To fully appreciate the bounty of the bush, try trekking with a gold detector. Focuses the mind on where you step rather than the view, which is there anyway.  Read the ground for gold where water flowed, especially around obstructions. Gold’s detectable from a gram or so, worth $165. Twelve grams equals a week’s average wage. Put a detector in your golf buggy and hit off into the rough- you may be able shout the others a nice cup of coffee. 

So, all that success calls for a celebration in central Victori. Select from suggestions in the story (and Due Diligence),

It’s all for your enjoyment 

Michele Waddington, for the Fairbank Team
What's on now





The Victorian Goldfields Railway settled into its expanded timetable. The Goldfield Explorer runs Fridays and Sunday with two return trips from Castlemaine to Maldon.   This gives our esteemed Getaway guests the chance to experience the thrill of steam whilst ending up at the right end of the track. Saturdays are taken up by specialty trains and events – Ales on Rails and the movie dress-up, Murder on the Orient Express. See it all (and there’s plenty of options) at vgr.com.au



Cascade Gallery, 1A Fountain St Maldon 

Cascade Art Gallery currently has a multi-artist exhibition Imagination ll until the end of June.  Sculpture is by Dean Bowen. 

Also they are hosting the 2025 Maldon Portrait Prize. See  Diary for 7 June.
Diary


Saturday 17 May 

Maldon Artist Network Gallery 27 Main St Maldon 


3pm - 6pm  Exhibition of contemporary art exploring the theme of plein air paintings of the Maldon  Goldfields as they are today, retracing S.T. Gill’’s original depictions of the gold rushes. Until end June. 

Sunday 18 May

Meet at Post Office, 83 High St.
One last hurrah for Heritage Month.

11am – 1pm  A walk and a talk about  Maldon’s Government Reserve. As soon as Captain Mechosk and his band of merry men ‘established’ our particular golden patch sometime between June and early December 1853,  the Castlemaine Gold Commissioner despatched a contingent of his merry men and assorted tropers (they were local Victorians by then).. There was no Wild West in British territory;, Maldon was declared a townsite by February and policied to keep the peace between claimants and ensure everyone had a nice new Miner’s Right. Learn what they set up where and ask to see the (purported) original floor in a store shack. Presented by Maldon Heritage Network in partnership with Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, Book with info@maldonnc.org.au or on (o3) 5475 2093

Saturday 24 May 

 Plaistow Homestead, 324 Rodborough, Plaistow Homestead, 324 Rodborough Road, Joyce’s Creek.
10am – 12.30pm Central Victoria’s scone extravaganza, 2025’s  Biggest Morning Tea plus fete launches at a hallowed site. Plaistow Homested on the Loddon. Enjoy the idyllic surroundings (sans rain) and dig in for the Cancer Council. Unlimited tea, coffee and scones with donation entry. Follow road  signs from Newstead  Contact: 0419 884 710.


Fryerstown School, 5 Camp St. Fryerstown (25 mins-east)

10am – 3pm Saturday. Into it – boots and all. Fryerstown School Fete and Carboot Sale.

Fryerstown is a special place – even more so since Campbell’s Creek nicked their Australia Day antiques bonanza (insurance). It’s centred in the Castlemaine Diggings National Park and there’s views, hamlets, gold, Vaughan Springs. Fryerstown's well worth an exploratory walk.
Maldon Athenaeum Library  97 High St. Maldon

2pm Saturday still.  Launch of the online Maldon Athenaeum’s History Vignettes at the RSL Hall behind the library. The Vignettes explore the early days of the Athenaeum library associated with  Mechanics’ Institute. Once spread across Victoria, there were issues remaining an independent library, when public libraries dominated (not so in Maldon), and the changing interests of borrowers. There is a talk by Robyn Anneaex, and the exhhibition includes documens, artworks and photographs. Book at maldonathenaeumlibrary@gmail.com. or phone 0437 094 469.\
Sunday 25  May 

Campo Verde Alpacas, 191 Eagles Rd, Harcourt

10am -2pm Workshop: Introduction to Alpacas 
If you are leaning towards becoming a BIG pet owner, try beautiful alpacas, which will reward you with their fine coats. Learn the ins and outs of ethical animal husbandry. The workshop explains care and protection for alpacas, their natures, habiys and needs.Reward yourself and adopt alpacas (llamas are larger). Cost $150ph. Details and bookings: www.campoverdealpacas.com/event-details/introduction-to-alpacas-8

