Avoid Melbourne’s building spree and head for the wide open spaces where the centuries roll back and time and place make new country to explore. For instance, Maldon’s (global) heritage immerses you in an 1895 time warp. Find the places where other adults and children used their summers exploring and discovering, participating and playing, and particularly festive feasting. As they did, find a lakeside grassy and shady sward to relax and contemplate the sunlight (or jetskis) on the water.
To get you in the mood, the story is lake-hopping around Maldon to find your perfect grassy (or sandy) knoll. Not your average Swiss/Italian lakes sojourn – or, come to think of it, perhaps Hepburn would suit?. It’s all for your entertainment.
Michele Waddington For the Fairbank team |
|
Intelligence from the Goldfields |
|
|
|
|
|
Winners! 2024 Victoria and Tasmania Restaurant and Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence in the Tourism Restaurant category. No, not the picture of the unopened tourist village, it’s their two-year old restaurant, the Golden Nugget. https://porcupinevillage.com.au/golden-nugget-restaurant Waiting, waiting, something’s going to happen. . . .. |
|
|
Winners! Sutton Grange Winery’s Fairbank Rosé has once more taken out Halliday’s Best Varietal Rosé for 2025 (2023 vintage - 96 points). Get your complementary tipple by booking Fairbank House, or purchase it direct at https://suttongrange.com.au/collections/wine-shopThis is a text block, edit the text here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winners! Castlemaine’s Long Paddock Cheese was awarded delicious magazine’s 2024 Australian Produce ‘From the Dairy’ category for their Banksia and Driftwood cheeses. Whichever is in season is also a gift to Fairbank’s guests. |
|
|
|
Officialdom
The Shire of Mount Alexander has fire restrictions in place. Fire restrictions are not a total fire ban. Restrictions relate to campfires barbeques and solid fuel outdoor cookers, and conditions are windspeed (<10kph), cleared area (3m from the fire) and constant attention to the fire (until completely out). Locals need written permits for burning off, incinerators and running machinery that could cause sparks. So there’s a truck following the VGR trains from now through to the autumn rains with fire fighting equipment at the ready for any spark fires . Total fire ban days – no solid fuel fires, but gas and electricity BBQs permitted if there is 10l of water at hand. Information at Country Fire Authority’s Can I or Van;t I page on their website. |
|
|
|
|
|
Bookings central
Booked your Getaways for 2025 yet?
Seven weeks of opportunity to save 7.5% for Victorian short stays throughout the year. The state government has recently extended taxable holiday accommodation to include all granny flats, tiny houses and caravans for bookings made from 1 January. When comparing listed prices. most agencies will include the tax in the rate, but Airbnb says it will charge the guest during the sale. Other agencies charge the owners, thus advertising the full price. Wel'll have to wait until January to see what they do. The online travel agency physically pays the tax. |
|
|
|
Waiting . . .
Maldon Twilight Dinner Saturday 18 January.
The Maldon Lions Club are the new organisers of the Twilight Dinner Maldon 2025 (current name on Facebook), operated by the indefatigable Maldon Machinery Museum. Tickets are still a ways out, more next month. or check at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566749681151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blast from the past part 1
Remember Bruce the Macaw who escaped The Blue Cockatoo Bar in Main St, flew into a tree and was too scared to come down? He had to be rescued by the CFA – a first for them as well. He’s his own bird now, performing at the Maldon Folkie earlier this month. |
|
|
Part 2 Appros of nothing
The Maldon Folk Festival tends to drag up old film clips. Try On our Selection in the National Film Archives. This little gem from 1920 is Possums and Goannas (the boys got the goanna) Good thing it’s silent, children can watch. The sound version is 1932 - https://aso.gov.au/titles/features/on-our-selection/clip1/ |
|
|
|
|
|
On now
MaNET Art Gallery 27 Main St
From the Land an exhibition by Cheryl Kennedy on her landscape impressions. On untik 5th January 2025 (picture – unnamed sculpture) |
|
|
Hoppers Glass Studio and Gallery
Enter gate (No. 8) next to Maldon Machinery Museum, Vincents Rd. Maldon
Open 10.30am to 2pm weekends until 1 December. Exhibition of glass works by Hanelorie Lau, Peter Henderson and Colinda Mannix,
Outside is a blast from Maldon’s Gnome Factory with a display of ceramic gnomes by Carol and Robert Bond The rose is by Peter Henderson.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open November weekends
Mica Grange 373 Faraday Sutton Grange Road Sutton Grange 10am – 4pm Saturdays – Sundays to 8 December
Open garden Sculpture Exhibition Entry $9, children < 12 years free.
and
Shades of Gray Cnr Farnsworth & Brown Sts, Castlemaine 10am - - 4pm This is an extraordinary metallic sculpture gallery for garden and home. It’s open spring and autumn. Instagram, shadesofgray |
|
|
A productive holiday planned?
