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Tradition never sounded this good; the roar of engines on the Tarrangower Historic Hill Climb, J549 puffing up to Maldon in its two-four chou-chou time, or the roar of approval for 45 plus acts for the Folkie, it’s game on!
Spring bursts forth on Maldon’s busiest event season as it has since the 1970s and way beyond. The story shamelessly pinches the Folkies’ 50 year journey to 2025 (49th this year).
Come and see what the fuss is all about – yes, there’s something crafted just for you . . ..
. . it’s all for your entertainment.
Michele Waddington
For the Fairbank team
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Intelligence from the Goldfields
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On now
Cascade Gallery, 1A Fountain St. (also Diary)
Thursdays - Sundays
10am – 5pm Exhibition by Chris Delpratt Roadside Impressions. Until 27 October
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Diary
Friday 18 October
Maldon Bowls, 87 High St
Bowling starts at 4pm, all welcome and complementary bowling lessons as well. This is a perfect opportunity to experience Maldon’s lifestyle that blends generations.
Try your hand at bowls, and/or turn up for the Community BBQ night with bar and live music with local duo, Arty Rex, about 5.30pm. Entry $5 pp, and BBQ similar. More information on Facebook, Maldon Bowls Club or Due diligence at end of Diary
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Weekend 19-20 October
The Butts, Franklin St/Mt Tarrengower Rd.
Tarrengower Historic Hill Climb
Saturday from noon – 5pm Entry family $15, adults $10, children under 12 years free. Possibly this is for motorcycles, although previous years it’s been practice. Anyway, there’s plenty of noise, entertainment, and fun.
Sunday 9am – 4.30pm with entry for Family $40, adult $25. Weekend pass $30 adult. Eftpos available at gate.
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Sunday 20 October
Maldon Racecourse Reserve, Lewis Rd Maldon (cnr Bendigo Rd, 2km north).
9am-4pm Maldon & Baringhup Agricultural Show with everything you would expect - scones to horse events. More information at maldonshow.com.au Entry $15 adult. $35 for family.
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If the pressure’s too much to handle at Maldon, head a half-hour down the Calder to Malmsbury for a quieter time.
Malmsbury Primary School Oval, 26 Cameron St.
9am – 1pm Malmsbury Car Boot Sale
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Meanwhile, across the road from the Maldon Show (nearly), Sunday afternoon means kicking back and reflecting on the day’s action
Golden Nugget Restaurant Porcupine Village, 8 Allens Rd, Maldon Sundays from noon -2pm: 2-course carvery. Phone (03) 4417 5909 or book online at https://www.porcupinevillage.com.au/
From 1pm Sunday 20 October live music by Back Alley Sally; and on 27 October it’s the Martini Set. Music continues with the Sunday service of light meals and snacks from 2.30pm- 6pm, happy hour 2-3pm.
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Saturday 26 October
Mica Grange 373 Faraday Sutton Grange Road Sutton Grange
10am – 4pm Saturdays – Sundays to 8 December
Mica Grange open garden Sculpture Exhibition Entry $9, children < 12 years free.
These gardens and their location are spectacular, well worth a visit even without the sculpture drawcard. Teas and light lunches available, so take advantage of the opportunity to stay awhile and soak in Mount Alexander and everything Grange-y – including Sutton Grange Winery some 3 km down the hill, home of Fairbank wines.
For information contact micagrangegarden@gmail.com, phone 0499 897 242 and Sutton Grange is open Sundays from noon to 5pm for tastings and pizzas.
Don’t miss this combination.
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Sunday 27 October
Broadway, Dunolly (main highway)
9am – 3pm. Broadway vibes Dunolly does like a bit of glitz – and disrupting traffic. Don’t know how they get away with cutting off a truck route for that long, Maldon isn’t allowed.
Anyway Dunolly’s planning a fun day with main and youth stages, gold panning, history tours, parade, art display, food/coffee vans, and the Dunolly country market. Goldfields Music Club is running this free event in Dunolly – come along, enjoy the music and see local community groups’ output
Further information at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563531423154
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Maldon Anglican Church (Holy Trinity), 50 High St
Have you ever felt a full-bodied organ in mid-roar? Your spine actually vibrates. Try this:
2.30-3.30 pm Sunday – Daniel Clark’s organ concert, usic for a Country Parish, with Ralph Vaughan Williams and others. Probably not JS Bach (sheep may safely graze). The sheep would head for the hills. Tickets $30 at the door or online at http
s://www.trybooking.co/events/landing/1296575).
