SELF CONTAINED CASTLEMAINE

Award Winner Fitzgeralds on Lyttleton is a contemporary studio set in the grounds of a Victorian house. Secluded yet easy walking to town centre. Ideally accommodates one couple with sleeping area accessed by a spiral staircase on mezzanine floor, extra person[s] can be accommodated. Continental breakfast provided. Sorry no children or pets.

Founded in 1913, the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum is renowned for its collection of Australian art and for its unique assembly of historical artefacts relating to the Mount Alexander Goldfields district in Victoria. Its art deco building, designed in 1931 by Peter Meldrum, is noted for its elegant design. The collection is best known for major works from the late 1800's. Traditional landscape paintings are a feature of the holdings, including works by such artists as Louis Buvelot, Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts, E. Phillips Fox, Rupert Bunny, Max Meldrum, Margaret Preston, R.W. Sturgess, A.M.E. Bale and John Longstaff. Among the contemporary artists represented in the collection are William Frater, Arnold Shore, Russell Drysdale, Fred Williams, John Brack, Jeffrey Smart, John Dent and Wendy Stavrianos. The collection also includes the largest holding of original artworks and photographs pertaining to the district surrounding Castlemaine. These items fulfil the Gallery and Museum's commitment to collect, conserve and communicate issues of historical relevance to the region. A selection of fine decorative arts including china, glassware and silver are among other attractions on permanent display....

Looming atop the western horizon in Castlemaine sits a symbol of justice for the Goldfields. The Old Castlemaine Gaol was first built in 1861 and has been through many changes during its 130 years of operation. Many criminals have been held in the cells, including some infamous characters. Come join Old Castlemaine Gaol for a tour to find out about its lengthy history and the secrets that lie behind the walls. The Governor's Cafe is located in the former governor's house and is open for breakfast and lunch, Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesday & Wednesday). Guided tours of the gaol run Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 12:00pm. Self guided tours run everyday between 9:00am and 4:00pm. Private tours are available by request. Please visit the website for more information and for up to date information on events....

Authentic steam railway linking historic gold mining towns of Castlemaine and Maldon in Central Victoria. Family fun - take the kids for a memorable day out. Watch the world go by from your family compartment as the steam train puffs up the hills. First Class - for a touch of class step back in time to an era of elegance when the journey was as important as the destination. Ride on the end viewing platform on the parlour car. Enjoy a drink from the fully equipped bar. Catch the train for a return trip from Castlemaine or Maldon stations. Castlemaine is 90 minutes from Melbourne on the Calder Freeway. For a wonderful day out, leave the car behind and use Myki to catch the V/Line train from Melbourne to Castlemaine where you simply change platforms to catch the steam train. After a leisurely 45 minute train ride you have two hours in Maldon to enjoy lunch at a pub or cafe and then relax on the train (maybe enjoying a drink form the bar in first class) back to Castlemaine. Trains run Sunday, Wednesday and school holiday Saturdays. Visit the website for more information....

Buda Historic Home & Garden is one of the great heritage assets of the Goldfields region. From 1863 Buda was the home of the noted silversmith Ernest Leviny and his family. It contains the family's art and craft collections, furnishings and domestic effects and was home to the remarkably creative Leviny family for a period of 118 years. The gracious historic home is surrounded by one of the most important large 19th century gardens surviving in Victoria. Australian art is also displayed, works by many prominent Australian artists including Margaret Preston, M J McNally, Ursula Ridley Walker and Lionel Lindsay. The plant nursery offers for sale a wide range of heritage trees, shrubs, roses and ground covers ideally suited to Australian conditions. The Gift shop has a range of Buda exclusive merchandise featuring Leviny designs and other original pieces for visitors to purchase and take home. Also in stock is local produce, delightful craft items, and souvenirs....

Located in the magnificent Market Building, circa 1862, the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre is a great place to begin your exploration of this diverse region. The Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre offers all the latest information on attractions, accommodation, tours, services and is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. The friendly staff and volunteers are always more than happy to provide local knowledge, informative brochures and also book accommodation or tours. Regardless of whether it is your first visit to the region or you are a regular, a visit to the Market Building is well worth your while. The building is used for exhibitions throughout the year. Highlights include artisan exhibitions that showcase the latest offerings from talented local artisans, local community displays and national exhibitions. The Visitor Centre also showcases the depth of the local talent with a strong emphasis on locally produced merchandise for sale....