A member of the Maldon Artists’ Network, Catherine Pilgrim has a studio in Farnsworth St Castlemaine. She’s offering three-day drawing workshops starting Saturday 3rd January. Bookings include all materials and fully catered $595 pp. Contact her at https://www.catherinepilgrim.com/ |
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday 16, Sunday 17 November
Woodend train station, Urquhart St. Woodend
Macedon Ranges Budburst Wine Festival, 9.30 am – 5pm each day. Perfect for wine lovers, the Budburst Special winery tour is a chance to explore boutique wineries for tastings: Red Poppy Estate, Wilimee Winery, and Cleveland Estate and lunch on a scenic journey through the Macedon Ranges’ celebrated festival. Cost $89 pp, book at https://jttr.com.au/how-to-get-started-1 |
|
|
Saturday 16 November
Cascade Art Gallery, 1A Fountain St. Maldon
3pm Artist David Frazer discusses his exhibition - Time Passes Together – about the production of wood engravings and linocut limited edition prints. Exhibition continues until 28 November.. Picture David and curator. Caroline Field, who provides a critical analysis of the exhibition. |
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday 17 November
Buda Historic House and Gardens, 42 Hunter St Castlemaine
10am – 4pm Traditional Arts Fair 2024
Set amongst the spectacular spring garden Buda showcases traditional arts, cooking and gardening in the spirit of the Leviny sisters. Crafts include embroidery, book binding, saffron applications (Squirrel Gully – say hi to Rosie), weaving, garden crafts, metalwork, felting, painting, jewellery, cooking, handmade body products, basket weaving
The fair will also feature handcrafted ice cream, coffee, a gourmet BBQ, Devonshire teas, light lunches, and Shedshaker Brewery’s beer.. With three stages hosting free demonstrations, individual demonstrations at each stall, roving musicians and a special guest artist. There are also children’s activities to keep them engaged and entertained throughout the day. Entry $5pp. children free. Book online at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1276875 or at the gate |
|
|
Saturday 23 November weekend – vroom, vroom
Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve, 37–40 Fryers Rd. Campbells Creek Noon – 8pm Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show. Quite a few trucks have been buzzing around the oval over 36 years, so why not urn up and see what all the fuss is about. Gates open at 10am on Sunday and Defence Force demonstrations, music, kids activities and victuals make for havingagoodweekend. Entry from $15, children under 16years free. Book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1298645 or turn up at the gate. |
|
|
|
|
|
Same weekend and a new clay trail just in case you missed the last one. .
Australian Ceramice Open Studios
10am – 4 pm both days Scorched Earth Ceramcs, 128 Chaplins Rd. Walmer Angie Robinson’s studio will be open both days and suggests you come and see her range which fits in nicely for Christmas presents. See her range at https://www.scorchedearth.com.au/
10am – 4p both days Oxart Pottery 128 High Street Taradale Similar;y for Ian McColl . Pop in and see his art. Website https://oxartpottery.com.au/
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday 24 November
Plein air oils on the Loddon River Newstead: Workshop with Mark Dober
9.30am-2pm. Join Mark Dober (Ph.D in art) for this special one-day workshop. Plein air oils - on the Loddon River, Newstead. Meet Mark at Newstead’s Dig Cafe at 9.30am Before heading to the river for instructed painting, completing your picture on the day. The workshop will end with a show and tell and wrap-up of everyone’s work. Suitable for all levels of experience. Cost: $130. BYO materials, list provided. |
|
|
|
|
|
10am Sunday to 4pm Malmsbury
Brocanté Marche
Garden of 69 Mollison St Malmesbury
It’s a French styled vintage market. A diverse range of products, many sourced from across Europe, will be offered by experienced vintage dealers. There will also be smaller stalls for local artists. It could only happen in Momsbry. |
|
|
Thursday 28 November
Mount Macedon Spring Garden Tour.
