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[title]In another time, people flocked to Bendigo and surrounds in pursuit of untold wealth owing to the region’s vast and seemingly endless goldfields – some of the world’s most plentiful. While there’s probably still a few nuggets lying in wait, these days the area’s gold is all on the surface. With so many great places to eat, sleep and explore, there’s never been a better time to discover this thriving part of central Victoria.
In partnership with Visit Victoria and Bendigo Regional Tourism for their ‘Stay close, go further’ campaign, we spent a weekend touring Bendigo, Castlemaine and the many gems in between and beyond. Welcome to the goldfields region.
La Larr Ba Gauwa Park | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
BACK TO NATURE
Picnic in the golden forest of La Larr Ba Gauwa Park
Driving north of Castlemaine one gorgeous Sunday morning we come across Harcourt Produce and General Store. With its tree-lined deck, shaded tables and queue of locals out the door, we realise we have to stop. After a coffee on the verandah and a nice chat with the owner, Annette, we buy one of her meticulously assembled picnic hampers and follow her directions to La Larr Ba Gauwa Park – a historic Oak Forest, and Victoria’s most beautiful picnic spot. It’s a big claim, we know, but spend an afternoon here in the dappled, golden light and you’ll see what we mean.
Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve | Photograph: Supplied/Visit Victoria
See a one-of-a-kind spectacle at Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve
Situated in Heathcote, 40km southeast of Bendigo, Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve is an absolute must-see. While it may look like a natural phenomenon, this stunning and kaleidoscopic visual is the result of gold mining carried out in the late 1800s – a process that stripped away the top layer of earth (along with all the bling within!) to reveal the ridged rock and glistening mineral beneath. The walking track takes just half an hour to wind around the cliffs, but if you’re anything like us you’ll be stopping every other minute to marvel at this amazing view.
Vinea Marson | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
EXPLORE
Taste progress in wine at Vinea Marson
From its picturesque vantage in the rolling hills of Heathcote, Vinea Marson is cultivating more than just a perfect drop of wine. Established by Mario Marson, and run by his daughters, Laura, Madeleine and Emily, this winery is taking great strides to diversify representation in the industry through a range of partnerships, events and activities – and we love to see it. We drive up on a sunny Sunday arvo to sample the vineyard’s superb prosecco, which pairs perfectly with some pizza made by Ladro’s pop-up kitchen in the courtyard. Sunday lunch has never been better.
Buda House | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
Tour a historic home and plant collection at Buda House
You don’t have to have a green thumb to appreciate the grounds at Buda House. Once the home of Budapest-born Ernest Leviny and his family, who emigrated from Europe during the gold rush, Buda House is like a museum for plantlife. The beautiful, spacious grounds were initially seeded with European flora to remind the Levinys of their home continent, but in the decades that followed the garden was populated with trees, plants and flowers from all around the world. While a stroll through the garden is sure to please, we recommend a picnic under an oak tree or on the lawn, which offers a striking view to the Castlemaine township below.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
Find contemporary art and craft at Central Goldfields Art Gallery
Following two years of renovations, Maryborough’s Central Goldfields Art Gallery reopened in March 2023 and looks better than ever. As part of the redevelopment, the original building – established in 1861 and serving as the town’s fire station for more than a century – has been carefully preserved. While the heritage site is worth a look in its own right, it’s the gallery’s diverse program of exhibitions that’ll keep us coming back to this town west of Bendigo and Castlemaine.
Ghosty's Diner | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
EAT
Devour American-style diner food at Ghosty’s Diner
Ghosty’s Diner is in the city centre of Bendigo, but venture in and you’ll soon forget you’re in Australia altogether. Hypnotised by the sweet and smoky aroma coming off a tall stack of pancakes, drizzled with maple syrup and served with thick-cut bacon, you’ll think you’re on a highway somewhere, sometime in the heart of the US of A. Warm, welcoming and dripping with charm, Ghosty’s is a labour of love that leaves a (sticky) smile on your face long after you’ve left. Along with perfect pancakes try the Turkey Club and an A+ pastrami sandwich. Come for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a cocktail, but stay for the vibe.
Love Shack | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
Head on down to Main Street brewery bar and restaurant Love Shack
Having followed Love Shack’s journey for a while now, we’re stoked to see them come into their own. Starting in the back shed of Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal, then stretching their legs in the adjacent laneway, team Shack now have their own fully fledged bar – and people can’t get enough. We spent an afternoon and evening there sampling their famous beers and throwing back delicious toasties. While the Reuben is world-class and the tuna melt puts up a good fight, the kimchi toastie wins the bout. As for beers, we keep returning to the heavenly, hoppy IPA.
Northern Arts Hotel | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
STAY
Experience high art on the hilltop at Northern Arts Hotel
Castlemaine has long been celebrated for its commitment to the arts, and the Northern Arts Hotel is no exception. While rooms here are warm, charming and steeped in history, it’s the atmosphere that made us fall in love with this hotel – owned and operated by Maggie Fooke, whose now-closed Brooklyn Arts Hotel was a Fitzroy institution. Arriving on a Saturday afternoon, we catch the tail end of a poetry reading and workshop (sorry for the interruption, guys!). After ducking out for dinner, we join the locals in the main room for some slow jazz and wine by the fire. It’s great to see Maggie’s dedication to the arts is as strong as ever with such a diverse roster of salons, screenings, talks and performances.
Big 4 Castlemaine Gardens Luxury Safari Tent | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
Enter the final frontier of camping at Big 4 Castlemaine Gardens
There’s camping. There’s glamping. Then there’s Big 4 Castlemaine Gardens’ Luxury Safari Tent. With generous interiors, refined décor, top-rate amenities and luxurious bedding, it’s undoubtedly the best tent we’ve ever spent the night under. Perfect for a romantic getaway or family holiday (if we’re being honest, the kids’ nook looked so fun we thought about sleeping in there), this is the best of both worlds: a close connection to nature and an even closer connection to a hot shower. We arrive at dusk and enjoy dinner and a beer on the deck in the glow of the fairy lights. After an ever-so-peaceful night’s kip, we peel open the tent and watch the sun rise over the Botanical Gardens, before we ease into a warm bath on the deck.
Treacy Pâtisserie | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
WHILE YOU’RE THERE…
Swim spot: If the sun’s out, slip-slop-slap then take the plunge in central Victoria’s best watering hole, on Loddon River.
Culture central: Take a wander through the Mill Castlemaine, a microcosm of the arts, crafts and culture that make this part of Victoria unique.
In Castlemaine: Breakfast beckons from Viennese-style micro-roastery Das Kaffeehaus, while craft beer and pizza await you at Shedshaker Brewing Company.
Top pub: Spend an evening in Chewton at Red Hill Hotel, just a few minutes’ drive from Castlemaine, and enjoy a hearty, home-style meal made with fresh, seasonal produce.
Artisan cakes: When Saturday morning comes around, join the line outside Treacy Pâtisserie and secure a box of Bendigo’s finest speciality desserts – but get in early because these masterworks of edible art disappear fast!