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Mount Alexander Regional Park

National Parks and Reserves

Mount Alexander Regional Park

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.

Harcourt VIC

1.5 km away

Play golf in this awesome setting! The kookaburras will cheer you on. The kangaroos will hop past. — Image credit: Judy Gleeson

Amusement and Theme Parks

Woop Woop Mini Golf and Sculpture Gardens

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.

Harcourt VIC

1.5 km away

Werpil Views — Image credit: State Government of Victoria

Natural Attractions

La Larr Ba Gauwa Park

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.

Harcourt North VIC

2.2 km away

Front of Buda Historic Home — Image credit: Buda Historic Home and Garden

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Buda Historic Home and Garden Castlemaine

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.

Castlemaine VIC

7.4 km away

Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar

Shopping and Markets

Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar

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.

Castlemaine VIC

7.6 km away

Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar — Image credit: Bendigo Regional Tourism

Entertainment Venues

The Mill Castlemaine

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.

Castlemaine VIC

7.6 km away

Michael Wolfe Studio

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Michael Wolfe Studio

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.

Castlemaine VIC

7.9 km away

Goldfields Explorer - Steam Train — Image credit: Victorian Goldfields Railway

Entertainment Venues

Victorian Goldfields Railway

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.

Castlemaine VIC

8.3 km away

Castlemaine Art Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Castlemaine Art Museum

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.

Castlemaine VIC

8.4 km away

Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition View — Image credit: Mount Alexander Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition

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.

Castlemaine VIC

8.4 km away

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park

National Parks and Reserves

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park

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.

Chewton VIC

8.8 km away

Tribe Castlemaine — Image credit: Angela Rosemann

Shopping and Markets

Tribe Castlemaine

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.

Castlemaine VIC

10 km away

Maldon Historic Reserve — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Maldon Historic Reserve

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.

Maldon VIC

17 km away

Pippa looking at Dean Bowen's prints and paintings — Image credit: Cascade Art Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Cascade Art Gallery

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.

Maldon VIC

17 km away

Scruffy checking out the range of native plants

Parks and Gardens

Goldfields Revegetation native nursery

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.

Mandurang VIC

21 km away

View of the Newstead Arts Hub — Image credit: Newstead Arts Hub Inc

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Newstead Arts Hub

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.

Newstead VIC

22 km away

Small group sessions and retreats are our specialty — Image credit: Heart of the Horser

Natural Attractions

Heart of the Horse

At Heart of the Horse, they offer heart-led healing experiences through connection with horses in the most beautiful peaceful natural setting in Drummond North in Central Victoria. Guests can enjoy individual two hour sessions, small group experiences curated to your requirements, and unique immersive wellness retreats designed to support relaxation, self-discovery, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. Currently Heart of the Horse is the only residential healing retreat with horses in Australia. Individual and small group sessions can be booked directly via email. One, three and five-day retreats are available to book online through the Whats On calendar on the front page of the Heart of the Horse website. Heart of the Horse is on the outskirts of Malmsbury and 20 minutes from many wonderful towns in Victoria's Heartland - Daylesford, Kyneton and Castlemaine.

Drummond North VIC

24 km away

Cairn Curran Reservoir — Image credit: Central Goldfields Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Cairn Curran Reservoir

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.

Baringhup VIC

25 km away

Vintage Talking Tram in front of Cathedrak — Image credit: Bendigo Tramways

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bendigo Tramways Vintage Talking Tram

Whether you're in Bendigo for a few days or just have an hour to spare, a Vintage Talking Tram Tour is the quickest way to get your bearings, learn about Bendigo's history and see the city's key landmarks and monuments. You'll be delighted by the wide streetscapes and grand architecture of Bendigo as your tram shares entertaining stories about the city founded on one of the world's richest goldfields. This hop-on, hop-off tour stops throughout the city allowing you to explore many of the parks, attractions, shopping and dining facilities that Bendigo has to offer. Tickets are valid for one day of travel. The current tram timetable is available on the Bendigo Tramways website. You can also experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive one of Bendigo's iconic heritage trams. Sit in the driver's seat, grasp the controls, and let the gentle sway of the tram transport you, not just through Bendigo, but through time itself. Visit their website for more information on the experience and for tickets and bookings.

