Welcome to the historic Victorian Goldfields region! The Goldfields region in central Victoria (about 1 to 2 hours from Melbourne) is witness to the legacy of the goldrush era (about 150 years ago). There are some imposing examples of Victorian architecture and a cultural heritage stemming from the wealth derived from the gold and the diversity of people living and working in this region at the time.
A walk around the Maldon township is a must, take in the historic streetscape, check out the antique shops, the craft shops and stop for a coffee in any of the great little cafés. In 1966 Maldon became the first Victorian town to be classified by the National Trust. This ‘notable town’ classification reflects Maldon’s well-preserved historic streetscape with European trees, wide verandahs, flagstone paving, old-fashioned shop fronts, quaint cottages, stone buildings and attractive gardens.
Maldon Historical Museum and Courthouse is at the corner of High Street and Fountain Street and has displays of early mining equipment and photographs; domestic memorabilia; and historic archives. The building was erected in 1858 as a Market Place however this was unsuccessful and it was converted to shire offices in 1865. Hammerbeam arches were added to remedy buckling brick walls in 1871. Just behind the museum is the old fire station (circa 1870) and across the adjacent football oval is the former courthouse (circa 1861)…..MORE
Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum In the mid 1972 a small group, the Maldon Flywheelers – machinery ‘tragic’, had the wild dream of an agricultural machinery showpiece for the town. They began gathering any discarded and superseded equipment that would fit the bill: Items that would show the vast array of machinery needed to feed, water, warm and inform the growing communities of central Victoria. Now, thanks to their sheer doggedness a 35 year old dream has come to fruition in this form of the Vintage Machinery Museum
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Nuggetty Vineyard, just 4 km out of Maldon township on the Maldon – Shelbourne Road. This is a dry-country gem. Relax and enjoy a glass of wine on the vine covered verandah overlooking the gardens and vineyards; make use of the picnic and BBQ facilities or challenge your family and friends to a game of petanqué.
Porcupine Township pioneer village is a recreation of an early 1850s gold town located in rugged bushland on the site of the original Porcupine diggings where the first gold discovery in the area between Castlemaine and Bendigo was made. Slab, shingle and mud-brick buildings have been relocated from sites around the goldfields and from derelict townsites to create Porcupine Township. There’s a barn, hotel, an undertaker’s, miner’s huts, a blacksmith’s, a general store, a carriage repository, a doctor’s surgery and a bowling alley!
Victorian Goldfields Railway brings to you the experience of steam train travel. Linking the historic towns of Castlemaine, Muckleford and Maldon, this historic railway takes you through Box-Iron Bark forest in a region that saw some of the richest gold mining in Australia. There are a number of steam locomotives and a large collection of rolling stock; an unequalled array of 4 wheeled goods trucks along with goods and passenger brake vans; and a selection of wooden bodied passenger carriages are part of this historic railway…..MORE
Chocolade in Main Street Maldon is a must for chocoholics. This lovely chocolate shop is housed inside the McArthur’s building (circa 1854) in the heart of Maldon. They have a great selection of imported and locally made chocolates, some are individual and handmade; all are delicious and great quality! They also have gift boxes and custom designed hampers that make the perfect gift or for an indulgence at anytime. We often get chocolates from here for guests staying at Herrmann’s Cottage.
Maldon Historic Bakery in main Street Maldon (close by Chocolade) make terrific bread, pies and treats like the cinnamon doughnuts! They still use the original oven from the bakery operated on this site by George McArthur from around 1854.
Walk around the Beehive Chimney, a 30-metre brick chimney (circa 1862); the North British Mine (operated until 1926); and Carman’s Tunnel, a 570-metre goldmining tunnel excavated largely by using pneumatic drills between 1882 and 1884.
The Kangaroo Hotel has provided a place to gather for over 150 years and continues the tradition to this day. Throughout the 19th century, the ‘Roo held Balls, Concerts and Gatherings, accommodated Cobb & Co. passengers, and was used as a part-time morgue and butcher shop. History galore!
Herrmann’s Cottage is a classic Australian miner’s cottage (circa 1860) set on over ½ acre of gardens. It is fully self-contained and completely private.