Explore & Experience the Best Things to Do in Castlemaine

Just an hour and a half from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, central Victoria's Castlemaine’s sleepy lifestyle is anything but dull, with a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities lending itself perfectly to year-round weekend getaways.

With a lively arts precinct, dreamy botanical gardens, thrift stores and quality bars and eateries, this cultural hub in regional Victoria is just begging to be explored.

A stone's throw away from misty Mt Franklin and Daylesford, Castlemaine remains one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets within two hours of the city, so to make the most of your time, we've rounded up the best things to do in Castlemaine.

Johnny Baker

Milkshakes, fresh banana bread, cinnamon scrolls, croissants and Italian cakes are the order of the day at Johnny Baker, a one-stop shop for baked goods and quality coffee in Castlemaine.

With an Uptown and Downtown location, it's never been easier to get your morning cuppa Joe, paired best with a sweet treat. It's not all sweets though - the Uptown location has lunch sorted with everyone's favourite regional cuisine - savoury meat pies, quiche and sausage rolls.

359 Baker Street & 46 Forest Street, Castlemaine

Run, Rabbit, Run

The cosiest and quirkiest cafe in town, Run, Rabbit, Run is an easy choice for a scrumptious breakfast. Fuel your day of exploring with brunch classics like corn fritters, egg and bacon brekkie burgers, croissants and milkshakes, and order a barista-made coffee to go.

Upstairs, discover a haven of vintage gowns and browse the eclectic mix of trinkets and goodies to purchase - an excellent spot for a bite to eat and some gift shopping for a friend... or yourself.

24 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine

Origini

For a hearty plate of authentic, regional Italian cuisine, make a booking at Origini. The tiny restaurant is passionate about serving Northern Italian along with friendly smiles, a welcoming atmosphere and good times. 

Nabbing a table inside is no easy feat during winter, but come summertime, the charming courtyard out the back is the place to be. Transporting you to an Italian trattoria, indulge in tasting platters with quality meat and cheese, fresh pasta, Italian flatbread and bruschetta.

213 Barker Street, Castlemaine

Lazy Bones Cafe

In a small town proud of its history and tradition, it's tricky being the new kids on the block, but Lazy Bones Cafe is quickly gaining the trust of the Castlemaine locals thanks to its fresh offering and friendly, easygoing service.

The modern space still has the homey vibe this town is known for, but the dishes breathe new life into the cafe scene, with the likes of chilli scramble with goat's cheese, egg and mortadella sandos and potato gnocchi with pangrattato and green peas. For an afternoon treat, a coffee and a freshly baked muffin from the cabinet make the perfect pair.

31 Templeton Street, Castlemaine

Bar Midland

Bar Midland is the platonic ideal of a regional restaurant, refusing to put anything that isn’t grown or produced in Victoria on the menu. They see themselves as a love letter to our great state, celebrating organic and regenerative growers, edible weeds and wild animals.

Book a seat in their intimate 17-seat dining room to experience farmed, foraged, fresh and fermented ingredients in joyful dishes alongside phenomenal wines.

Shop 1 / 2 Templeton Street, Castlemaine

Wild

Cleverly converting an old fire station into one of the best restaurants in town, Wild serves delicious meals, great wine and cold beers in a casual setting. Focusing on fresh produce and good times, Wild is a popular spot for a quick drink or a longer meal with family and friends.

The menu is everything we love about modern Australian dining, utilising the best meat and vegetables available for quality and freshness. Start with marinated olives and baked Jerusalem artichokes before digging into roasted chicken with grilled vegetables or pork belly with cabbage. Save room for dessert - the warm chocolate chip cookie is to die for!

26A Templeton Street, Castlemaine

Love Shack Brewing

If you love Art Deco interiors, old-fashioned country hospitality, great beer and pub grub, say hi to the gang at Love Shack Brewing! Grabbing your attention from the moment you spot its funky, retro exterior from the street, it only gets better once through the doors.

