Travel Guide: Get Cosy In Castlemaine

Get out into the Goldfields region of Victoria’s central west this winter, settling into the cosy culturally rich town of Castlemaine.

A hub for hospitality and a cocoon of creativity, Castlemaine is the perfect place to indulge all of the senses. Museums, historic venues, quaint boutiques and elevated dining make up the town centre whilst the landscape lends itself to stunning views, curated gardens and nature walks.

Whether you’re up for a day trip, a weekend stay or a restful retreat, Castlemaine has all of the comforts needed to get you out of the house.

STAY

be&be 

37 Farnsworth Street, Castlemaine

Look to the highest hill of the Castlemaine to find be&be. This site boasts three unique spaces; two sleek, minimalistic designed studios, adding to the original heritage 1856 home, called Castle House, as built by architect and town surveyor William Downe, and restored in 2007. With 360 degree views of the tranquil township, be&be is a stunning retreat in the region.

 

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The Northern Arts Hotel

359 Barker Street, Castlemaine

An arts lovers oasis. The Northern Arts Hotel has rave reviews from none other than Australian music royalty Kate Ceberano thanks to its eclectic interiors and authentic atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Castlemaine, The Northern Arts Hotel also houses The salon-style performance space, The Coolroom. 

 

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EAT & DRINK

Lazy Bones Cafe

31 Templeton Street

Designed as a sanctuary for curious culture explorers to reset between arts adventures, Lazy Bones Cafe offers a scrumptious palette of subtle Spanish inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch treats. Their colourful courtyard is umbrellaed by branches, adding to the peaceful vibe.

 

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Shedshaker Brewing

9 Walker Street

Shedshaker Brewing is a microbrewery nestled into The Mill Castlemaine. Welcoming in a regular craft beer community for paddles of pours, plates of sharing selections, pizza, pasta, and pumping live music, Shedshaker’s Taproom is a favourite for a good time.   

 

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Bar Midland

Shop ½ Templeton Street

14 guests per night and a set menu makes Bar Midland the most exclusive eatery in Castlemaine. Freshness is the primary focus of their food preparation, using organic, bio-dynamic, and regenerative food production, and the inclusion of indigenous food to develop a delectable dining experience. Bar Midland were a finalist for regional restaurant of the year at the Good Food Guide for 2024, allowing them to retain their hat. 

 

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SHOP

Merchants of Mostyn

107 Mostyn Street

An eclectic mix of vintage pieces, handcrafted wares from local and regional based designers and upcycled decor, Merchants of Mostyn is a diggers delight. Gifting and finding unique pieces for the home are the aim of the Merchants of Mostyn shopping experience, allowing you to take home a piece of the creativity of Castlemaine. 

 

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The Mill Castlemaine

1/9 Walker Street

The Mill Castlemaine is a precinct where artisan adventurers and foodies collide. The reimagined 1870’s wool mill houses over 70 artisan makers ranging from furniture, bath soaks, perfumery, sustainable clothing, floristry, and mosaics, along with an indulgent food division. Step into  Viennese coffee house and roaster, Das Kaffeehaus, sugar-load at Cabosse & Feve Chocolates, share a beer at Shedshaker Brewery, and pull into Long Paddock Cheese. You’ll need plenty of shopping bags and room in your stomach for this visit.

 

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Stoneman’s Bookroom

101 Mostyn Street

Print is not dead and books breathe life at Stoneman’s Bookroom in Castlemaine. The corner shop in the town centre is pillared with books upon books. From classic literature to emerging authors, Stoneman’s promotes all parts of the publishing world.

 

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SEE

Market Building Art

Historic Market Building, 44 Mostyn Street

Market Building Art is a space to witness 

Their current exhibition runs until 5 October, featuring works from over 170 artists, with 300 works across multiple mediums. 

 

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Castlemaine Art Museum

14 Lyttleton Street

Castlemaine Art Museum (CAM) is one of regional Victoria’s most dynamic art spaces. Founded in 1913 and housed in a purpose-built Art Deco building, CAM is both an art gallery and museum, displaying some of Australia’s most significant artworks, artifacts and collections. With three exhibitions currently running, including a legacy collection for local artist, Sir Leslie Thornton: Castlemaine Art Museum’s First Blockbuster, CAM consistently curates impeccable arts experiences and public programs.

 

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Theatre Royal

30 Hargraves Street

Royal by name and by nature, Theatre Royal in Castlemaine is one of the oldest and most dynamic venues in the Southern Hemisphere. Music, cinema, bar and bottle shop, Theatre Royal regularly hosts some of the world’s most exciting acts. Their resume also matches their name with rock royalty You Am I, Frenzel Rhomb, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Pseudo Echo and more gracing the stage. August sees their calendar filled with Northlane, Pete Murray, Diesel, and more.

 

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EXPLORE

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

2 Walker Street

It’s un-Australian to head out regionally and not visit the town’s Botanical Gardens. The Castlemaine Botanical Gardens are no exception. Carved out of the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people and fenced off in 1860 in the heat of Victoria’s gold rush, these gardens are historically significant as one of the oldest regional gardens. The beauty of the gardens shines brightly with native and rare trees, plants and species including tall oaks and pines, whilst a highlight of the garden walk is the tranquil Lake Joanna.

 

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Buda Historic Home and Garden

42 Hunter Street

Equally important to the innovative creative community of Castlemaine is preservation and celebration of their gold rush roots. Buda Historic Home and Garden is a prime example of this period as an authentic goldfields villa house and garden. The home is a timestamp, set up as a museum to tell the stories of the area and the Leviny family owners, and the three acres of heritage garden has picturesque views and features, including a bird aviary, tennis pavilion and grape pergola. 

 

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Castlemaine checks off all of the criteria for an immersive, culturally rich getaway.

Find out more about Castlemaine here.