There are still plenty of gems to unearth in Castlemaine, a pretty goldfields town 90 minutes from Melbourne, where the grandeur of bygone days meets gentle touches of city life.
Located in the heart of Victoria’s ‘golden triangle’, between bigger cities Bendigo and Ballarat, Castlemaine (with a population around 7500) is hallmarked with architectural masterpieces, exquisite gardens, and a thriving arts and foodie culture. From the magnificent Theatre Royal, which opened in 1858 and the oldest theatre still in operation in mainland Australia, to the leafy 19th-century Botanic Gardens set around an ornamental lake, Castlemaine is a glimpse into the past with an eye on the future.
Whether it’s fossicking for antiques (or gold), taking the kids on the vintage steam train, catching a live show, browsing the boutiques, biking or hiking the goldfield trails, visiting one of the many artist studios or simply soaking up the ambience – a short holiday in Castlemaine will leave a lasting impression.
Restaurants in Castlemaine
Theatre Royal
As well as being a thriving cinema, Theatre Royal also serves up regional Italian-style fare including hand-stretched pizza and cocktails. The menu changes to suit local produce, and make sure to try a handmade choc top from Woodend Ice Cream Co before you leave!
Origini
This hole-in-the-wall café is a local institution. Small and squishy with old-school hospitality, it feels like being in the home of a long-lost Italian friend. The menu focuses on the simplicity of fresh ingredients and the daily cake selection is simply irresistible. Nabbing a table in the leafy courtyard is like winning a golden ticket. It’s best to book for traditional pizza night on Fridays.
Johnny Baker
A drive-through bakery may seem an unlikely fit for a small country town, however the early morning queues here say it all. Baguettes, tarts and pies sell like… well, hotcakes. But it’s the croissants that cause a frenzy. Chef John Stekerhofs uses Belgian butter to create the perfect pastry. Don’t miss out his drool-worthy signature almond croissants.
Wild
Located in an old fire station, Wild is Australian cuisine at its best. This rustic and intimate venue bases its menu around sharing plates which showcase the best local produce. With outdoor tables for casual groups, and indoor seats for a more catered experience, there’s something to suit any taste here.
Bars and cafes in Castlemaine
Boomtown Winemakers Co-operative
Here’s the thing about Castlemaine: it’s full of innovation and creativity. This is one of several unique experiences in The Mill precinct, a rambling red-brick former woollen mill. As an incubator for emerging winemakers, the cellar door is a great place to sup small-batch wines that reflect the terroir of the region. On Fridays and Saturdays, the bistro is open with a menu that changes weekly to reflect the best local produce.
The Bridge Hotel Castlemaine
Pull up a stool and you’ll be in great company here. This is the type of drinking hole everyone wants as their local hangout – unpretentious and authentic. With an emphasis on handcrafted produce, there’s a selection of local beers and ciders on tap in addition to wines from regional vineyards. The beer garden thrives on sunny days and the gig guide showcases Aussie talent.
Das Kaffeehaus
This slice of Europe in country Victoria is the brainchild of Austrian couple Elna Schaerf-Trauner and Edmund Schaerf. At this Viennese-style coffee house, step inside the ballroom-sized space and waltz back in time surrounded by gilt-framed mirrors hanging above red leather banquettes, marble-topped tables with café chairs and, the pièce de résistance, a magnificent teardrop chandelier. Its 100 per cent Arabica coffee is roasted and blended in small batches onsite using traditional methods.
Looking for the best vineyards to visit in Victoria? Click here.
