The Best of Castlemaine, Vic

Castlemaine is a small city in Victoria, Australia, in the goldfields region of Victoria about 120 kilometres northwest by road from Melbourne and about 40 kilometres from the major provincial centre of Bendigo. It is the administrative and economic centre of the Shire of Mount Alexander. The population at the 2016 Census was 6,757.[1] Castlemaine was named by the chief goldfield commissioner, Captain W. Wright, in honour of his Irish uncle, Viscount Castlemaine.

The State Festival is a bi annual event showcasing local, interstate and international talent. From classical to rock, from traditional to contemporary art; the program is packed full of happenings for all audiences.
Castlemaine offers venues steeped in Goldrush architecture, and the spaces in between, our beautiful botanical gardens and ageing factories to the railway goods shed. All comes alive and the town thrives, cafes swell with patronage and the coffee is as good as you get in Melbourne. An event not to be missed ever!

Das Kaffee Haus is an Austrian cafe in the disused carpet factory in Castlemaine. Full of opulent atmosphere, good coffee, Austrian pastries and comfort food. Home of the small batch roastery, Coffee Basics. We can thank proprietors Edmund Schaerf and Elna Schaerf-Trauner for the best cafe in town.

Home of the Shed Shaker Brewery, you can taste the most delicious beers brewed on site with a home made pizza. Guaranteed to have live music several night per week, including the super popular Pub Sing its a fantastic day and night venue. Also located in the disused carpet factory of Castlemaine.

An iconic Art Deco building houses an interesting collection of artefacts from the Gold Rush days and has a program of exhibitions to attract art lovers from everywhere. Artist talks, curators conversations and art prizes are represented in this fine country museum.

In operation as a theatre and night spot for over 165 years, this is a popular meeting place for all Castlemaine residents and visitors. Film festivals, contemporary and popular movies show throughout the the week and weekend. Theatre Royal nightlife has presented bands from near and far including Paul Kelly, Jebediah and Cosmic Psychos. You can also get great food and a selection of wines and beers to top off your experience.

Taste sensational ice cream from this venue or from their ice cream truck at the local markets. Ice cream is made in small batches and the flavours are always changing. If you are a vegan, you are well catered for with unbelievably delicious confectionery. It's also a great atmosphere inside with 50's style booths, tables and chairs, and decor. Enjoy their vegan hot food as well, fries, burgers, burritos, lasagne and pies.

Castlemaine is well known to be the hot rod capital of Australia. Restored and modified cars are an industry here and there are plenty of events and show and shines for all car enthusiasts.