Produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Visit Victoria.
This regional gold-rush-era town is now a hub of produce makers, artists, markets, fine food and drink. Here's our guide to Castlemaine.
In mid-1851 one of the largest alluvial gold deposits in the world was discovered beneath the fertile soils of Dja Dja Wurrung country in Central Victoria. Soon 25,000 diggers were living in the area, and the town of Castlemaine swiftly transitioned from a valley of native bushland to a gold-rush tent city, and then Euro-grid town. Many of these 19th-century buildings are still standing today.
The surrounding fields, orchards and vineyards now brim with high quality produce, so many of the town’s cafes and restaurants champion local produce. Similarly, in the past six years the town has grown from harbouring just a handful of espresso machines to dozens.
Colloquially known as “Northcote North”, Castlemaine has lured and nurtured a slew of creatives over the years. They are drawn by the town’s supportive community of artists, musicians, designers and makers, and its leafy landscape. Vintage items and antiques have a stronghold too, and there are pastries and pastas to soak up the many locally made drinks.
Castlemaine is a 90-minute drive north-west of Melbourne up the Calder Freeway, and about the same if you take the V/Line from Southern Cross Station.
Produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Visit Victoria.
Learn more about partner content on Broadsheet.Welcome to Castlemaine
EAT
From plentiful pastries, to seasonal lunch fare and hearty dinners by a fireplace, Castlemaine oversupplies on the delicious food front.
Peddling Pastry
Shop
Start your day with pastries and a remarkable cup of coffee.
The Governor's Cafe
Cafe
Excellent eats with a view of the town from the Old Gaol.
Johnny Baker
Shop
It’s first in, best fed at this drive-through patisserie.
Fig
Cafe
Mum-style cooking next to the fireplace.
Public Inn
Restaurant
Euro-bistro eats and a fun wine concept.
DRINK
Round out local wine and cider tastings with a cleansing ale at one of the town’s many drinking establishments.
Margot Wine Bar
Bar
Your favourite lounge room wine bar in the country.
The Bridge Hotel
Bar
Noteworthy live music and Collingwood-esque pub grub.
Bress Wine, Cider and Produce
Bar
Biodynamic wine tastings and long lunches among the barrels.
Das Kaffeehaus
Cafe
There’s lots to sip at this creative precinct.
Boomtown Winery Co-op
Bar
A community-driven winery and cellar door.
Shedshaker Brewing
Bar
The town’s one and only brewery.
DO
Musicians, artists, makers and producers all gather under reinvigorated historic roofs in this creative community.
Castlemaine Farmers and Artists Markets
There are two must-visit markets in Castlemaine, both held on the same day each month. On the first Sunday of the month, Castlemaine Farmers Market offers fresh produce from the Mount Alexander Shire region and beyond.
STAY
From a quiet bush retreat, to a vintage bed and breakfast above a recording studio, there’s plenty of intriguing sleeping quarters around town. Check out even more places to stay in Castlemaine.
The Diggers Store
Accommodation
A cosy B&B; in a converted 1850s stable.
Riversdale Retreat
Accommodation
A private bushland retreat in quaint Chewton.
Itinerary
Winter Getaway in Castlemaine
Comforts abound in this hub of agricultural and creative talent. A winter-ready town, Castlemaine provides numerous opportunities to huddle up by a fireplace – with cake at a cafe, whisky at a bar or at your lodgings.
Produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Visit Victoria.