The (very) private estates of Mount Macedon are legendary, which means mostly inaccessible. For a price, you can experience four of them
Woodend train station, Urquhart St Woodend 9.30am – 4.30pm pm,.The tour starts at Shepherd’s Bush, a highly celebrated garden built by architect Kevin Edwards and horticulturist Chris Williams. Shepherds Bush is the highest residence on the Mount and the garden reflects its cool climate beauty. Next is Glen Rannoch an original Mount Macedon hill station created in the late 1800’s on the steep side of the mountain with Stony Creek running through the fern glades and heritage listed trees. Then to Duneira Estate for a garden and house tour of Stuart Stoneman’s incredible art collection. Lunch of local food and wine includes the story of the hill station movement of the late 1800’s on Mount Macedon. Lastly, it’s down the mountain to renowned plant collector Stephen Ryan’s private garden, Tugurium. Cost $350pp. |
|
|
|
|
|
Maldon Central Fun District
Thursday 5pm – 8pm Christmas Shopping Spree
For the past 20 years, the highly enjoyable street event has raised funds for the primary school. It’s our start to the festive season. At The Maldon Hotel in Main St, the donors (by buying a ticket) receive a welcome pack, tote bag and glass of sparkling wine. There’s discounts from Maldon’s favourite shops with products ranging from children’s toys to vintage wares to lollies. Those tote bags will soon fill up with bargains!. |
|
|
Friday 29 November
Pure Maiden Farm, 250 Schumakers Lane, Maiden Gully (30 mins from Maldon)
) 4pm – 6pm Christmas Wreath workshop. Join the Weirs to get creative with flowers, foliage and everything you need to make your wreath. Light refreshments included to celebrate your hard work and the festive season. Cost $143.50 pp, book at https://www.puremaidenfarm.com.au/ and click through.
If you can’t get to June’s workshop, have a look at what she’s used., especially rosemary instead of conifer fill-in., Use Cootamundra wattle, viburnum leaves or similar, poinsettia flowers, dried citrus peel, cherries, pine cones, mature eucalyptus leaves and red ribbons. The wreath will last a lot longer with misting Definitely an Aussie garden at Christmas! |
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday 30 November
Visitor Centre, Railway Station 27 Station Street, Maryborough
11am – noon. Please book a look, you won’t be disappointed. Maryborough Railway Station is truly magnificent, destined to be worthy of an important central Victorian destination, given the number of goldmines and graziers therein
Join their one hour guided tour to explore the myths and stories surrounding the origins of the station. Afterwards have lunch at the station’s dining room, now a café. Cost $5pp, bookings essential at visitorinfo@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au or landline 035460 4511 |
|
|
Gather Harcourt Twilight Market James Park, High St Harcourt
Saturday 4pm – 8pm An evening of entertainment at Gather Harcourt! With a lineup of fun for the children including story time, bubbles and balloons, and adults’ market of 50 stalls, food and drinks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The wineries and cidery will be the perfect partner to the food and The Gather Bar will be serving Henry’s of Harcourt cider, and have limited edition Gather Harcourt glasses on sale. |
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday 1 December
Newstead Arts Hub, 8A Tivey St
10am-3pm After the success of the inaugural Artist Market in 2023, the art event is a fixture on Newstead’s calendar.
There’s 30 stalls for artists to showcase their wares through the building, platform and grounds |
|
|
Sunday 8 December
Start of the Christmas parties
Maldon Golf Club, Golflinks Rd, Maldon.
3pm, Maldon Golf Club Community Christmas Celebration. Everybody welcome! No admission charge, food and licensed bar available. Live music from the Martini Set, Inquiries 0412 272 18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday 13 December
Maldon Bowls Club 82 High St
5.30pm Special Christmas community night barbeque and barefoot bowling. Children most welcome! Live Music. Free bowling practice/coaching for parents + junior development from 4pm. Children most welcome!!! Live music. free bowling practice/coaching for parents and junior development from 4pm. |
|
|
|
Saturday 14 December
Black Cat Truffles with Liam Downes, 150 Howards Rd, Wattle Flat (50 minutes from Maldon)
Liam’s Summer truffle season commences Noon. Fine dining with a twist. T here’s a 45 minute truffle hunt by the dogs, with degustation lunch ($200pp) Children under 12 years cost $50.pp 3pm Enjoy a truffle experience followed by grazing platter, $130pp. |
|
|
|
|
Discovering central Victoria’s lakes can be surprising and rewarding as each has a distinct feature. These water storages are managed by Goulburn-Murray or Coliban Water authorities, so the leisure offerings (er. restrictions) at each varies This Goldfields intel should help if you plan some form of leisure. There’s a really good resource at https://www.vewh.vic.gov.au/rivers-and-wetlands - ours are O for the Campaspe, Loddon and Coliban rivers, and P for Tullaroop lake and Serpentine Creek, which joins the Loddon anyway.