Monday 26 May 

Scorched Earth Ceramics 128 Chaplins Rd. Walmer 

Unless seeking a project, four half-days to 16 Jume is a bit of an ask for Fairbank’s esteemed visitors, but good for locals. One of Angie Robinson’s Handbuilding Ceramics classes has places available. The class (another following from 30 June)  includes advice; clay, glazes and tools; and access to firing in electric kilns. From $220, ceramics@scorchedearth.com.au, or phone 0427558879
Friday 30 May 

Black Cat Truffles with Liam Downes
150 Howards Rd, Wattle Flat VIC 3352

Opening of winter truffle season Fridays - Sundays
12pm – 3.30pm Winter’s perect for rugging up and fossicking for black gold with Liam. Then enjoy a relaxed lunch by the fire after all that exertion following sniffer dogs  Dot and Hugo. $220 pp includes a truffle hunt, warm local cider on arrival and chef 6 course degustation menu Cost $75pp for one hour late afternoon watching the dogs. .Phone: 0428 035 083. Reservations: opentable.com.au
 Saturday 31 May

Red Shed, Church St. Newstead (station building opposite Arts Hub)

10 am - 4 pm  Workshop by Eleki Rivers: Abstract Landscapes in Watercolour.. Building on a foundation of classic watercolour technique such as transparent washes and wet in wet, the emphasis in this class will be on your creative expression through simple yet effective exercises. In addition to the supply list, mixed media materials will be available for you to try in your painting practice..Cost: $140, Email: info@redshed.art  Detail Erin Rivers
Sunday 1 June 

Red Shed, Church St. Newstead 
10 am – 1 pm Workshop with Tara Gilbee: Painting with Light: Cameraless Photographics. 

Make a weekend of IT!
This introduction to alternative photography uses natural dyes and silver sensitive paper prints. It includes history, applications, and experiments possible in this innovative approach to photography. Other workshops will explore aspects of the art. Cost $70 includes materials. Email: info@redshed.art
Photo: Tara Gilbee Untitled 4  Digital image of a Silver Gelatin Lumen Photographic Print 2022-23
  
Sunday still, 1 June 

ORTO Straw Eco Farm, 100 Allisions Rd Blampeid (40 mins sth Maldon) 

10 am - 3 pm How to make salami for lunch with Mara Ripani Salami is a flavourful ‘preserve’ meat. It’s fermented food in the way that kimchi, yogurt and cheese are. Meat is minced, mixed with salt, pepper, spices and wine, then packed into skins to foster fermentation Learning how to make salami is followed b a delicious lunch. $250 pp, book at https://www.villagedreaming.com.au/checkout/

For the pièce de resistance, Sunday the first is also buzzing at 
Lake House, 4 King St. Daylesford.

10.30am. Dessert Masters’ demonstration and lunch
Join John Demetrios for a cooking demonstration in the open Cooking School kitchen at Lake House. Culinary Director Alla Wolf-Tasker AM predicts plenty of wow moments, tips, tricks and stories. Cost $495pp, book at https://lakehouse.com.au/product/john-demetrios-demonstration-lunch-sunday-1-june-1030am/. 

The pictures are deliberately faded so you can’t identify the ingredients. As if you would try!

King’s Birthday weekend Castlemaine. The banner says it all
Saturday 7 June in Maldon

Cascade Art Gallery, !A Fountain St. Maldon

2pm. In collaboration with Maldon Artist Network, Cascade Gallery hosts the awards for the 2025 Maldon Portrait Prize,    $10 000 for the outright winner, and $2 000 for an emerging artistr. An online People’s choice award will also be conducted over the coming months where you can view the entries and vote for your favourite. . See https://www.cascadeart.com.au/maldon-portrait-prize


Sunday 8 June in Maldon

Maldon Racecourse Reseerve cnr Bendigo and Lewis Rd Maldon

7am (sunrise is 7.39am) You were waiting for it and it’s happening! King’s Birthday Swapmeet. If you want a spot of the several hundred available, just turn up Sunday or join in the setup fun on Saturday. Public entry usually $5, children free. Text Mark Blythe on 0414 244 842  See www.maldonevets.com. 
Comment -Probably one of the best town events (JG)

