Maldon
- Australia's first notable town
“The township displays overall historical and architectural importance, particularly in its gold town buildings. The significance lies in the variety of building styles, and the area of mining is of interest with one mine still open to the public. Maldon boasts that it is largely unchanged since the 1850s, and has attracted considerable interest from tourists for its 19th-century atmosphere.”
Maldon makes an ideal base to explore all the central Victorian Goldfields region has to offer.
Take a trip down memory lane through the tree lined back streets of Maldon; catch a steam train ride to Castlemaine; tour the goldmine; potter through antiques and collectables stores or simply stroll past grand old buildings - all this (and much more) is on offer within walking distance of the Eaglehawk Hotel. Come and see for yourself why Maldon was awarded the most intact heritage streetscape by the National Trust in 2006. Treat yourself to the experience of what life was like during the gold rush era!
Our central location offers the opportunity to visit many nearby wineries, see historic Castlemaine (15 mins drive) or tour Bendigo which is an outstanding example of a 19th century gold rush city (30 mins). Maryborough is also only a short drive away. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs make perfect destinations for a day trip. Nearby, Cairn Curran Reservoir provides a wide range of water based recreational activities, these include boating (power and sail), skiing, fishing, swimming, wind surfing, jet skiing and canoeing. Cairn Curran is also a perfect picnic location.
Things to do in Maldon & Surrounds
The Victorian Goldfields Railway is walking distance from The Eaglehawk. An authentic steam train running between Maldon and Castlemaine. Travel in first class of yesteryear, take a ride in the locomotive and drive the train or join one of the special events held on the steam train. Click the image above for more information.
If you're into machines and how they work then the Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum is for you. Featuring steam engines and generators from the 1870's. If you're not convinced this is for you, check out the reviews here on TripAdvisor. Click the image above for more information.
The Mill Castlemaine is a wonderful collection of the best of the Goldfields. Spend an hour or two wandering through the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar is 1,800 square metres that plays host to multitudinous stallholders offering a diverse and eclectic edit of vintage magnificence. For lunch try The Taproom and Shedshaker Brewing for local beers and cider or Sprout Bakery, bakers of fine sour doughs and various other deliciousness. Make sure you pick up some artisan chocolates that handcraft products at Cabosse & Feve and keep exploring after charging up with coffee and cake at Das Kaffehaus. There’s hours of exploring, shopping, eating and drinking at The Mill
What’s on in Maldon Castlemaine and Surrounds
Click here to see what’s on
Mount Tarrengower Lookout provides panoramic views over Maldon and the neighbouring districts. Erected in 1923 the tower was made using the poppet head from the Comet Mine in Bendigo and brought to Maldon by train; the legs were then carried up the mountain on a horse-drawn jinker.
There's a reason why Maldon was named Australia's First Notable Town. Take a walk down Main and High streets and you'll see why. Apart from the amazing collection of buildings from the Goldrush era there's a store for everyone. From the Christmas shop, Much Ado General Store, Gardens Etcetera, the old fashioned Hardware store to Le Sel French Deli, Miss Prichard's Pantry the Kangaroo Hotel and many more.