The lakes are strung along these gold bearing rivers (pack the gold dish) flowing north from the Great Dividing Range across the verdant plains of Australia Felix, as Major Mitchell described central Victoria in the 1830s. He named the Campaspe river in honour of (Mount) Alexander the Great’s love, but his Barnard river morphed into today’s Coliban.
The Coliban river rises near Trentham and forms two headwater lakes, the Upper Coliban and the particularly attractive Lauriston reservoirs. From there, the river supplies Malmesbury, farms, and lifestyle properties before entering the Campaspe at Eppalock, and it joins the Murray at Echuca. The Loddon river rises further east of Daylesford, forms Cairn Curran and Laanecoorie lakes then makes its way serving everybody up to meet the mighty Murray at Swan Hill. See https://www.vewh.vic.gov.au/rivers-and-wetlands/northern-region/loddon-river. These rivers, together with the Avoca and Tullaroop creek, provide the Victorian Goldfields’ main water supplies.
The map below also shows Parks Victoria places. South of Castlemaine is the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park which is a serial listing, or a series of gold artifacts locations rather than an integrated, fenced space. Its main access is on the Castlemaine road at Chewton. |
|
Maldon shares Lake Cairn Curran (!0 minutes’ drive) with Maryborough (22 minutes), and Laanecoorie (23 minutes) with Bendigo (40 minutes) although Bendigonians prefer the much larger playground of Eppalock (24 minutes). Maldon’s 42 minutes from the Bendigo Sailing Club at Eppalock, accessed over Mount Alexander by north or south roads. The southern route is faster, because the north routs goes past Sutton Grange Winery, home of Fairbank wines - irresistible. |
|
Sightseeing lakes from Maldon takes two hours’ driving, diversions as you wish.
Drive south from Maldon to Newstead, with glimpses of Cairn Curran at Welshman’s Reef. South of Newstead, take the Daylesford road to Mount Franklin, enter and immediately leave the Midland Highway within 100m east (Leslie Rd) through lovely countryside you won’t otherwise see. Admire the occasional mansion/horse stud at Porcupine Ridge and head for Spring Hill. (If it’s easier, stay on the Midland and take the Daylesford route to Spring Hill.). From there either take the road north to Upper Coliban reservoir and double back to see Lauriston reservoir, or take the Malmsbury road and turn off for the hamlet of Lauriston, with lake facilities and views on the hill to the east. Pick up the Spring Hill-Malmsbury road again and take it past the Malmsbury reservoir (or visit) into town. Then turn west on the Old Calder highway to leave at Faraday via the twisty Golden Point road. Or turn west at Elphinstone for Castlemaine, past the Diggings National Heritage Park back to Maldon.
There’s two side trips south of Newstead to Joyce’s Creek for the east end of Cairn Curran (Picnic Point), or take the Maryborough road for Tullaroop with its cute church on a point. Trentham Falls is a must from Spring Hill if it’s been wet, and Barker’s Creek Reservoir at North Harcourt is on the road to Eppalock. |
|
|
|
Permitted activities at lakes
If you want to spend some time at a lake, central Victoria’s reservoirs are generally open daylight hours. They offer parking and viewing areas, shelters and electric barbeques for picnics, toilets, walking tracks and light watercraft entry point/s to the lake for light boating (kayak or canoe size, with electric propulsion) and fishing with recreational licence. To protect water quality at most lakes, dogs are permitted only on leash (don’t know about wallabies), there’s no swimming, no fires, no off-road driving.
Camping and accommodation. None allowed on Goulburn Murray Water or Coliban Water property, but the three main accessible activity lakes have private holiday rentals nearby.
Cairn Curran (Goulburn Murray) has a shoreline campground only, (no cabins) at Welshman’s Reef. It’s called Welshman’s Reef Water Sports Club Inc. (long story). Contact http://www.welshmansreefwsc.com.au/
|
|
Swimming: Oddly, there’s little information on swimming, other than the lakes than won’t allow it. There are no-go areas for boats and exclusion/speed rules for boats around potential swimmers. However, swimming for fun is best restricted to sandy/grassed coves with buoyed areas marked out in the water (Woolshed Bay at Cairn Curran), or commonsense places such as Welshman’s Reef caravan park. Laanecoorie’s shores are somewhat restricted by trees; on the upside, there’s shade and a wide variety of birdlife in its extended wetlands back to Eddington. Otherwise, keep away from muddy water that can contain depth and submerged trees, rocks and water weed hazards, heavily treed shores and marshy banks for reptile haunts, or areas without phone coverage for help. Seasonal issues occur with blue-green algae in the summer which tends to start at Cairn Curran and work its way to Laanecoorie and beyond. It closes the beach, sometimes for the season.
