Tania's Guidebook To Castlemaine
Food scene
Castlemaine has a wonderful array of fresh, locally made and sourced dining and drinking options, you’ll wish you had more time to stop in and visit them all!!
The best bakery in Castlemaine in our opinion!! The cauliflower and cheese pie is our favourite, and the pastries are amazing!
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Johnny Baker
46 Forest StreetThe best bakery in Castlemaine in our opinion!! The cauliflower and cheese pie is our favourite, and the pastries are amazing!
You’ll feel like you’re travelled all the way to Italy when you eat at this little gem! Sit out in the courtyard and sip on a wonderful coffee or grab some authentic Italian style cafe meals!
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Origini Cafe
213 Barker StYou’ll feel like you’re travelled all the way to Italy when you eat at this little gem! Sit out in the courtyard and sip on a wonderful coffee or grab some authentic Italian style cafe meals!
This pretty little gem on the outskirts of Castlemaine is part nursery, part cafe. Take a seat in the beautifully landscaped gardens with a book, order yourself a coffee and cake or a delicious meal (we love their quiche!) and when you’re done, indulge your green thumb and browse the nursery.
The Green Folly
120 Duke StreetThis pretty little gem on the outskirts of Castlemaine is part nursery, part cafe. Take a seat in the beautifully landscaped gardens with a book, order yourself a coffee and cake or a delicious meal (we love their quiche!) and when you’re done, indulge your green thumb and browse the nursery.
A must visit for a fun, quirky and tasty German-style meal (hello bratwurst!). Very nice coffee too! Located in The Mill precinct.
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Coffee Basics Das Kaffeehaus
9 Walker StA must visit for a fun, quirky and tasty German-style meal (hello bratwurst!). Very nice coffee too! Located in The Mill precinct.
A cafe which is always full of locals is a good sign. And Saff’s is always full of locals! Grab a great coffee or a tasty cafe style meal right in the heart of castlemaine on historic Mostyn Street. Sit indoors in the cute and quirky cafe or out the back in the pretty courtyard if the weather is nice!
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Saffs Cafe
64 Mostyn StA cafe which is always full of locals is a good sign. And Saff’s is always full of locals! Grab a great coffee or a tasty cafe style meal right in the heart of castlemaine on historic Mostyn Street. Sit indoors in the cute and quirky cafe or out the back in the pretty courtyard if the weather is nice!
A friendly local art cafe serving up organic meals in a quirky little vintage styled space - half art gallery, half cafe! Focusing on community engagement and promoting local artists and makers, your visit to Cream Town will be much more than just your stock standard brunch! Enjoy your meal in the pretty little courtyard out the back.
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Cream Town
79 Barker StA friendly local art cafe serving up organic meals in a quirky little vintage styled space - half art gallery, half cafe! Focusing on community engagement and promoting local artists and makers, your visit to Cream Town will be much more than just your stock standard brunch! Enjoy your meal in the pretty little courtyard out the back.
Right in the centre of town, they do good coffee and tasty modern cafe meals! Breakfast pancakes are my personal fave!
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Run, Rabbit, Run
24 Hargraves StRight in the centre of town, they do good coffee and tasty modern cafe meals! Breakfast pancakes are my personal fave!
An excellent accompaniment to your night out at Theatre Royal, Lola is a trendy and delicious restaurant right beside the theatre. Great for a mouth-watering pizza and a few drinks before your show.
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Lola - Pizza Bar & Bottleshop
30 Hargraves StAn excellent accompaniment to your night out at Theatre Royal, Lola is a trendy and delicious restaurant right beside the theatre. Great for a mouth-watering pizza and a few drinks before your show.
Authentic and trendy Vietnamese food just as good as I’ve had in Vietnam!! Great for if you want some lunch on the run in the heart of town.
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Super Hero Banh Mi Vietnamese Restaurant
12 Hargraves StreetAuthentic and trendy Vietnamese food just as good as I’ve had in Vietnam!! Great for if you want some lunch on the run in the heart of town.