Bookings open


2025 Bress Winter Solstice Dinner at Ravenswood Homestead, Ravenswood is open for bookings, 5.300pm – 11pm Saturday 21 June. It’s a showcase of local and regionally sourced food prepared by Head Chef Ezra and the team in the Ravenswood Homestead Kitchen. There’s an option of a vegetarian menu as well. Wines by Bress et Lome. Cost $205ph, bok at https://events.humanitix.com/mid-winter-fest-2025?utm_source=sqmktg_email
Story 


Fine food is the province of those who have the time and fortitude to follow a chef’s progress or seek out new tastes to conquer. It’s wrapped up by The Age Good Food Guide as a popular vote scoring up to  20 points. Those rated at lesast 12 ) are awarded one  (worth a visit) to three (spectacular) chef’s hats. To their credit, AGFG accepts (but doesn’t promote) non-members. So in this story, our gold finding celebrator needs a big destination to splurge. 
These awarded restaurants are within 40 minutes’ drive from Maldon. Perfect for weekend lunch.
There's also favourite pubs and 'places worthy of a visit' for Maldonians' night out.


First up is Kadota at 1 Camp St, Daylesford. It’s Japanese cuisine and it pipped Lake House with a score of 18/20. three hats There’s dinner Friday – Tuesday. lunch Friday and Saturday. Reservations at https://www.kadotarestaurant.com.au/reservations

Followed swiftly by Alla Wokf-Tasker’s Lake House at King Street Daylesford, bur she also scored an AM (Member of the Order of Australia). They scored `7/20 which translayes to two AGFG hats. But there’s other Lake-indpired places around, check out their website, Lake House is open for lunch Monday -Friday (sorry about the weekends!) , dinner every night. There’s food, beverage and accommodation packages as well. Reservatuins https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/lakehousedaylesfordThis is a text block, edit the text here.

Out at Sailor’s Falls, Sault scores two AGFG hats at 15/20, which is pretty good for an event and wedding destination.  Sault has modern Australian cuisine (eclectic?) and is open for dinner Thursday to Saturday, and lunch Friday to Sunday. Technically, it’s at  2349 Ballan Daylesford Road, Daylesford.  Reservations  and instructions (in case you are a bride)  at https://www.sault.com.au/bookings-general/
The Surly Goat’s next, down the hill at 3 Tenth St Hepburn Springs. It’s a fun local one hat (14/20) restaurant on a back street of Hepburn Springs  Supplies come from local small scale regenerative producers who supply fruit, vegetables, dairy, eggs and meats. They are open for dinner Thursday to Saturday, and lunch on Saturday/ Book at. https://www.thesurlygoat.com.au/book-online/ or call  03 5348 4628 for assistance.


Next to Theatre Royal and its own destination, Love Shack Brewing Co is at 26 Hargreaves St Castlemaine, a bar and a bistro, open seven days from 11am. Any details are on Instagram. Scotch eggs – different.his is a text block, edit the text here.


The Woodhouse Bar and Grill (one hat 13/20) is in Bendigo as well, at 101 Williamson St.  Their territory is dry-aged rib eye steaks to share, with accompaniments (human and culinary). Unsurprisingly, lunch is Thursday – Saturday, dinner Tuesday to Saturday Vegans, avert your eyes. Book at https://thewoodhouse.com.au/



Then we skip across to Midnight Starling at 60 Piper St. Kyneton (one hat, 13/20). It’s 38 minutes from the Central Fun District, and open on Saturdays for lunch, plus dinner Wednesdays to Saturdays. European cuisine(s), and meat dishes. Book at https://www.midnightstarling.com.au/


We’re at 42 High St. Trentham now, du Fermier (one hat, 13/20) with the legendary Annie Smithers. It’s like eating at her farm, and you can book at  https://anniesmithers.com.au/du-fermier when a reservation month opens, one month in advance.  Perseverance catch the  meal, apparently.


Meanwhile, all the way down at  Castlemaine, Bar Midland (one hat,12/20) is at Shop 1 / 2 Templeton Street. The Midland Hotel was built opposite the railway station to service  to accommodate train travellers of the day, That was the way travelling sales persons got around. Bar Miidland’s open Friday ans Saturday for dinner, Saturday and Sunday for lunch.  Book at https://www.barmidland.com/food  or 0423 369 075 his is a text block, edit the text here.