Small craft canoe-type craft allowed on all public access lakes.
|
|
|
|
|
Points of difference between the lakes
Upper Coliban (Coliban Water) minimum facilities, quiet and good for artists or fishers. Spectacular overflow if there’s a water release. Pic from Tripadvisor, who has a drone.
Lauriston (Coliban) Minimum facilities plus playground and great foreshore for grassy knolls. Definitely the best Coliban Water lake for lingering, but no swimming. |
|
|
|
Tullaroop (Goulburn Murray) . Minimum facilities, plus a grassy park for outlook and surprisingly, a woodfired barbeque. No swimming or camping, but you can play around in a canoe or kayak. Just don't fall out! |
|
|
|
|
Malmsbury reservoir has good and bad points. Town fisherfolk can practically walk to it, but its visitor facilities are underneath the weir wall, so there’s no water to look at if the Coliban river isn’t flowing. It’s a park, really, but Malmesbury has a beautiful park with lake next to the Coliban in the centre of town. So linger longer there.
Golden Point /Expedition Pass reservoir (Parks Victoria) Situated a few kilometres from Chewton and part of the Diggings National Park, this confined lake has restricted on-site parking (you literally can’t park on the road), viewing, lingering and access. There’s no visitor facilities, but there is swimming, fishing and mini-boating (canoe-style) if you can find a perch (seat, not fish). No dogs, either. Pic courtesy of Chewton.net/ |
|
|
|
|
Lake Cairn Curran at Baringhup.
All roads lead to Cairn Curran in the summer, including practising university rowing clubs. It’s big, quiet ,, and has four official launching ramps, two at Baringhup end, one at Welshman’s Reef for the camping set and the other at Picnic Point for Newstead. It has a sailing club, swimming spots and the usual facilities. Best for families and water sports. Note the levels are down from the recent records – it’s just over 60% mid-November. |
|
Laanecoorie Reservoir at Laanecoorie
Or between Eddington and Laanecoorie along the Loddon. Maldon sneaks over there if there’s an algae bloom at Cairn Curran. It’s the playground for the caravan park, especially now, when it’s just had a big facelift after the floods a while back. The open water is restricted due to the wetlands upriver, so it’s a birder’s delight at feeding time. Not great for lingering, as the locals tend to settle in and have to be negotiated with to get a patch on the bank. At this time it’s 37% full after Goulburn Murray emptied it for their repairs. Should be filled nicely for the hols. |
Lake Eppalock at Eppalock
Largest of central Victoria's water reserves is Eppalock, which has a club for everyone and islands to explore by water, as it’s 80% full (nearly) mid-November. The local accommodation is reflective of Bendigo’s cheerful approach and not expensive. Pic from Visit Victoria Enjoy! |
|
Free wifi connection within 25m of Maldon post office’s (95 High St) phone booth Anyone can then download the Telstra app and connect to the internet.
Nearest public EV station is the IGA carpark in Forest St Castlemaine at the Victory Park entryway.
Maldon Visitors Information Centre, 93 High St (next to Maldon Gardens)
Open 9am to 5 pm every day. Tel 03 5474 2569
Maldon Market, cnr Church and Franklin Sts. 9.30am – 1.30pm 2nd Sunday of month (14 December)
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum in Vincent's Road, open Wednesdays, 11am to 3pm, all Saturdays and 2nd Sunday of month, 10am to 4pm.
Maldon and District Museum, Maldon gardens, 93 High St.
Open every Wednesday and Sunday from 11am to 2.30pm. Self-informed walking tours at https://tours.maldonmuseum.com.au/ Contact on (03) 5475 1633
Athenaeum Library, 97 High St Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 2pm to 4pm, Saturdays 9.30am to noon. Contact maldonathenaeumlibrary@gmail.com
MaNET Art Gallery, 27 Main St. Open Wednesday 11am to 4pm; Friday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (11am Friday). Maldon Art Network offers annual portrait and landscape exhibitions. MaNET Gallery artists include Caroline Vickers, Catherine Tait, Eva Miller, Jennifer Merkus, Malini Lewis, Cheryl Kennedy, Irena Kaczmarek and Carol de Graauw. Website https://www.maldonartistnetwork.org.au/
Cascade Art 1A Fountain St, Open Thursday – Sunday 10am - 5pm Kareen Anchen - Gallery Director: 0408 844 152 | cascadeart.com.au . Sign up for the newsletter
Much Ado General Store, 22 Main St.
