Car Rental Castlemaine
Castlemaine is a former gold mining town located between the cities of Ballarat and Bendigo.
Situated in a valley at the junction of three creeks, Castlemaine boasts a thriving agricultural and tourism industry. Visitors are drawn to the town for its historical streetscapes, the Botanical Gardens which date back to 1860, the Old Castlemaine Gaol, a number of galleries and museums, and the historic gold mines and diggings in the area, all accessible with hire cars from Bargain Wheels Car Rental.
The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, to the south and east of town, covers 7,500 hectares and includes relics of the gold mining era. The Kalimna Tourist Road, on the eastern town boundary of Castlemaine, straddles a ridge through the park, offering scenic views across surrounding countryside and bushwalking opportunities.
Attractions:
Old Castlemaine Gaol
Now a tourist facility offering functions, accommodation and tours
Buda Historic Home & Garden
Built in 1861 and the former residence of a silversmith, the home houses a significant collection of art works and is set within 2 hectares of enchanting gardens, including a nursery and gift shop
Victorian Goldfields Railway
Tourist steam train running between Maldon and Castlemaine
Art & culture:
Castlemaine Art Gallery & Museum
Featuring an excellent collection of Australian art and historical items
Theatre Royal
Built in 1854, this art house and cinema includes a restaurant and luxurious backstage accommodation,
Parks, gardens & trails:
Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
Encompassing 7,500 hectares of forest with many relics of the region’s gold mining days
Great Dividing Trail
Castlemaine is located at the junction of two sections of this walking trail – the 58 klm “Leanganook Track” section which ends in Bendigo and the 57 klms “Dry Diggings Track” which goes through Hepburn Springs and onto Daylesford
Festivals & events:
Castlemaine State Festival
Festival encompassing visual arts, music, theatre, opera and dance
Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens
This spring-time festival sees locals opening their wonderful gardens to the public, from large rambling country gardens to compact cottage gardens and everything in between
Local tourist guides:
Castlemaine Maldon
A tourist guide covering Maldon and Castlemaine with attractions, accommodation, events and the arts
Walkabout – Castlemaine
A travel guide with information on the history of the area and things to see