Just out of Castlemaine in Chewton, this place has a beautiful outdoor courtyard with really good pub grub! Worth a visit :)
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Red Hill Hotel,
163 Main RdJust out of Castlemaine in Chewton, this place has a beautiful outdoor courtyard with really good pub grub! Worth a visit :)
For a very special dinner, you can’t go past the recent fine dining addition to Castlemaine, Bar Midland. Priding themselves on sourcing local organic and bio-dynamic ingredients for their set menus, you will be taken on an incredible culinary journey throughout your degustation, with exquisite drinks to match. They are only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, and booking in advance is a must!
Bar Midland
2 Templeton StreetFor a very special dinner, you can’t go past the recent fine dining addition to Castlemaine, Bar Midland. Priding themselves on sourcing local organic and bio-dynamic ingredients for their set menus, you will be taken on an incredible culinary journey throughout your degustation, with exquisite drinks to match. They are only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, and booking in advance is a must!
You wouldn’t think to visit an Indian restaurant in Castlemaine, but if you’ve got a hankering for Indian this is the place to go! As good as any great Indian joint in the city (maybe because their sister restaurant IS in the city!), The Royal Sultan always delivers delicious authentic Indian food!
The Royal Sultan Restaurant & Bar
113 Mostyn StreetYou wouldn’t think to visit an Indian restaurant in Castlemaine, but if you’ve got a hankering for Indian this is the place to go! As good as any great Indian joint in the city (maybe because their sister restaurant IS in the city!), The Royal Sultan always delivers delicious authentic Indian food!
Delicious little boutique chocolaterie all made on site right in Castlemaine at The Mill. The same chocolate you can sample at our Airbnb 🙂
Cabosse & Feve Chocolates
9 Walker StreetDelicious little boutique chocolaterie all made on site right in Castlemaine at The Mill. The same chocolate you can sample at our Airbnb 🙂
Places To Drink
After a day of trawling through the Mill, Shedshaker is an excellent stop off to fill your belly with their delicious pizza, but especially to wet the whistle with some killer beer on tap - try the tasting paddle. Often served with a side of live music ☺️
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Castlemaine Brewing Company
9 Walker StAfter a day of trawling through the Mill, Shedshaker is an excellent stop off to fill your belly with their delicious pizza, but especially to wet the whistle with some killer beer on tap - try the tasting paddle. Often served with a side of live music ☺️
You can find Boomtown at The Mill, and you definitely should! A winemaking co-op, you can try some great local wines from a selection of winemakers sourcing their fruit from Central Victoria. It has a very cool vibe and is totally worth a visit if you need to sit and have a tipple after perusing the other stores at the Mill! Open Friday 5pm - 11pm (October to March) and Saturday and Sunday 12pm - 5pm.
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Boomtown Winemakers Co-operative
9 Walker StYou can find Boomtown at The Mill, and you definitely should! A winemaking co-op, you can try some great local wines from a selection of winemakers sourcing their fruit from Central Victoria. It has a very cool vibe and is totally worth a visit if you need to sit and have a tipple after perusing the other stores at the Mill! Open Friday 5pm - 11pm (October to March) and Saturday and Sunday 12pm - 5pm.
Harcourt Valley Vineyards is Bendigo’s most awarded winery, and rated as 5 star by James Halliday. Cellar door is open on Sundays from 12pm-4pm or by appointment outside these times. Tastings while looking out over their vineyard are particularly special!
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Harcourt Valley Vineyards
3339 Harmony WayHarcourt Valley Vineyards is Bendigo’s most awarded winery, and rated as 5 star by James Halliday. Cellar door is open on Sundays from 12pm-4pm or by appointment outside these times. Tastings while looking out over their vineyard are particularly special!
Open on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm, stop in at Bress Wines Cellar Door - a beautiful little vineyard and sustainable mixed farm located in the Harcourt Valley. Take a picnic along and have a tasting at their cellar door while enjoying the spectacular views. Four-legged friends are welcome!
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Bress Wine, Cider & Produce
59 Franklings RoadOpen on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm, stop in at Bress Wines Cellar Door - a beautiful little vineyard and sustainable mixed farm located in the Harcourt Valley. Take a picnic along and have a tasting at their cellar door while enjoying the spectacular views. Four-legged friends are welcome!