Lauren and Frank are open Sunday – Thursday 10am – 4pm, Friday - Saturday 10am to 5pm. Contact 5475 1005, muchado.com.au
Maldon Rose Gift Shop and the Dessert Society. 26-28 Main St, Retail shop for Maldon Rose café, plus booking and collecting special orders. A themed party room to open soon as well. Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm . Ring 0492 183 081, social media or https://maldonroseofficial.square.site/? Koolclay Art 7 Parker St Maldon Tracey Koolen has all-age art classes in clay. See her workshops at https://www.koolclay.art/class-calendar
Sandy Creek Clydesdales, 504 Sandy Creek Rd, Gower.
Matthew & Jaimie Thompson are available for horse-related workshops and events such as weddings and anniversaries. Clydesdales for hire!. Contact them on https://www.sandycreekclydesdales.com/
Newstead Arts Hub 8A Tivey St. Newstead
Gallery open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Check Diary here for what’s on, or at newsteadartshub.org. Email info@newsteadartshub.org
RedShed Arts workshop space, Church St Newstead. Serious art classes, sign up for their newsletter at info@redshed.art
Oxart Pottery and Learning Centre, 128 High St Taradale
Oxart Pottery produces a range of beautiful, functional pottery while also running a vibrant pottery school at 'Oxart HQ' Taradale. Open 9am to 5 pm every day. Ring Ian McColl on 0431 611 194 or email - ox.art.pots@gmail.com. Website https://oxartpottery.com.au
Scorched Earth Ceramics 128 Chaplins Rd Walmer
Angie Robinson runs popular ceramics classes from her workshop between Maldon and Harcourt. Check out her website, Facebook or contact her on ceramics@scorchedearth.com.au, or phone 0427558879
Buda Historic Home and Gardens, 42 Hunter St. Castlemaine
Premier attraction in Castlemaine (given Market Place and Art Gallery). Open daily, 9.30am to 3.30pm. Guided tours Sunday afternoons, free, plus kids’ treasure hunts. Details at https://budacastlemaine.org/
Possum Gully Gallery, 428 Possum Gully Rd, Adelaide Lead. 11am - pm Saturdays and Sundays, and public holidays or by appointment. It’s 40 minutes’ drive from Maldon. http://www.possumgullyfinearts.com.au/n, via Maryborough. The fun is finding it, although it’s all sealed road. Landline 5461 1775,
Food?
Maldon Lolly Shop. 20 High St. 10am to 4.30pm (or 5pm) seven days. Retailers and wholesalers of good old fashioned confectionery; gourmet cordials and delicious chocolates – or order on https://themaldonlollyshop.square.site/ Tel 5475 1136.
Boone Espresso 67 High St. Watch the goings-on in Main St whilst imbibing a ham sandwich and an espresso. It’s a pop-up that has been around for a while
Maldon Rose Official Café 6 Main St, open Thursdays – Sundays 10am to 4pm. Specialising in morning and afternoon cream teas. Phone Kimberlei McClure et al. 0492 183 081 for bookings over 6 people for high tea, or at https://tinyurl.com/Highteaatmaldonrose(or coffee)w.facebook.com/maldonrose
Maldon Takeaway and the Blue Cockatoo Bar 10 Main St, Melitta and Adam’s takeaway and eat in 11am - 7.30pm every day.. Blue Cockatoo Cock-tail Bar at back weekends with birds, cock-tails and bar snacks open noon to 9pm. Music, music, music Friday nights and Sunday arvo.. Phone orders 0476 887 062
Maldon Quality Butchers 19 Main St, Open weekdays 6am to 5.30 pm, Saturdays 6am to 12 noon, closed Sundays. Great food, great preparations tips and an assortment of local eggs, milk, and condiments. Plus Maldon Honey. Brad’s landline 5475 22713.
Maldon Fudge and Icecreamery, 22 Main St, Carman’s open Wednesdays – Sundays 11am to 4pm Tel 5475 2652.. She specialises in varied confections, sorbets, gelatis and ice cream, plus seasonal fudge and nougat tastes. Hop on to Facebook for the latest.
Berrryman's Cafe and Tearooms 30 Main St. Waiting, waiting
Gold Exchange Café 46 Main St. Weekdays from 7am, weekends from 7.30am to 3pm for breakfast, lunch and teas, everything homemade. Ring Cathy 0439 368 077.