Bendigo VIC

26 km away

Mine Experience Tour — Image credit: Bendigo Heritage

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Central Deborah Gold Mine

At Central Deborah Gold Mine you have the unique opportunity to explore an authentic gold mine that successfully operated during the gold rush boom, extracting 929 kilograms of gold. Don a hard hat to descend 61 metres underground on a guided Mine Experience Tour. Explore the honeycomb of underground tunnels, discover what conditions as a miner were really like, witness traditional mining equipment in action and see gold in its natural state. This 75 minute tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for children aged three years and over. Dominated by a huge 22 metre high poppet head, the surface of the mine is a highlight in itself. Step inside heritage-listed buildings which were essential to the mine’s operation, including the old Blacksmith's Shop, the First Aid Room, Carbide Lamp Room and the impressive Engine Room.

Bendigo VIC

26 km away

Science of toys exhibit — Image credit: Discovery Science & Technology Centre

Amusement and Theme Parks

Discovery Science and Technology Centre

The Discovery Science and Technology Centre is uniquely placed to break down barriers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics participation, providing hands-on learning experiences to inspire curiosity in people of all ages. It is also home to a brand new, state of the art planetarium. A planetarium for Bendigo, by Bendigo. The Discovery Science and Technology Centre features over 100 hands-on exhibits, a 7.5 meter tall vertical slide, and Roary - their 2.5 metre tall and very chatty Tyrannosaurus Rex. For the past 30 years, the centre has given people the opportunity and confidence to be active, engaged citizen scientists and to nurture the next generation of confident, creative thinkers.

Bendigo VIC

26 km away

Sacred Heart Cathedral — Image credit: Jason Taverner

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of Australia's largest churches and the second tallest after St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne. It is an exceptionally large church for a provincial city cathedral in Australia and its construction was made possible chiefly through the estate of Henry Backhaus - 1811-1882, a German from Paderborn and the first Catholic priest on the Bendigo goldfields. Backhaus was very skilled in financial matters and accumulated considerable property - not least through encouraging his gold-mining parishioners to contribute some of their findings to the work of the church. Backhaus left his wealth for the benefit of the church and enabled the cathedral, among other things, to be built. Sacred Heart Cathedral is now the principal Church of the Diocese of Sandhurst and the home Church of the Cathedral Parish serving the people of central and north west parts of the city of Bendigo and many visitors to the church and the city.

Bendigo VIC

26 km away

Nautilus - BENDIGO'S MOST IMMERSIVE ESCAPE ROOM

Amusement and Theme Parks

Cryptorium Bendigo

In the heart of Bendigo city, the Cryptorium is a unique space that combines adventure, coffee and socialising - not just an escape room, but an unlocked moment for modern urbanises. After a stressful day at work, or on a special day, the escape rooms and social gathering services offer a chance to escape stress and rekindle passion. Whether you're navigating the machinery of the steampunk-inspired Nautilus submarine or uncovering the chilling secrets hidden within the haunted Blackthorn House, each room features captivating themed environments and is packed with engaging puzzles.

Bendigo VIC

27 km away

Contemporary art spaces — Image credit: Bendigo Art Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Bendigo Art Gallery - Temporarily Closed

Established in 1887, Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the oldest and largest regional galleries in Australia. Bendigo Art Gallery has developed a reputation for an outstanding national and international exhibition program. Bendigo Art Gallery's collection is extensive and varied. It includes Australian painting, sculpture, ceramics, decorative arts, photography, works on paper from the 19th century to the present day. The Collection also includes important 19th century British and European paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Some of the highlights of the contemporary collection include works of art by Patricia Piccinini, Bill Henson, Dale Frank, Jan Nelson, Fiona Hall, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Kit Webster and Benjamin Armstrong. Bendigo Art Gallery delivers a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events alongside significant international and travelling exhibitions, attracting diverse audiences from across Victoria, and from metropolitan Melbourne. Bendigo Art Gallery is currently closed to commence a major redevelopment. While construction is underway, the Gallery's creative program continues across Bendigo, including the 2026 exhibition CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks (3 March–29 November 2026) at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre. Stay tuned for more exhibitions, events and activations throughout the city, and subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive updates directly to your inbox.

Bendigo VIC

27 km away

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