Another great local winery, Blackjack is the home of an exquisite bottle of award winning red! With friendly winemakers serving you behind the counter, you’ll learn a thing or two about their wines while you enjoy your tastings at their cellar door. Open 11am-5pm on weekends and most public holidays.
Blackjack Vineyards
3379 Harmony WayAnother great local winery, Blackjack is the home of an exquisite bottle of award winning red! With friendly winemakers serving you behind the counter, you’ll learn a thing or two about their wines while you enjoy your tastings at their cellar door. Open 11am-5pm on weekends and most public holidays.
A wonderful little family run orchard and cidery focusing on natural ingredients that is well worth a visit!! Tastings at the cellar door.
Henry of Harcourt
219 Reservoir RdA wonderful little family run orchard and cidery focusing on natural ingredients that is well worth a visit!! Tastings at the cellar door.
Known as the apple capital of Victoria, Harcourt’s Cider is a favourite of ours, and the same one you’ll find you can sample at our Airbnb! At their cidery you’ll find a cute little grocer shop choc full of local produce and of course their own delicious array of apple products!
Harcourt Perry & Cider Makers
8795 Midland HighwayKnown as the apple capital of Victoria, Harcourt’s Cider is a favourite of ours, and the same one you’ll find you can sample at our Airbnb! At their cidery you’ll find a cute little grocer shop choc full of local produce and of course their own delicious array of apple products!
Local Makers Markets (Food and Crafts)
Castlemaine is a huge hub of artists and creative souls, making just about anything you can think from cheese, chocolate, wine and cider to pottery, homewares, body products and unique clothing! Visiting The Mill is a MUST DO for when you are in town - a one stop location for all of the above 😊
A must do for anyone who loves artisan food (chocolate, cheese, bread, coffee, ice cream, alcohol, small goods and more!) and exploring local makers and antique markets. Afterwards head across the road to the botanic gardens, where you can walk off your indulgence in the gorgeous scenery!
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The Mill Castlemaine (whole site - multiple businesses)
9 Walker StA must do for anyone who loves artisan food (chocolate, cheese, bread, coffee, ice cream, alcohol, small goods and more!) and exploring local makers and antique markets. Afterwards head across the road to the botanic gardens, where you can walk off your indulgence in the gorgeous scenery!
On the first Sunday of every month from 9am-1pm you’ll find the Castlemaine Farmers Market at Western Reserve. With the finest local producers and makers from all over the Mount Alexander shire, you’ll need to bring lots of bags with you - they’re guaranteed to be full by the time you leave!
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Victory Park
30 Mostyn StOn the first Sunday of every month from 9am-1pm you’ll find the Castlemaine Farmers Market at Western Reserve. With the finest local producers and makers from all over the Mount Alexander shire, you’ll need to bring lots of bags with you - they’re guaranteed to be full by the time you leave!
Located at the Mill, you’ll need to set aside a good amount of time to peruse the many, many stalls at the Vintage Bazaar. For lovers of vintage, old, repurposed and new items, handmade goods, eclectic furniture, vintage clothing and bric-a-brac, there’s something for everyone at the Bazaar.
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Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar
9 Walker StLocated at the Mill, you’ll need to set aside a good amount of time to peruse the many, many stalls at the Vintage Bazaar. For lovers of vintage, old, repurposed and new items, handmade goods, eclectic furniture, vintage clothing and bric-a-brac, there’s something for everyone at the Bazaar.
Until recently, The Restorers Barn was open to the public to rifle through at their leisure. They are now open to interested parties by appointment only, where you’ll find literally any vintage home improvement and renovation item you can think of, organised to boot and displayed in beautiful style. It’s a little bit of work but if you’re planning a vintage home renovation it may be worth your while to make an appointment!
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The Restorers Barn
129-133 Mostyn StUntil recently, The Restorers Barn was open to the public to rifle through at their leisure. They are now open to interested parties by appointment only, where you’ll find literally any vintage home improvement and renovation item you can think of, organised to boot and displayed in beautiful style. It’s a little bit of work but if you’re planning a vintage home renovation it may be worth your while to make an appointment!
