Cascade Art Gallery is an inviting, light-filled space in Maldon showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and diverse contemporary works. Here, you'll find a carefully curated selection of paintings, sculpture and works on paper from both emerging and established Australian artists.
Whether you're an avid collector or simply curious, Cascade Art offers inspiration, conversation, and a deeper connection to the creative spirit of the region. Home of the Maldon Portrait and Landscape Prize.
Located in and around the township of Maldon, the Maldon Historic Reserve protects many relics from the gold mining era - abandoned shafts and tunnels, mullock heaps, quartz roasting kilns, stone walls, chimneys and machinery - as well as the box and ironbark forests.
Before you go
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
Cairn Curran Reservoir is one of northern Victoria's most popular inland water destinations, offering expansive views, outdoor recreation and a relaxed country atmosphere near Maryborough.
Created in the mid‑20th century to support irrigation and water supply for the region, the reservoir is now valued just as highly for recreation and tourism. Set against wide open farmland and big skies, its vast shoreline creates a sense of space and tranquillity that invites visitors to slow down and unwind.
The reservoir is a well‑known spot for boating, fishing and kayaking, with species such as yellowbelly, redfin and trout attracting anglers year‑round. Scenic picnic areas and informal camping spots around the shoreline make it an ideal place to spend a day, or longer, enjoying the outdoors. At sunrise and sunset, the landscape comes alive with colour, birdlife and sweeping reflections across the water.
The Cairn Curran Reservoir complements nearby goldfields towns and heritage attractions, adding a nature‑based experience to the region's rich history. Whether stopping in for a peaceful picnic, casting a line, launching a boat or camping under the stars, Cairn Curran Reservoir offers visitors a refreshing lakeside escape and a compelling reason to extend their stay in the Central Goldfields.
The Newstead Arts Hub Inc is a community-run arts space situated in a renovated railway station in Newstead, Victoria.
They host exhibitions, community events and workshops. They have multiple gallery spaces, a workshop room, a garden, outdoor platform and event spaces. Their mission is to engage with the local community and visitors from the wider region.
The Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar — 2,500 square metres that plays host to multitudinous stallholders offering a diverse and eclectic edit of vintage magnificence. Plus, there is a smitter-smattering of central Victorian cleverness and handmade newness. So have a browse and you just may find that exact thing you weren’t looking for.
The Bazaar is part of The Mill, Castlemaine’s happy place. Opposite the Botanical Gardens, the site of the old Castlemaine Woollen Mill has been rejuvenated and is now a retail and leisure destination go-to zone for locals and visitors looking for retail and leisure. There is a roastery, cafe, makers of cheese, wine, chocolate, cured meats, brewery, bakery, ice cream magician, furniture and metal artisans and general office spaces for businesses. It’s humming alright.
Discover the unexpected around every corner at The Mill Castlemaine; home to more than 40 small businesses set in a reimagined 1870s woollen mill.
Experience Viennese opulence at Das Kaffeehaus, where lovingly-prepared sausages, schnitzels and strudels are partnered with rich brews, whipped up using beans from the on-site roastery.
Time-honoured techniques and carefully sourced ingredients come together to create high quality charcuterie at Oakwood Smallgoods Co. and organic artisan dairy products at Long Paddock Cheese.
Savour delicious handcrafted Cabosse & Feve Chocolates and authentic sourdough baked goods from Sprout Bakery. Enjoy a frosty treat at Icecream Republic, where flavours range from traditional to the avant-garde.
The Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing Co. offers craft beers, other beverages and tasty food. Boomtown Winemakers’ cellar door showcases Central Victorian grape varieties.
Browse the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar, a treasure trove of market-style spaces selling vintage, antique and hand-made goods, featuring the onsite makers.
Meander around the artisan precinct and observe artists in residence, exhibiting and running classes in quirky studio spaces.
The Mill Castlemaine is located 90 minutes north of Melbourne by road and rail and is opposite the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Open seven days a week, come and explore this part of Castlemaine’s vibrancy.
Tribe is a natural, sustainable, ethical and inspiring emporium, filled with handmade wares from local and overseas artisan makers.
