Eat. Stay. Play. Castlemaine.

Historic Castlemaine is a bustling town renowned for its eclectic arts scene, rich gold rush history, and growing reputation as a fine food destination. Visitors can stop by local artists’ studio to find sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, paintings and textiles; experience the village’s artistic heritage at the Theatre Royal; or  see major Australian and international art works at Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum. A number of talented chefs have recently made the move to the area, so book a table and try some of the region’s finest food coupled with exceptional local wines.

Eat

The owners of Das Kaffeehaus bring over 50 years of Austrian family tradition and skill to the art of roasting and blending to Castlemaine. This grand Viennese-style coffee house is located under the towering red-brick chimney of the newly developed old woollen mill complex, serving traditional Viennese dishes as well as a coffee menu made from their house-roasted coffee beans. 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, +61 3 5470 6270.

Housed in the Old Fire Station, The Public Inn is a hatted restaurant serving modern European styled foods with a focus on local produce. A stylish locale with white banquettes, chesterfields and a wine barrel wall, the menu is seasonal and the wine list, excellent. 26a Templeton St, Castlemaine. + 61 3 5472 3568

The Good Table is a local hatted restaurant that offers a daily menu that celebrates seasonal produce, shared food and wine with integrity in a stunning historic building. All food is prepared in an uncomplicated manner, influenced by the regional cuisines of Europe where the ingredient is king and the food is shared. The head chef and owner of The Good Table is born and bred Castlemaine resident Alexander Perry. 233 Barker Street, Castlemaine. Tel: +61 3 5472 4400

Stay

The Newnorthern is a stunningly refurbished boutique guesthouse and function venue established by celebrated table maker, Nicholas Dattner. Filled with antiques and original artwork, this old Australian pub has been lovingly fitted out to provide a luxurious and incredibly comfortable stay for guests. 359 Barker Street, Castlemaine. Tel: +61 3 5472 3787.

Built in the late 1800s, The Empyre Hotel is a boutique luxury hotel. The moment you step into the Empyre you are surrounded by the opulence that represents the very best of the 1800’s. The Empyre is home to a discreet wine bar, The Small Bar, which is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights (or seven days a week for guests). 68 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine, +61 3 5472 5166.

Play

Castlemaine’s newest attraction The Mill is a condensed version of the town itself, with something on offer for everyone. There’s Das Kaffeehaus, the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar (40 stalls of knick-knackery, bric-a-brackery, second hand curios, retro accoutrement and handmade finery), Platform No 5  featuring upcycled wares, organic Boomtown Wines, Castlemaine Brewing Company’s Taproom Bar and Brewery, Sprout Bread, St Cloud Cakes, Ice-cream Social, Hugh Makin Furniture, Black Sheep Trades Collective and a few more. 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine.

Voted Music Victoria’s Best Regional Venue 2015, Theatre Royal hosts great live gigs, the best of independent and blockbuster cinema, special film and writer events, and fine coffee, beer, wine and cocktails. It is also the longest continuously running theatre in Australia. 30 Hargraves St, Castlemaine. Tel: +61 3 5472 1196.

Castlemaine Art Gallery & Historical Museum is housed in a magnificent heritage listed art deco building. On display are significant works of the late 1800’s by artists such as Streeton and McCubbin as well as modern and contemporary artists.  Currently on display is one of Australia’s foremost contemporary artists Bill Henson’s exhibition Bill Henson: Landscapes. 14 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. Tel +61 3  5472 2292.

Bress is a welcoming vineyard and sustainable mixed farm situated just outside Castlemaine. They craft fine wines, ciders and produce using biodynamic practices from a variety of regions in Victoria. Guests have the option of wandering through garden to pick herbs for their lunch. 3894 Old Calder Highway, Harcourt. Tel: +61 3 5474 2553.