Entertainment & Night Life
A town icon, Theatre Royal is an 1850s Art Deco style theatre that shows both mainstream and arthouse films, as well as housing live music concerts and shows. Before the show, grab an incredible pizza from Lola, the trendy restaurant in the foyer and have a beverage in the garden bar!
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Theatre Royal
30 Hargraves StA town icon, Theatre Royal is an 1850s Art Deco style theatre that shows both mainstream and arthouse films, as well as housing live music concerts and shows. Before the show, grab an incredible pizza from Lola, the trendy restaurant in the foyer and have a beverage in the garden bar!
One of Castlemaine’s best live music venues, you’re sure to have a wonderful time when you visit The Bridge! The vibrant atmosphere is matched by the consistently great food, eat it in the gorgeous beer garden outside with one of the many nice beers on tap.
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Bridge Hotel Castlemaine
21 Walker StOne of Castlemaine’s best live music venues, you’re sure to have a wonderful time when you visit The Bridge! The vibrant atmosphere is matched by the consistently great food, eat it in the gorgeous beer garden outside with one of the many nice beers on tap.
Sightseeing
Right across from The Mill, and one of the prettiest places to go for a walk or have a picnic in Castlemaine, the Botanical Gardens have been around since 1863, making them one of the earliest of Victoria’s Botanic gardens. Garden enthusiasts will enjoy a huge variety of plants, trees, flowers, and landscaping styles. The many walking tracks throughout the grounds are surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Take a stroll around the lake (always full of ducks), and then sit and relax under the beautiful oak trees - watch out for falling acorns though! It’s also home to an award winning kids playground, BBQ’s, picnic tables, gazebos, sheltered areas and restrooms. Dogs are allowed on lead.
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Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
2 Walker StRight across from The Mill, and one of the prettiest places to go for a walk or have a picnic in Castlemaine, the Botanical Gardens have been around since 1863, making them one of the earliest of Victoria’s Botanic gardens. Garden enthusiasts will enjoy a huge variety of plants, trees, flowers, and landscaping styles. The many walking tracks throughout the grounds are surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Take a stroll around the lake (always full of ducks), and then sit and relax under the beautiful oak trees - watch out for falling acorns though! It’s also home to an award winning kids playground, BBQ’s, picnic tables, gazebos, sheltered areas and restrooms. Dogs are allowed on lead.
Buda House is one of Castlemaine’s oldest historic homes surviving from the gold rush days. Be transported back in time as you walk the hallways of this old home, now set up as a museum. Stroll through the three acres of beautiful heritage gardens, and finish your trip perusing the nursery and gift shop.
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Buda Historic Home and Garden
42 Hunter StBuda House is one of Castlemaine’s oldest historic homes surviving from the gold rush days. Be transported back in time as you walk the hallways of this old home, now set up as a museum. Stroll through the three acres of beautiful heritage gardens, and finish your trip perusing the nursery and gift shop.
Having had their twisted wire art work displayed at the Guggenheim, amongst many other world class exhibitions, the creators of this gallery have set up a wonderful space for visitors to take in their striking artwork. Stroll through the beautiful surroundings gardens showcasing their iconic metal and wire flowers. Check their website for opening dates and times, often for only selected dates throughout the year.
Shades Of Gray Studio Gallery ( closed until 2nd Nov)
Brown StreetHaving had their twisted wire art work displayed at the Guggenheim, amongst many other world class exhibitions, the creators of this gallery have set up a wonderful space for visitors to take in their striking artwork. Stroll through the beautiful surroundings gardens showcasing their iconic metal and wire flowers. Check their website for opening dates and times, often for only selected dates throughout the year.
Right down the end of Mostyn street (car access via Wills Street) you’ll find the Burke and Wills Memorial. From this point up on the hill you’ll score some great views of Castlemaine (we love it most at sunset) and learn a little about the expedition that Burke and Wills took across Australia!