Bistro Terroir (one hat 12/20) is at 6-8 Howe St Daylesford. They serve lunch Thursday to Sunday, dinner Wednesday to Sunday  Charcuterie looms large, which is fine for the neighbourhood’s French sweet spot. Book at https://bistroterroir.com.au/   


And then there’s The Boathouse (one hat12 /20),  Europeanp-French, down on the lake at 2 Leggatt St. Daylesford. Lunch Wednesday to Sunday, dinner Thursday- Saturday. Book at https://www.boathousedaylesford.com.au/booking-reservations
Hostelries preferred (laid back/smaller nugget)?

Maldon Hotel is a sterling performer, but for a visit to Castlemaine, try these.

Railway Hotel 65 Gingell St, Castlemaine is a very old pub with very good food  Open for dinner every day until midnight or beyond. Lunch Saturday and Sunday. Phone (03) 5472 12


Bridge Hotel at  21 Walker St, Castlemaine also rates for food, although its social environment draws the crowds. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday until late, Saturfays and Sundays for lunch at 1pm. Contact (03) 4406 6730 or info@thebridgehotelcastlemaine.comhis is a text block, edit the text here.





Five Flags Hotel. 151 Main Rd Campbells Creek
Open 11 am to 11pm every day.for pub classics with a twist. Lunch and dinner weekdays, meals all day at the weekend. and culinary adventure. Book at (03) 5472 1010 or use Facebook


Night out at/from Maldon
Golden Nugget, Porcupine Village, 8 Allens Rd, Maldon 
Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (their fine dining night) from 6pm, Sundays from noon  for carvery and Sunday afternoon music. Phone (03) 4417 5909 or book online at https://www.porcupinevillage.com.au/his

Wild Restaurant, Old Fire Station 26a Templeton St, Castlemaine, Wild is a destination-type wine bar and restaurant open for dinner Thursday – Saturday and Saturday for lunch. Book at  https://www.wildfoodandwine.com/reservations or ring (03) 4432 7352 Instagram @wild_foodandwinehis is a text block, edit the text here.



The venerable Theatre Royal at 30 Hargreaves St, Castlemaine, is the town’s one-stop bar, cinema, and events It’s the place for a mini nugget splurged on gourmet pizzas and enjoyment. Open from 4pm until late Tuesday – Sunday,


Next to Theatre Royal and its own destination, Love Shack Brewing Co is at 26 Hargreaves St Castlemaine, a bar and a bistro, open seven days from 11am. Any details are on Instagram. Scotch eggs – different.his is a text block, edit the text here.
Like tryimg new restaurants?

Voor Ouker 68 Mostyn St Castlemaine. Something you don’t see every day, Dutch Indonesian centuries-old fusion cuisine Rijsttafel, meaning "rice table" in Dutch. Dutch traders got more than they bargained for with Rijsttafel taking Dutch cuisine by storm. Much the sme is happening in Castlemaine, so enjoy. Open Thursday – Sunday ealy for dinner, Saturday and Sunday for lunch. Book at o https://tableagent.com/melbourne/voor-ouker-vfakuooi/ or text 0402248300 




