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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hepburn Springs’ only historic Bathhouse, has been providing traditional wellness mineral bathing since 1895.
Drawing mineral rich waters directly from the natural source, this iconic bathhouse reconnects you with an array of mineral wellness experiences including indulgent 100% pure private mineral baths and a selection of specifically designed spa and bathing packages.
Explore the healing effects of mineral wellness in the facilities which include a relaxation pool, spa pool, an aroma steam room, magnesium salt therapy pool, creekside pool, walk-in cool down pool and spa couches submerged in mineral water, complemented by extensive relaxation decks.
From private healing mineral baths to signature rituals, steam therapies, massage therapies, facial therapies, body therapies and more, every treatment at the spa will rejuvenate and reinvigorate.
Relax, rejuvenate and explore. This region is home to over 80% of Victoria's Mineral Springs, famous for their stunning natural settings and healing waters. The Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve at Hepburn Springs was Australia’s first Mineral Reserve created in 1865 and houses the historic Bathhouse and Pavilion buildings.
Take some time out to rejuvenate and take the waters or explore one of the many walking trails that are found throughout the Reserve. Have a wander along the creek to each mineral spring and taste the famous mineral water from the pumps throughout the reserve. There are barbeque facilities, picnic areas and a playground, so why not spend the day. The historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa and Pavilion Cafe are located in the Mineral Springs Reserve.
For more information about walks from the Mineral Springs Reserve contact Parks Victoria. To book a mineral bathing session or a spa, contact the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa.
Cocooned away from busy daily life, the Mineral Spa is an idyllic restorative haven in the heart of Hepburn Springs. Over two decades it has become known for rejuvenating massage and body treatments and the iconic Retreat, a mineral water therapy zone overlooking the gardens at Mineral Springs Hotel.
The Retreat offers a restorative and intimate experience, opening to a maximum of nine adults at any one time, for 60 or 90 minute sessions. It includes hot mineral water spas, a cold plunge pool, steam room, infra-red detox box and basalt stone sauna.
Spa treatments include Mineral Rituals, facials, body treatments and massage, using either quality Sodashi or Pevonia skincare ranges. Seasoned therapists ensure that every guest experiences a high quality and personal spa experience.
The Mineral Spa is a relaxing sanctuary for those aged 16 and over. Bookings are essential and enquiries for private group bookings welcome. Guests are provided with a locker, shower amenities, towels and robes for their visit.
Experience the essence of an authentic Japanese country spa retreat at Shizuka Ryokan and Day Spa Retreat. Leave your cares at the door and step inside the world of traditional Japanese hospitality.
Soothe the mind, body and spirit with a range of luxurious spa and holistic wellness therapies for day spa visitors and residential guests alike. The indulgent menu includes massage, reflexology, facials, foot treats, body polish and wraps.
Inspired by Japan's ancient ryokan inns, which provided a haven for weary travellers, Shizuka Ryokan offers you a place for renewal of mind, body and spirit.
Also available is traditional accommodation and delicious cuisine. Set amid tranquil bushland in central Victoria's picturesque spa country, Shizuka Ryokan is fully authentic in every detail including its architecture, furnishings and gardens.
Couples, singles and small groups come to relax, indulge, rejuvenate and immerse in the romance and tranquillity. Shizuka Ryokan is also a unique venue for small community and corporate groups to conduct retreats, workshops and meetings.
Located in Hepburn Springs near Daylesford, it is a small piece of Japan thatis close to home, just a 75 minute drive from Melbourne.
For Australians, that is much more accessible than the long flight to Kyoto.
Art on Piper is a not-for-profit art collective based in the touristy art hub of Piper Street in Kyneton. This picturesque central Victorian town is only a one-hour drive (85 kilometres) from Melbourne's Central Business District.
The gallery consists of a dynamic group of artists showcasing a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, photography, sculpture, mosaic, glass, ceramics, origami, timber, textiles and many styles of jewellery and cards.
While on duty on a roster basis, each member is happy to chat about how they create their works, as most will be making their craft on the day, utilising their tools of the trade. Artists can be commissioned to customise your special requirements based upon samples.
Every month the talented artists contribute their interpretations of a new theme for the front window display expanding the impact and possibilities, sometimes linked to the town or area and other times with strong parameters.
A lovely light-filled guest room expands the offerings and interest for visitors and locals alike, with exhibitions featuring artists from outside of the region, bringing in a wider range of techniques and products.