Burke's last place of residence was Castlemaine where he was Superintendent of Police. After his death, residents of Castlemaine were quick to raise funds and construct this memorial.
Burke and Wills Memorial
124 Mostyn StreetRight down the end of Mostyn street (car access via Wills Street) you’ll find the Burke and Wills Memorial. From this point up on the hill you’ll score some great views of Castlemaine (we love it most at sunset) and learn a little about the expedition that Burke and Wills took across Australia!
Burke's last place of residence was Castlemaine where he was Superintendent of Police. After his death, residents of Castlemaine were quick to raise funds and construct this memorial.
The Victorian Goldfields Railway is a historic steam train that runs between Castlemaine and Maldon. Beautiful views, beautiful historic carriages and full bar service on the trains. You can pay extra to have a ‘drive a steam train’ experience. A great day out for the family, you can buy either return or one way tickets. Then cycle or hike the other way on the rail trail that runs the whole length of the trip from Castlemaine to Maldon.
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Victorian Goldfields Railway - Castlemaine Station
3 Kennedy StThe Victorian Goldfields Railway is a historic steam train that runs between Castlemaine and Maldon. Beautiful views, beautiful historic carriages and full bar service on the trains. You can pay extra to have a ‘drive a steam train’ experience. A great day out for the family, you can buy either return or one way tickets. Then cycle or hike the other way on the rail trail that runs the whole length of the trip from Castlemaine to Maldon.
A few minutes drive up the hill from the centre of Maldon, you’ll be stunned by some killer views of the surrounding areas! Climb up the few flights of stairs at the old Mount Tarrengower Lookout and you’ll get to enjoy the views but also have a taste of what it would be like to keep watch for fires in the area - something done by locals for many years prior and still today!
Kids (big and small) love to throw paper planes off the tower and watch them soar! Just be sure to collect them all on your way back down to keep our environment clean ☺️
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Mount Tarrengower Lookout
A few minutes drive up the hill from the centre of Maldon, you’ll be stunned by some killer views of the surrounding areas! Climb up the few flights of stairs at the old Mount Tarrengower Lookout and you’ll get to enjoy the views but also have a taste of what it would be like to keep watch for fires in the area - something done by locals for many years prior and still today!
Kids (big and small) love to throw paper planes off the tower and watch them soar! Just be sure to collect them all on your way back down to keep our environment clean ☺️
Neighbourhoods
One of the best historic streets in Castlemaine to stroll up and down and visit the many wonderful boutiques and cafes, and only a 5 minute drive from our home!
Mostyn Street
Mostyn StreetOne of the best historic streets in Castlemaine to stroll up and down and visit the many wonderful boutiques and cafes, and only a 5 minute drive from our home!
18 minutes down the road you’ll stumble upon the quaint historic township of Maldon. Definitely worth a visit, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the gold rush days as you meander down the old Main Street, beautifully preserved and frequently used as a setting for Australian films and television. Maldon was awarded the 'most intact heritage streetscape' by the National Trust. Step through the old weatherboard and stone shop fronts to discover quaint cafes serving local produce, antiques and collectibles, beautiful homewares and a year round Christmas shop! Once you’re done, take a drive up to the Mount Tarrengower lookout tower for incredible views. Climb a few flights of stairs to the top, it was used for many years, and still is, as a fire lookout.
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Maldon
18 minutes down the road you’ll stumble upon the quaint historic township of Maldon. Definitely worth a visit, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the gold rush days as you meander down the old Main Street, beautifully preserved and frequently used as a setting for Australian films and television. Maldon was awarded the 'most intact heritage streetscape' by the National Trust. Step through the old weatherboard and stone shop fronts to discover quaint cafes serving local produce, antiques and collectibles, beautiful homewares and a year round Christmas shop! Once you’re done, take a drive up to the Mount Tarrengower lookout tower for incredible views. Climb a few flights of stairs to the top, it was used for many years, and still is, as a fire lookout.