Gornelly’s 196 Barker St. Castlemaine Dinner Thursday – Monday, lunch Friday to Monday. Walk in only. Instagram friendly such as  a weekend specialof Confit Jerusalem artichoke with cheese sauce and garlic breadcrumbs, and bean dip with basil oil and pumpkin seeds.h
Due diligence
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 8 Jume 
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 1633Not the main holidays
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 11zm - 3pm Friday to Sunday and public holidaysy). Maldon Art Network offers annual portrait and landscape exhibitions.  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 . Check Diary for events or eign up for their 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, Both party venue and retail shop for Maldon Rose cafe. Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm  Thursday to Sunday, . Ring  0492 183 081, social media or https://maldonroseofficial.square.site/?
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 where all their courses aere now online.
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/
Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation and Wildlife Education Centre, Vaughan-Chewton Rd, Chewton
There’s an issue with governments about feral dogs/desert dingos. Victoria/s mountain dingos (maybe) protected but the Mallee dingos are under threat. 
Jurrahlina is a really special wildlife refuge, accessed from Melbourne-Castlemaine road at Fryers St and , open from 10am to 4pm every day except Wednesday. Family tickets $106 with frequent tours and animal feeding opportunities. See. . https://www.jirrahlinga.com.au/visit-u
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. Wendy dispenses 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
Kangaroo Hotel, 89 High St. Now open for drinks, Wednesdays to Fridays from 4pm to late; Satudays noon until late, Sundays noon to 7pm. Food van on site for snacks.1
Maldon Rose Official Café 6 Main St, open Thursdays – Sundays 11am 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
The Good Food Providers 12 Main St Maldon 
Replacing the much-lauded Le Sel.. Adrian Upward has a similar French-inspired style, open from  9am – 4pm Wednesdays to Sundays. Degustation style Long Table Dinners (from $80pp) offered every second Friday. Book at orders@thegoodfoodproviders.com.au
Maldon IGA 11-17 Main St. Phone (03) 5475 2458 Open 7.30am to 7pm  9.30am to 5.30pm Sundays. ublic . 
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 open Wednesday - Sunday noon - 4ishTel 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. 
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 11pm. Contact Leah or AJ on lmcmahon849@gmail.com
Café Maldon, 52 Main St. Open weekdays  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..Happy hour Friday night 7 - 9pm  Closes 11pm. Ring (03) 5475 2231 
This Little Piggy Market. Trades prepared Eurasian meals from the Post Office residence, 95 High St. Maldon or delivered apparently. Evolving menu based on seasonal vegetables and meats. Gravitated into Castlemaine Friday and Saturday nights to PJ Tyres cnr Campbell St and Midland Highway.  Menu https://this-little-piggy.square.site/.  Phone 0474 037 556. 
Golden Nugget, Porcupine Village, 8 Allens Rd, Maldon Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (their fine dining night) from 6pm, Sundays from noon -2pm:Fri2-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/ Closing Christmas Eve, reopening 6 January

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 Opening hours 3.30pm – 8pm Mondays to– Wednesdays, 2pm – late (dinner) Thursdays and Fridays, 11.30 (lunch) to late (dinner) weekends.  Ring 5476 2222 to book/check

Taradale
Taradale Wine and Produce Store  120 High St. Pizzas cooking Thursday - 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
Le Coq Door, 23 High St Harcourt
Friday, Saturday and Sunday noon 'til late. Charcoal chicken, beer on tap, cellar door
Plus soft serve, donuts. Phone 0412 035 545, Facebook and Instagram. It’s in the old motel,  
Cool Store. 2 Coolstore Road, Harcourt, instagram.com/harcourtcoolstore
Open weekday mornings from 6am to 1pm. Big toasted sandwiches with diverse fillings, and great coffee. Owners used to run Woodend’s popular Fox in the Chamber cafe.

Taradale 
120 High St Taradale Wine and Produce Store Expanding hours. Now open for pizzas Thursdays 4p30pm – 6pm, Fridays 3.30pm – 9pm, Saturdays 11am – 6pm  and Sundays 11am to 9pm. Bookings, (03) 5423 2828.  
 
Elphistone 
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. There’s a full service restaurant open Wednesdays to Sundays for trout fishing ($14/10) and/or lunch12- 3pm. Dinners Friday – Saturday 6.39 – 8pm. 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 weekdays at 9am, 10am weekends, closes at 5pm - Call 5474 2177.- 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 Wines, 59 Franklings Rd, North Harcourt. Open third weekend of the month 11am to 4pm for wine tastings and sales. Events June (dinner) and November (bike day) Inquiries at https://bress.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/
Wombat Forest Wines, 189 Springhill Rd, Denver,(from Malmesbury on Daylesford Rd,) 45 mins from Maldon. Small vineyard, chardonnay, pinots, cabernet. Guests can indulge in a wine and cheese pairing experience. three boutique wines and three matched cheeses by Goldfields Farmhouse Cheeses of Ballarat served with bread from Malmesbury Bakery. $25 pp Contact mobile 0408 799 187 or info@wombatforestwines.com
  
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.
Pic. This is Maggie Jackson from Piano Guerrillas wowing them outside Rebecca’s bakery

Tge Old Castlemaine Gaol was sold (again) and is viewing a new life as a learning centre. Pic coutesy of S Danithorpe
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2 Morris St
Maldon, Vic, 3463
Australia 

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