The food menu gives bistro meals a little glow up, with fried popcorn chicken, broccolini with toasted almonds and the eggplant parmigiana getting our tick of approval, and the drinks menu covers beer, wine, spirits and cocktails.

26 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine

SuperHero Banh Mi

Whether you're passing through on a road trip and need a quick bite, or are staying for the weekend and craving some Vietnamese goodness, the banh mi rolls and bao buns at SuperHero Banh Mi are legendary.

Appropriately named, these babies will assist with hangovers and hungry stomachs, and the generous bun salads offer a refreshing option. Using family recipes and ingredients from the garden, this is as fresh as it gets!

Enter at Forrest Street, 12 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine

The Mill

An artisanal wonderland for collectors and foodies, The Mill Castlemaine stands proud in a history that dates back to 1875. Today, The Mill is overflowing with everything from vintage markets and local makers of clothing, furniture and art to small-batch beer, wine and coffee production. In other words: seek, and you shall find at this Castlemaine artist market!

Nestled within Castlemaine’s heritage streetscapes is a thrifter’s utopia. From miscellaneous goodies to art deco furniture, The Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar at The Mill is 1800sqm of pure vintage bliss. 

After you shop up a storm and build up an appetite, Boomtown Wine, Ice Cream Republic and Sprout Bakery are on hand.

9 Walker Street, Castlemaine

Castlemaine Botanic Gardens

Expect to find the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens abuzz on a sunny summer's day. These beautiful gardens provide an oasis for visitors and locals, with native flowers, tea rooms, a gorgeous ornamental lake in Lake Joanna, walking paths and expansive lawns.

Families frequent the park, with BBQ facilities, a children's playground and well-kept facilities providing space for a wholesome day out.

Corner or Parker Street and Downes Road, Castlemaine

Theatre Royal

Live music may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Castlemaine, but the historic Theatre Royal provides a monthly program of local music acts and fantastic films.

More than a spot to be entertained by music and movies, Bistro Lola serves beer, wine, cocktails and pizza from the theatre, and believe us when we say this is some of the best pizza you will find in the region - the dough is hand-stretched and fermented for 48 hours, after all. For something sweet, classic choc tops always hit the spot!

30 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine

Explore the Gold Rush Era

If you consider yourself a history buff, you will love a ride on the Victorian Goldfields Railway when you visit Castlemaine! Hop aboard the old-fashioned steam train and enjoy the journey from Castlemaine to Maldon as you travel through central Victorian Goldfields.

For a closer look at the historical sites, visit the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, which at one point was the richest goldfield in the world. Explore historic homes, enjoy bushwalking and wildflowers, try historic gold digging techniques and learn about Victoria's Gold Rush in guided tours.

Castlemaine Culture

Founded in 1913, Castlemaine Art Museum (CAM) proudly displays a curation of exhibitions demonstrating past and present art and history in the region. This inclusive gallery celebrates First Nations voices, Australian artwork and community connections in its dynamic space.

A permanent collection of over 2000 artworks and 4000 artefacts and a stellar rotation of temporary exhibitions make CAM one of regional Victoria's most important museums. Historical significance and an art gallery rolled into one, set aside an afternoon to step back in time.

14 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine

Be&Be

There's nothing like curling up with a glass of red in a cosy abode after a day in Castlemaine, and Be&Be provides nothing but comfort in their two standalone studios overlooking the town.

Studio One is a thoughtfully renovated 1970s home filled with character across two storeys, while the newer Studio Two is a space that's all bespoke timber furniture, endless natural light and stunning views. Each has everything you need to feel right at home. 

And we didn't mention the best part - Be&Be is pet-friendly, so your furry friend can enjoy the good life, too!

Book your stay with Be&Be

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If our guide to the best things to do in Castlemaine has you dreaming of a country escape, you'll love our picks of the best farm stays and most romantic getaways in Victoria!

Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.