Just a 25 minute drive from our home, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are known as the day spa capital of Victoria, and for a good reason! Indulge in a body treatment, soak in the natural springs and take some time out to rejuvenate your body and mind! There are no shortage of gorgeous boutiques, funky cafes and upmarket restaurants to cater to all kinds of visitors. Book yourself a massage, then visit the lake, the old convent, the many antique stores, stroll the main streets and then head back home to finish your relaxing day in front of our wood burning fireplace with a hot cup of Daylesford tea 🫖
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Daylesford
Just a 25 minute drive from our home, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are known as the day spa capital of Victoria, and for a good reason! Indulge in a body treatment, soak in the natural springs and take some time out to rejuvenate your body and mind! There are no shortage of gorgeous boutiques, funky cafes and upmarket restaurants to cater to all kinds of visitors. Book yourself a massage, then visit the lake, the old convent, the many antique stores, stroll the main streets and then head back home to finish your relaxing day in front of our wood burning fireplace with a hot cup of Daylesford tea 🫖
Head to the states apple capital, a little town just 13 minutes drive from our home. Fancy a fresh apple cider? A local wine? No problem! Harcourt and it’s surrounds is where you’ll find many wineries to visit (six in the area to be precise - Bress Wines is our fave), or stop in at a local cidery (try Henry of Harcourt or Harcourt Perry & Cider Makers) and sample the wares at the cellar doors after a tour of the orchards.
Prefer to balance out all these artisan tastings with some exercise? The Oak Forrest is a gorgeous stop off for a stroll through the giant oaks, a picnic among them and is a famed photo location! Harcourt and it’s surrounds also have many world class mountain biking trails, two big ones being the Leanganook Track and the more recently opened La Larr Ba Gauwa Park.
Fill your belly once you’re done with a stop off at The Goldfields Track Cafe, or our personal favourite, Harcourt Produce & General Store.
Harcourt
Head to the states apple capital, a little town just 13 minutes drive from our home. Fancy a fresh apple cider? A local wine? No problem! Harcourt and it’s surrounds is where you’ll find many wineries to visit (six in the area to be precise - Bress Wines is our fave), or stop in at a local cidery (try Henry of Harcourt or Harcourt Perry & Cider Makers) and sample the wares at the cellar doors after a tour of the orchards.
Prefer to balance out all these artisan tastings with some exercise? The Oak Forrest is a gorgeous stop off for a stroll through the giant oaks, a picnic among them and is a famed photo location! Harcourt and it’s surrounds also have many world class mountain biking trails, two big ones being the Leanganook Track and the more recently opened La Larr Ba Gauwa Park.
Fill your belly once you’re done with a stop off at The Goldfields Track Cafe, or our personal favourite, Harcourt Produce & General Store.
Half an hour drive from our place back towards Melbourne along the Calder Freeway, Kyneton is well worth a stop! Dating back to the gold rush era (evident in some of its architecture) this little town is a hotspot for vibrant retail stores, award winning restaurants and cafes and great cellar door stop offs - we’re looking at you for our gin fix, Animus Distillery! Meander your way along Piper and Mollison Streets, but maybe save the gin distillery for the end 😉.
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Kyneton
Half an hour drive from our place back towards Melbourne along the Calder Freeway, Kyneton is well worth a stop! Dating back to the gold rush era (evident in some of its architecture) this little town is a hotspot for vibrant retail stores, award winning restaurants and cafes and great cellar door stop offs - we’re looking at you for our gin fix, Animus Distillery! Meander your way along Piper and Mollison Streets, but maybe save the gin distillery for the end 😉.
Supermarkets
The biggest supermarket in Castlemaine, where you can buy lots of local products.
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Maxi IGA Castlemaine
Hargraves StreetThe biggest supermarket in Castlemaine, where you can buy lots of local products.
Our wonderful local organic and biodynamic grocery store, supplying a wide range of fresh produce, organic meats, dairy, dry goods and more.
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Green Goes the Grocer
29A Templeton StOur wonderful local organic and biodynamic grocery store, supplying a wide range of fresh produce, organic meats, dairy, dry goods and more.
A smaller supermarket on the north side of Castlemaine with all the basics.
IGA Castlemaine Plus Liquor
241 Barker StA smaller supermarket on the north side of Castlemaine with all the basics.