From jewellery to homewares, botanical skincare to natural playthings and an array of crafting tools and materials.
A nurturing, slow shopping experience connecting you to nature and creativity.
Tribe, the perfect gift and so much more.
Victorian Goldfields Railway is an authentic volunteer run steam railway linking historic gold mining towns of Castlemaine and Maldon in Central Victoria.
Family fun - take the kids for a memorable day out. Watch the world go by from your family compartment as the steam train puffs up the hills.
First Class - for a touch of class step back in time to an era of elegance when the journey was as important as the destination. Ride on the end viewing platform on the parlour car. Enjoy a drink from the fully stocked bar.
Catch the train for a return trip from Castlemaine or Maldon stations. Castlemaine is 90 minutes from Melbourne by car on the Calder Freeway. For a wonderful day out, leave the car behind and use your Myki to catch the V/Line train from Melbourne to Castlemaine where you simply change platforms to catch the steam train.
After a leisurely 45 minute train ride you have time in historic Maldon to enjoy lunch at a pub or cafe and then relax on the train (maybe enjoying a drink from the bar in first-class) back to Castlemaine.
Trains run Sundays, Fridays and school holiday Saturdays. Visit the website for more information.
You're invited to visit the beautiful studio, gallery and garden of award-winning and nationally renown painter, printmaker and photographer, Michael Wolfe.
Michael's paintings seek to embody an enigmatic energy, blending gesture, improvisation and vigour to capture the raw essence of nature. Working with expressive brushwork and dynamic compositions to evoke the rhythms of the land, where chaos and order coexist harmoniously.
Inspired by the rolling hills and granite outcrops of Djaara country in Central Victoria, he's seeking to infuse his work with textures and colour, creating landscapes that feel alive and ever-changing. This intuitive approach to painting reflects nature's unpredictable beauty, inviting viewers into a world shaped by movement and emotion. Looking for each piece to resonate with spontaneity, making his art both immersive and evocative.
Founded in 1913, the Castlemaine Art Museum has a unique collection of Australian art, First Nations cultural material and historical artefacts reflecting the early history of the region.
Located on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in the foothills of Liyanganyuk Banyul, Castlemaine Art Museum (CAM) is a leading regional institution in the sphere of bold curation, bringing art and objects from the past and present into multilayered conversations, creating a dynamic, inclusive platform for First Nations and contemporary voices, community connections, reflections and ideas.
An interactive space to learn about the Dja Dja Wurrung history of the area.
Boorp Boorp Boondyil (passing knowledge to our children) invites people to share in Jaara stories and teachings, one of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.
This permanent cultural exhibition, located in the Castlemaine Market Building, will take you on a journey of learning about Jaara culture and connection with Country.
Experience a virtual Welcome to Country ceremony. Get interactive and discover Dja Dja Wurrung language and Jaara stories and teachings. Connect with nature and learn about bush foods, medicine, waterways and weavings.
Nestled in the heart of Castlemaine, Central Victoria, Buda is an authentic Goldfields villa house and garden. Named after Budapest by its Hungarian owner, Ernest Leviny, this historic home was the heart of the creative Leviny family for an incredible 118 years. Today, Buda remains a Museums Australia accredited museum, showcasing an extraordinary intact collection of furniture, artwork, and personal belongings.
Visitors are invited to step into another era as they explore the historic house, beautifully preserved with evidence of the arts and crafts style that flourished under the care of the Leviny daughters. The house brims with handcrafted items, metalwork light fittings, and embroidered soft furnishings, a testament to the family's artistic legacy.
Outside, Buda's three-acre heritage garden awaits, featuring original plantings and structures such as the bird aviary, tennis pavilion, and grape pergola. Unlike a typical display garden, Buda's garden is a living testament to the Leviny family's aspirations and the evolving climate of Central Victoria. With each season, the garden transforms, offering autumn's rich foliage, winter's structural beauty, spring's vibrant blooms, and summer's shady retreats.
Buda is open for self-guided tours daily from 12:00pm–4:00pm, with guided tours and catering available for groups by prior appointment. The Giftshop features unique items inspired by original Leviny designs, while the Plant Nursery offers heritage and drought-hardy plants, including specimens propagated from Buda's own garden.
