Wander the impressive vintage collection at The Mill Market (Castlemaine)
If you're looking to unhook the car and head out for a quick drive, here are four fantastic spots less than an hour away that we always recommend to our guests:
If you love wandering through quirky markets, checking out local art galleries, or just scoring a really good coffee, Castlemaine is a must-visit. You’ll want to head straight for The Mill—it’s an old historic woollen mill that’s been turned into a massive indoor marketplace full of vintage stalls, a great local brewery, and an artisan cheese maker. It’s a fantastic place to hunt for treasures before finding a shady spot for lunch.
If you enjoy a good drop, Heathcote is famous for its incredible, bold Shiraz, and there are dozens of great little boutique cellar doors to drop into. But even if you aren't a wine drinker, it’s worth the drive just to see the Pink Cliffs. It’s a really unique geological reserve with bright pink, eroded clay canyons that feel completely otherworldly and make for some incredible photos.
If you're looking for a classic, laid-back country town day out, head up to Bridgewater. It sits right on the beautiful Loddon River, making it the perfect spot for a swim, a paddle, or just sitting on the grass watching the water-skiers zoom past. You absolutely cannot leave town without stopping at the Bridgewater Bakehouse to grab one of their famous, award-winning vanilla slices!
If you want to see what a real 1850s gold-rush town looked like, you have to visit Maldon. Walking down the main street honestly feels like stepping onto a movie set—the old shopfronts are beautifully preserved and full of character. It's the perfect spot to wander through old-school lolly shops, browse for antiques, or grab a quiet pub lunch. If you want a really fun day out, you can actually catch an authentic steam train that runs directly between Maldon and Castlemaine!
Planning your next drive? Drop into reception before you head out! We can map out the best route for you, point out our favorite scenic backroads, and let you know the best places to park.
Images: Visitvictoria.com.au
For more information: https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/goldfields
