vibrant hub of community life and was used as a market until 1967.
Today, this magnificent edifice serves as a Visitor Information Centre, offering a warm welcome to all. Inside, the Roman Basilica hall, hosts captivating exhibitions and a variety of engaging events, ensuring its legacy as a cultural and social centerpiece endures.
BOORP BOORP BOONDYIL EXHIBITION: The Market Building houses this excellent exhibition which shares Dja Dja Wurrung stories and teachings and provides a great insight into the language and culture of the first people of this land.
Open 9-5 daily • free
STOP 6
LOVE SHACK & LOLA
WALK TO LOVE SHACK & LOLA: Time for a beer or wine? Just around the corner are two bars worthy of a enjoying a beverage, or an early, light dinner before heading home.
Turn right as you exit the Visitors Centre, walk to the corner, cross over Hargraves St, turn right and walk 45m to Lola or a further 20m to Love Shack.
LOVE SHACK: The cosiest pub in town, Love Shack brew their own beers on site which are all on tap and serve up huge toasties that are the size of a meal (share one between two if you are looking for a snack) and burgers. If you aren’t sure which beer to try the staff will help you out with a taster or two. We think these are some of the best beers in the country so a stop here is a definite must visit for beer connoisseurs.
Wed-Mon midday to late • website
LOLA: Housed in the historic Royal Theatre. The original theatre from 1855 was destroyed by fire in 1857 but quickly rebuilt. The current Art Deco facade dates from the 1930s. The famous Lola Montez performed her erotic Spider Dance here in 1856 and many other famous performers have seen the stage here including Dame Nellie Melba.
The theatre is still operating and hosts film, live music and other events, making it the oldest continuously operating theatre in mainland Australia. Lola serves cocktails, local & international wines, beer and an extensive array of non-alcoholic offerings plus the tastiest pizzas in town.
Wed-Fri 4pm to late, Sat-Sun midday to late • website
STOP 7
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
WALK TO THE TRAIN STATION: It is now time to head back to the train station, however, it is worth taking in some of the beautiful historic buildings from the gold rush period on the way. Walking from Love Shack to the station takes 10-15 minutes, so add in a bit extra to allow enough time to be there for your train.
HARGRAVES ST:
Turn right as you exit Lola or Love Shack and walk north, uphill along Hargraves St. It is best if you cross to the other side of the road to see the buildings up close.
Shortly after crossing over Mostyn St at number 19 you’ll pass the old Union Bank (1859), now a private residence.
Next door is an early chemist shop (1858), now a real estate agent.
On the corner of Lyttleton St is the former Supreme Court Hotel (1859) also now a private residence.
Crossover Lyttleton St and turn left to walk west along Lyttleton St.
LYTTLETON ST: Three important, administrative buildings line this short section of the street:
Firstly is the imposing Court House (1877) replacing an earlier court house on this site.
A grey stone building is next. It was the School of Mines which began at this site in 1887 in the Old Police Court, with extensions in 1928. It was designed by WC Vahland who is responsible for most of the amazing architecture in nearby Bendigo. The building now houses the Mount Alexander Council offices.
Pause here a moment and look across the road to one of Castlemaine’s most impressive buildings, the Imperial Hotel (1861). The hotel is an early example of the French Second Empire Style and a predecessor to larger buildings in Bendigo of the same style, including the Shamrock Hotel and Town Hall. Fans of 1990s-2000s TV police drama Blue Heelers will recognise this buildings as the Imperial Hotel from the TV show. Castlemaine was widely used as the backdrop for the fictional town of Mount Thomas.
Continuing the walk, the next building is the Town Hall (1898) which would be impressive on its own but is surrounded by more distinguished neighbours.
After the Town Hall is Frederick St where you will turn right. On the opposite corner is a lovely wooden building, the Drill Hall (1889), which was originally used by the military.
FREDERICK ST: Walk the length of Frederick St to Templeton St where you will turn left.
TEMPLETON ST:
As you turn left, on the corner is the Fire Station dating from 1857. The station was moved to a modern complex only in the last 20 years.
The red brick building next to the fire station is the top floor of the stables used when the police occupied sections of this corner block from 1889.
Across the road the three adjoining buildings were the Salvation Army officers quarters, Citadel and barracks between 1885 and 1898.
Keep walking to the corner with Barker St. On the corner is the former State Savings Bank (1920). The original building on this site was a police station and the cells were incorporated into this building when it was constructed.
Crossover Barker St and continue along Templeton St. It is 230m from here to the train station.
The last building before the station is another impressive building, the Midland Hotel, which is still operating as a bar, restaurant and boutique accommodation. If you missed your train from looking at all the lovely buildings and have an hour to wait for the next train, why not pop in for a drink.
TRAIN STATION
PHOTO: Taken from the north end of the station you can see a steam train on platform 2. A large cast-iron water column for refilling the engine is also on the platform. The main building looks little changed after 160 years. Alfred Morris c1860. State Library of Victoria Collection
TRAIN TO MELBOURNE: Back on the train home. We hope you enjoyed your time in one of Victoria’s great regional towns. Check the train timetable on the PTV website:
KEEP TRAVELLING
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FAQs
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An overnight in Castlemaine is a perfect way to enjoy the town and slow down the pace a little. So we have two suggestions:
For the active traveller, do the Castlemaine Day Trip as shown on this page on day 1. Then on day 2 head into the bush on the Castlemaine Diggings Day Hike. This is a 16km hike in the goldfields and is full of history and lovely bushlands.
For more a leisurely experience have a look at our Castlemaine Weekender trip.
You can find a range of accommodation on the Castlemaine Tourism website or booking.com
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Train travel: $9.20
Lunch at The Mill: $20-50
Bromley Collection Entrance: $20
Afternoon beverage: $10
Total: $60-90
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