Looking for somewhere uniquely Australian, wildly fun, and full of character? Woop Woop is your one-stop destination for a memorable day out. Have a good old laugh while learning the quirks of Aussie slang and culture.
Spread over five acres, are more than 100 Aussie Sculptures. Some depict plants, some depict sayings, some are very punny.
Woop Woop Mini Golf is their wacky nine-hole mini golf course full of surprises — and that's exactly the point. Some holes go up, some go down, some curve around trees, and most of them seem to have a mind of their own. It's designed so anyone can win, no matter your age or skill level. It's unpredictable, exciting, and seriously fun to play. Expect plenty of laughs, a few lucky shots, and that awesome feeling you get after doing something genuinely enjoyable.
You'll leave smiling, laughing, and feeling fulfilled.
To make the experience even better, your mini golf entry also includes access to their five acres of sculpture gardens to explore before or after your game.
Woop Woop is different by design — not polished and plastic, but playful, creative, a little unexpected. It's the kind of place where you slow down without trying, laugh without thinking, and leave with memories instead of just photos.
Rising 350 metres above the surrounding area, Mount Alexander Regional Park is a prominent landmark offering magnificent views and a natural forest setting for picnics and bushwalking. It also provides important habitat for several rare or threatened species.
Experience panoramic views of the surrounding area from Dog Rocks and Shepherd's Flat. The West Ridge walking track (four kilometres in length) links all the major lookouts and points of interest in the park.
Before you go
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
Explore the Victorian Goldrush at Castlemaine Diggings Heritage Park, in the heart of central Victoria's goldfields. This unique park is filled with reminders of the 1850s, where abandoned mines, gullies and settlements still lie hidden among shady Box-Ironbark woodlands.
The rush began in July 1851 and soon attracted tens of thousands of hopeful diggers. Within a year, Castlemaine was the world's richest shallow alluvial goldfield, with up to 60,000 people on the diggings. Today, the park lets you experience this golden past, from puddling machines and mine sites to historic house remains. Take a scenic drive through rolling hills, eroded gullies and historic townships, or explore the park on foot or by bike. Gentle riverside walks along the Loddon River are perfect for families, while the Goldfields Track offers a challenge for keen hikers and mountain bikers. Pack a picnic and relax at Vaughan Mineral Springs, where you'll find barbecues, shelters and grassy areas. Head to Kalimna Point for views from its forested ridgeline.
For nature lovers, Box-Ironbark woodlands are alive with birdlife, from local favourites to migratory species. Popular birdwatching spots include Eureka Reef, Vaughan Springs and Glenluce Spring.
Park conditions can change. Before visiting, check the park page on the Parks Victoria website for updates and review bushfire safety information. For fire danger ratings and Total Fire Bans, visit the Emergency Vic website.
This world-class mountain bike park has 34 kilometres of trails and features breathtaking mountain views and unique rock formations. The Dja Dja Wurrung people are the Traditional Owners of the country where the park is located. La Larr Ba Gauwa means stones and mountain in Dja Dja Wurrung language.
La Larr Ba Gauwa Park is in Harcourt, around 1.5 hours drive north of Melbourne.
All visitors are welcome at the park, with tracks available for walking and horseriding, however, the mountain bike trails are reserved for riders only.
There are 11 exciting cross-country trails in this park. Most are suited to riders with some experience, however there's also a great beginner track for anyone starting out. Make sure you ride to your abilities. There is no potable water on this trail network so please bring your own.
Visitors should park in the Harcourt township and walk or cycle the off-road bike path that runs besides Market Street up to the La Larr Ba Gauwa trailhead (approx 4km).
For visitors looking to make a weekend of it, Picnic Gully Campground is located within the park and has formalised camping spots, toilets and fire pits to enjoy. Camping here is free.
Harcourt Valley has many fantastic places to eat and drink, particularly for cider fans, so make time to stop in for a refreshment.
Tilly Aston Memorial Park is a quiet community park in Carisbrook, Victoria, dedicated to one of Australia's most inspiring advocates for people with vision impairment.
