Castlemaine is a former gold mining town, located between the cities of Ballarat and Bendigo and situated in a valley at the junction of three creeks.

Years after prosperous gold mining days passed, Castlemaine established itself as a town with a thriving agricultural, arts and tourism industry.

Castlemaine's historic streetscapes are a reminder of its immensely rich gold mining days, with many magnificent public buildings located in Mostyn Street and Lyttleton Street. Highlights include the Theatre Royal (built in 1857 and continuously in use since then), the Castlemaine Market (completed in 1862 and now housing the Visitor Information Centre), the red-brick town hall (1898) and courthouse (1889). The former technical school (built in 1918) has been converted into a modern supermarket, but retains its historical building facade. Several historic churches and hotels can also be found around Castlemaine's town centre.

At the eastern end of Mostyn Street is the towering Burke and Wills monument, erected in 1862 to honour the death of these famous explorers. From the monument are good views down to the town centre.

In 1860, 25 hectares of gold diggings along Barkers Creek were set aside for the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. Recognised as one of Victoria's oldest public gardens, they feature ancient oak and elm trees, colourful garden beds, open lawns, a rotunda and Lake Joanna.

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.

	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

	Castlemaine Art Gallery & Museum Opened in 1913, the gallery features 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

	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 km "Leanganook Track" section which ends in Bendigo and the 57 km "Dry Diggings Track" which goes through Hepburn Springs and onto Daylesford

	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
	Castlemaine Show An agricultural festival with displays, competitions, entertainment and fireworks
	Castlemaine State Festival Festival encompassing visual arts, music, theatre, opera and dance

Castlemaine Maldon A tourist guide covering Maldon and Castlemaine with attractions, experiences, events and the arts

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