48 Main St Guess where? Bar with local beers and wines, live music. Open Thursday to Sunday, 4pm to late. Contact Leah or AJ on lmcmahon849@gmail.com
Café Maldon, 52 Main St. Open Friday - Wednesday 7.15am –3pm, Sat – Sun. 8am - 3pm. tel Karen (03) 5475 202. They offer Maldon Grazing, where you order boxes as required as takeaway. https://order.platform.hungryhungry.com/cafemaldon/menu
Maldon Bakery, 51 Main St. Open Tuesday – Friday 7.30 am to 4.30pm, weekends from 8am for high quality traditional baked fare from original Scotch oven. https://www.maldonbakery.com.au/. Landline 5475 2713 Meet Tom, an additional baker
Maldon Hotel, 58 Main St –Open 12 noon Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, Monday & Tuesday from 4pm, dinner only. Closes 11pm. Ring (03) 5475 2231
This Little Piggy Market. Trades prepared Eurasian meals from the Post Office residence, 95 High St. Maldon. Evolving menu based on seasonal vegetables and meats. Menu on https://this-little-piggy.square.site/. Phone 0474 037 556. . Highly rated.
Golden Nugget, Porcupine Village, 8 Allens Rd, Maldon Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (their fine dining night) from 6pm, Sundays from noon -2pm: 2-course carvery Bookings essential. Sunday session from 2.30pm-6pm light meals and snacks with live music. Happy hour from 2.30pm Phone (03) 4417 5909 or book online at https://www.porcupinevillage.com.au/
Warral Maldon 36 Boundary Rd Visit the one stop shop for everything (awarded) honey, open 10am – 3 pm Monday to Friday, Ring 1800 671 188, also online https://warralmaldon.com.au/wm-shop/australian-honey/
Campbells Creek
Five Flags Hotel. 151 Main Rd Campbells Creek
Open 11 am to 11pm every day. Lunch and dinner weekdays, meals all day at the weekend. and culinary adventure. Website https://fiveflagshotel.com/ for menu. Book at (03) 5472 1010
Newstead
Dig Cafe cnr Lyons and Panmure Sts. . Open Wednesday – Sunday 8.30am – 3.30pm and takeaway pizzas from 5pm to 8pm Fridays. Phone 5476 2744.
Newstead Country Store, 12 Lyons St Newstead Take away type food. Open 6.30am Tues-Fri and later Sat- Mon. Closing 4pm Mon – Wed, 7pm Thur- Sun Serves fishing chips, pizzas and in-store or take-away dinners (beef or pork meal packs) They do delivery, too, but probab.ly not Maldon! Ring (03) 5476 2252
Crown Hotel 8 Lyons St Newstead says it has good pub grub at reasonable prices and also appears to be open about noon every day for meals. Patrons seem to be better promoting it than the owners. Curious? Ring 5476 2222 to book/check
Taradale
Taradale Wine and Produce Store 120 High St. Pizzas cooking Friday - Sunday nights. Bookings 5423 2828.
Harcourt
Harcourt Produce and General Store (and café) 115 Harmony Way Harcourt
Grazing boards, salmon plates, and all local produce, wines and ciders. Open 9am to 3pm Wednesdays to Sundays. SMS bookings to Annette on 0430 302 763.
Blackwood Orchards 111 Chellews Road Harcourt North, Strawberries may start in October, cherries later. Phone/text 0428 570 051 or online at https://blackwood-orchard.business.site/
Goodness Flours, 27 Gaaschs Road Harcourt.
Small batch, freshly milled, wholegrain flours and a range of bread, cake and biscuit mixes. Available at the Castlemaine Farmers Markets. and online at https://www.goodnessflour.com.au/ Contact Liesel at hello@goodnessflour.com.au, phone 0427 132 601
Elphinstone
Elphinstone Hotel. 14 Wright St. Open Thursdays from 4pn and Fridays to Sundays for lunch and dinner, noon to 9pm. Ring 5473 3165 or email theelphopub@gmail.com.
Something different?
Smeaton
Tuki Trout Farm, 60 Stoney Rises Road, Smeaton. Stay, Play, Eat. Enjoy 2 nights in a spa cottage, including dinner and breakfast with a complimentary fishing experience and farm tour. for $920. See https://tuki.com.au/stay-play-eat-package/
Creswick Black Cat Truffles with Liam Downes 150 Howards Rd Wattle Flat Black Cat Truffles with Liam Downes Whilst you can't hunt your own truffles you can watch truffle dogs at work and enjoy the produce. The restaurant is open for winter and summer truffle seasons, Friday 12pm-5pm, Saturday/ Sunday 9.30am-5pm. All food and experience opportunities at https://blackcattruffles.au/
Markets
Wesley Hill Market on Pyrenees Highway, cnr van Heurck St, every Saturday, 9am-1pm
Castlemaine Weekly Farmers Market, next to Market Building, Frederick St. every Wednesday, 2:30pm-5:30pm
Castlemaine Monthly Farmers Market, Western Reserve, Forest St., first Sunday of the month, 9am-1pm, Check details at https://www.castlemainefarmersmarket.org/
Talbot Farmers Market, 40 Scandinavian Crescent. 3rd Sunday every month 9am to 1pm. Legendary market that started them all (maybe) https://talbotfarmersmarket.org.au/, or email info@talbotfarmersmarket.org.au
Dunolly Country Market, Broadway, 4th Sunday of the month, 8am to 1pm. Contact dynamo lynda.vater@gmail.com or mobile 0418 875 453 for a spot
Wineries et al.