The park honours Matilda "Tilly" Aston, who was born near Carisbrook in 1873 and lost her sight at an early age. Despite this, she became a pioneering educator, writer and activist, playing a foundational role in the introduction of braille literacy and services for people who are blind across Australia. Her work had nationwide impact and continues to influence disability advocacy and inclusive education today.
Set within a peaceful, leafy setting, the memorial park provides a reflective place to pause and learn about Tilly Aston's remarkable life and achievements. Open lawn areas, shade trees and seating create a welcoming space for quiet rest, while interpretive elements acknowledge her strong connection to Carisbrook and the Central Goldfields region.
Located close to Carisbrook's historic township and within easy reach of nearby heritage attractions, Tilly Aston Memorial Park adds depth to the region's story — highlighting not only goldfields history, but also the individuals whose legacy extends far beyond their local community.
For visitors interested in social history, education and stories of determination, the park offers a meaningful and enriching stop when exploring the Central Goldfields.
Princes Park is one of Victoria's finest regional parks and a signature attraction in Maryborough, offering a blend of grand landscaping, recreational facilities and goldfields history.
Developed during the late 19th century at the height of Maryborough's prosperity, Princes Park reflects the civic pride of a flourishing gold rush town. Carefully designed avenues, mature trees and expansive lawns create a sense of scale rarely seen in regional parks, making it a standout destination within the Central Goldfields.
At the heart of the park is Lake Victoria, a picturesque ornamental lake that adds to the park's beauty and provides a peaceful setting for walking, relaxation and photography. A network of paths winds through the park, connecting open lawns, shaded picnic areas and key heritage features.
Princes Park is also home to notable historic structures including the Princes Park Grandstand, Memorial Gates and band rotunda. Sporting facilities, playgrounds and open spaces cater to both organised events and casual recreation, making the park popular with locals and visitors alike.
Regularly hosting community celebrations, sporting fixtures and seasonal events, Princes Park continues its long tradition as Maryborough's premier gathering place. Located close to the historic town centre, it complements nearby heritage attractions and gardens, encouraging visitors to linger and explore everything Maryborough has to offer.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery is a cultural facility of Central Goldfields Shire Council. The art gallery is situated in the picturesque and historic fire station built in 1862, an easy 15-minute walk from Maryborough railway station and a few blocks Maryborough's High street.
The gallery presents a varied exhibition program that showcases local and regional artists and includes touring exhibitions. A selection from the permanent collection is on display in the Cambrian Room. This growing collection includes works by artists of regional and national significance, such as Arthur Boyd, Pro Hart, Dean Bowen and Ray Crooke.
Textile art from the biennial Golden Textures acquisitive exhibition compliments the work from the existing collection. Community engagement is supported with an annual community art exhibition and local schools' VCE art and design.
If you would like to receive an invitation to the gallery's exhibitions, via email, please subscribe to their e-news. For further information on current exhibitions or to download a copy of the Gallery's program of exhibitions, visit the Gallery website.
Tour groups welcome by arrangement outside of the listed opening hours.
Goldfields Revegetation native nursery propagates and sells an extensive range of indigenous and native plants for all of your gardening needs.
They specialise in plants indigenous (local) to central and northern Victoria, but are addicted to native plants of all shapes, sizes and locations. Their favourite species are Eremophilas, Grevilleas, Correas, Banksias and Eucalypts.
The nursery has many hard-to-find and unusual plants, whether they are a collector's item, a bit fussy to grow, or rare or endangered. They also grow many edible natives, better known as bush foods.
The staff are passionate gardeners and native plant enthusiasts, and are available to assist you with all of your garden and landscaping queries including how to start with garden design, attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your garden or gardening with less water.
The nursery is surrounded by gardens, and you are welcome to enjoy a stroll through them to see the flowers, form and size of many of the plants, plus the birds and insects that love living here. Spring is the best time, but there is something in flower all year round.
You may even find them at an event or two such as the Seymour Alternate Farming Expo, Australian Plant Society (APS) flower/plant shows, Elmore Field Days or the Bolobek Garden Lovers Fair.
