Castlemaine

Castlemaine is a beautiful historic town in the Goldfields Region of Victoria.  During our trip we stayed our caravan at the BIG4 Caslemaine Gardens Holiday Park.  This park is in a lovely setting alongside the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens – in fact it was once part of the gardens and the original greenhouse sits beside the reception. Reception is housed in part of an old cottage from the Botanical Gardens and other old buildings around the park have been renovated to be given another purpose. This is a very friendly, welcoming place to stay.

Here are some of the things we did during our time in Castlemaine:

• The Mill Castlemaine - an old woollen mill which is being restored and houses various outlets  including a Vintage Bazaar, fresh fruit and vegetable shop, cafe, wine bar and brewery. Public toilets are available at The Mill
• Castlemaine Brewing Company  to enjoy a tasting paddle of their locally brewed products.
• Wesley Hill Community Markets held every Saturday from 7:30 am to 1 pm opposite the Albion Hotel on the Pyrenees Highway  - very interesting
• Visitor Information Centre in the old Market Building - built about 1862  
• took a walk past the historic building around town
• Restorers Barn – what an amazing shop if you are renovating an old house or just want something retro.   
• Blue Sea Fish Shop on Mostyn Street -  great grilled Blue Grenadier 
• Saffs café at 64 Mostyn Street – very popular.
• Railway Hotel for a drink – great local beer and cider
• trip to Maldon on the Victorian Goldfields Railway – an authentic steam railway   Maldon was declared by the National Trust as Australia’s first Notable Town The historic shop fronts remain the same and there are many interesting shops.  
• walk around the botanical gardens - award winning children's playground, public toilets 
• Castlemaine Gaol for a guided tour with Christina – what a great knowledge of the place, it’s history and inmates.  
• The Governor's Café which has outdoor and indoor seating at the old Castlemaine Gaol - great friendly service 

There are plenty of thins to see and do so I suggest you spend a few days.