Castlemaine: A Product of the 1800's Gold Rush Era
The charming small town of Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia is situated in Australia's goldfields region, with gold being discovered in Specimen Gully on Barkers Creek in 1851. It was proclaimed a city in 1965 and since then has grown into a melting pot for art, sculptures, and paintings and the growth of the local food scene with the region's fresh produce and wineries. Castlemaine is best accessible from the Bendigo Airport (BXG), 29 miles away.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Castlemaine, Victoria is from late October to mid April. Tourism is at its peak in January, July, and March, and the lean season occurs in May. Visit in March to catch the Castlemaine State Festival or in June for the Castlemaine Jazz Festival. On its festivals, Castlemaine, AU hotels get fully book, so better book your accommodations early.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Explore the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park when in Castlemaine to discover relics of the Victorian gold rush era. Visit the Buda Historic Home & Garden from the gold rush years, featuring a collection of furniture, art, an aviary, grape pergola, and other artifacts from the Leviny family members. Take a trip on the authentic steam era train at Victorian Goldfields Railway or check out paintings and sculptures by Australian artists at the Castlemaine Art Museum's art deco gallery. The Empyre Boutique Hotel was built in the late 1800s and offers 6 sophisticated, well-equipped suites. Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast, a wine bar, library, and garden terrace. Just a stone's throw away from Forest Creek is the cozy Castle Motel with its basic equipped rooms, solar-heated outdoor pool, and playground.