Phillips Botanical Gardens is a treasured heritage garden in the heart of Maryborough, Victoria, offering a peaceful retreat enriched by the town's goldfields history.
The gardens originated in 1860 when a mining dam on Maryborough's main lead was purchased by the Borough Council to supply water for firemen and horses. A reserve was added in 1861, and by 1872 the site had been designated a botanical reserve. Thoughtfully planned in 1875 and gazetted in 1879, the gardens reflect the civic ambition and prosperity of Maryborough during the gold rush era. The name honours Henry Neville Phillips, who served as Town Clerk from 1888 to 1935 and contributed significantly to the town's development.
Today, Phillips Botanical Gardens features an ornamental lake encircled by a walking track, shaded picnic areas and expansive lawn spaces ideal for relaxation, photography and family visits. A highlight is the greenhouse, home to a lush collection of tropical rainforest plants that can be admired year‑round.
Located within easy walking distance of Maryborough's historic town centre, the gardens form an important part of the town's heritage and nature trails, inviting visitors to slow down and enjoy the living legacy of the Central Goldfields region.
For stunning 360-degree views of the region, there's no better place than Bristol Hill Lookout. With a panoramic outlook reaching over the Pyrenees Ranges and across to Castlemaine and Mount Tarrengower, the lookout is also an important piece of local history.
Like many small towns, the Great Depression especially impacted Maryborough. The Unemployment Relief Committee secured funds to build the tower and provide jobs for many out of work locals. Works commenced in 1929 to commemorate the pioneers and the miners who were responsible for building the region. The site, once a scarred quartz hill known as Bristol Reef or Quartz Hill that operated during the gold rush, now houses the Tower. The bluestone steps were sourced from the old Maryborough Jail. Three plaques at the base have verses from Australian poet, Henry Lawson, referring to Australia's pioneers. Opening day was April 16 1933, and thousands of residents from Maryborough and beyond walked from the Civic Centre to the tower.
The tower was restored in 2024 by a community group called Friends of the Tower, together with the local Rotary Club. Today, it's well worth a visit to enjoy the beautiful view and memories of the pioneers.
Lalgambuk Mount Franklin is an extinct volcano situated 15 minutes' drive north of Daylesford. It's of special significant to the Djaara people and is jointly managed by Parks Victoria and Dja Dja Wurrung as part of Hepburn Regional Park.
It's a truly unique spot to visit for the day or stay overnight. The crater has been designated a free camping area and features a new communal shelter, seating area, and toilets. Note that there is no potable water available, and water for handwashing is only provided seasonally. There are a number of permanent fireplaces and picnic tables. Campfires are only permitted in steel fireplaces, so you may want to bring a portable firepit during peak periods to avoid disappointment. You must also bring your own firewood. Fire restrictions apply here when they are force in the surrounding region.
Lalgambuk is a beautiful spot to relax and immerse yourself in the array of seasonal colour on display. For more active visitors, the 1.7 kilometre Summit Loop walk is a fabulous experience. It will take you right around the crater rim, where you'll catch glimpses of the wider landscape between the towering conifers.
Only a 10-minute drive from Daylesford centre, Lavandula is a unique agritourism experience that blends heritage, hospitality, retail and regional tourism within one legacy property.
Set across 100 acres of European-inspired gardens, historic stone buildings and picturesque farmland, Lavandula invites visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the beauty and sensory richness of country life. More than simply a lavender farm, Lavandula is a curated tourism experience designed to inspire connection to land, produce and history.
Visitors can wander through expansive lavender fields and cottage gardens, discover artisan retail offerings and locally made products, dine within their hospitality venues, and experience a calendar of thoughtfully curated events that celebrate the seasons, regional produce and community. From long lunches and feast nights to weddings, private gatherings and family day trips, every visit to Lavandula is designed to feel memorable, generous and transportive.
With its blend of heritage architecture, natural beauty and premium visitor experiences, Lavandula has become one of regional Victoria's most beloved lifestyle and tourism destinations. They welcome guests from across Australia and beyond to experience a slower, more beautiful way of gathering and exploring.