Panacea Estate, 329 Seers Road, Welshman's Reef, 12 noon – 5pm Saturdays. Enjoy your afternoon with a platter, order at https://panaceaestate.com.au/bookings or ring 0434 366 617
St Anne’s Winery, Belvoir Park Rd, Ravenswood
Open every day for wine tastings. It’s popular for Sunday pizzas from non to 4pm with live music during the afternoon. Workshops coming up in 2024 as well. Book at 5435 3601.
Henry of Harcourt, 219 Reservoir Rd Harcourt, great ciders, cider vinegar and perry. Platters available. Open every day except Christmas Day.10am to 5pm - Call 5474 2177.
Harcourt Valley Apples at Little Red Apple , 8795 Midland Highway, Barkers Creek, Tel 03 5474 2483 Online at https://harcourtcider.com.au/shop/
Simon and Vicki Frost puts their products in Fairbank’s fridge.
Welshman's Reef Vineyard, Maldon Newstead Road, cellar door weekends. 10am to 5pm or appointment (03) 5476 2733. http://welshmansreef.com/ Check first
Sutton Grange Winery, Carnochan’s Road, Sutton Grange, Top syrah wine and sparkling rosé, proudly presented to Fairbank’s guests.
Sit down wine tastings (45 min) on Sundays noon – 5pm for $10 pp or while away a gorgeous Sunday with pizzas and wine. Ring (03) 8672 1478 or for six+ guests book online at suttongrange.com.au
Bress Winery at Lome Vineyard, 59 Franklings Rd, North Harcourt. Open last weekend of the month 11am to 4pm for wine tastings and sales. For enquiries contact Chris McCormack on: 0437 493 303, https://bress.com.au/, https://lomevineyard.com.au/
Grangehill Vineyard, Gallaghers Lane, Eastville (off Maldon-Bridgewater Rd). Open weekends11am – 5pm or by appointment, ring Russell on 0457 353 838 Chaperon winea, the Grangehill brand, are available at Golden Nugget restaurant.
Blackjack Winery, 3379 Harmony Way, Harcourt, cellar door at weekends, 11am to 5pm, contact (03) 5474 2355 https://blackjackwines.com.au/ Open most public holidays!
Harcourt Valley Vineyards, 3339 Harmony Way Harcourt, Open Sundays, noon to 4pm. Enquiries Marie on 0431 996 515 or landline (03) 5474 2223. Weddings central. https://www.harcourtvalley.com.au/.
Heybridge Estate, 170 Boundary Rd, Maldon. Try them in Maldon and order online. https://www.heybridgeestate.com.au/ate.com.au/
Whitlocks Vineyard, Whitlocks Rd, Tarrengower (on Lake Cairn Curran). Either buy their shiraz online, or pick it up from licensed purveyors in Maldon. Contact: 0439031075 or emily@whitlocksvineyard.com.au.
Clubs you may want to look up
Maldon Bowls 82 High St. Playing Tuesdays, Fridays and weekends. Secretary can be contacted at (MaldonBowls@outlook.com). There’s also a monthly Community Night, sometimes barefoot (that’s party night). They also provide free training/coaching every Friday from 4.00 pm for all ages. Facebook: Maldon Bowls Club.
Maldon Golf Club. Golf Links Rd. It’s $10 per round for visiting players, and golfers with handicaps are welcome to join in club events. Social golf on Mondays from 8.30am – 9 holes. Facebook: Maldon Golf Club. Enquiries maldongolf4u@gmail.com or Gay Reid 0413 013 766.
Maldon Pétanque Club is fortnightly 1pm Sundays at St. Brigid’s (Chapel St, cnr Adaur St) \. Enq: Sandy Noble 0429 006 130.
Social Pétanque club is 2pm fortnightly, Sundays. at the Penny School pistil 19 Church St. or further information call 0459 093 452. |
|
|
|