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Wednesday 30 October
Maldon and District Museum in Maldon Gardens, High St.
11.30am - 2pm Wednesdays and Sundays. Display of artifacts supporting the 2026 Victorian Goldfields World Heritage bid. Maldon contributes as a World Heritage Town Hub and part of the touring route planned for the Goldfields region. Until Sunday 18 November. – Connecting you now.
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Maldon Folk Festival 1-4 November
This year, says Pam Lyons, we again have performers from overseas and across the country - Albi and the Wolves and Jenny Mitchell from New Zealand, and Alan Reid from Scotland. Australian-based returnees include Leroy Johnson and the Waterbag Band, Robyn Martin, Michael Waugh, Enda Kenny and Alana Wilkinson, the 2023 Roddy Read songwriting winner. Among the 2024 introductions are Saije. Sadie Mustoe and Out of Hand. Full lineup at: www.maldonfolkfestival.com
Whilst retaining its core small town principles, the Festival has evolved from humble beginnings into a unique, exciting, culturally diverse, family oriented event popular with performers and audiences Australia wide.
Early bird tickets are available online until showtime, but for those without tickets who just roll up for an hour or three, there’s plenty of entertainment and partying outside the ticketed events. Cafes, restaurants and shops are open of course, as are the pubs apart from their event times. Performers don’t stop!
Pic. 1. Enthusiastic crowd at the Butts, back ib the day
Pic. 2. Troubadour tent, any year,
Folk Festival program from Poet's breakfast to lights out on Tuesday morning at https://www.maldonfolkfestival.com/2024-program-etc/.
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Saturday 2 November
Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens:
2 - 10 November
Maldon offers Gloucester House. Henle House, Porcupine Villa – addresses from the program available Maldon newsagent in Main St or online.
Check opening times, and there's an. entry fee for each. https://festivalofgardens.org/
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Saturday 2nd - Tuesday, Cup Day
Central Victorian Clay Trail
Studios open 10am - 4pm In its sixth year, the Central Victorian Clay Trail is a chance to visit regional ceramics studios and look behind the scenes into the working lives of the ceramic artists. It is a wonderful way to connect with individual makers and gain an insight into their processes.
All within scouting distance from Maldon, those familiar to Maldon Diary perusers are Oxart Pottery at 128 High St Taradale and Angie Robinson at Scorched Earth Ceramics, 128 Chaplins Rd. Walmer. However, hiding in plain sight is one of the MANet artists, Liadaan, who is a clay artist as well as a painter. She’s at 26 Parkins Reef Rd. Maldon. Besides the city folk at Lot 19 in Castlemaine, there’s Sarah Koschak at 6a Panmore St Newstead and Kaori Fujimoto at 10 New Year Flat Rd, Vaughan
Springs.
See it all at https://centralvictorianclaytrail.org
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Market Building 44 Mostyn St Castlemaine
10am-2pm Saturday Bus tour with Rick Nelson touring significant DjaDja Wurrung trees around Castlemaine, such as the Guilford red gum. Includes a smoking ceremony and morning tea, Cost $180 or less.. Book at https://waamantours.com.au/More drawing time for tykes - or perhaps their parent/s?
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Saturday 2 – 10 November, then November weekends
Shades of Gray Cnr Farnsworth & Brown Sts, Castlemaine, - Ray St, off Maldon -Castlemaine road
10am - - 4pm This is an extraordinary metallic sculpture gallery for garden and home. It’s open spring and autumn. Instagram, shadesofgray
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Cascade Art Gallery 1A Fountain St. Maldon
2pm Saturday Official opening of David Frazer ‘s exhibition Time passes together - wood engravings and linocut limited edition prints. The exhibition started on 31 OctOcyober and extends to 24 November. Kareen Anchen’s Gallery is open Thursdays to Sundays, 11am –More 5pm. See Due diligence below for contact details.
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Time to make it to Newstead . . .
Newstead Arts Hub 8A Tivey St Newstead
2.30pm Saturday
Opening of Bill Beadsley's exhibition
Places Revisited . . . Again.
Tracing his artistic journey over a half-century.
Exhibition continues to 24 November. Newstead Hub is open weekends, see Due diligence.
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Sunday 3 November
Buda Historic House 42 Hunter St Castlemaine
12noon to 4pm Mark Dober of Maldon Artists is holding a Drawing Workshop in Buda’s gardens. This introduces observational drawing, using differing media for three kinds of drawings – a charcoal drawing, a dry media drawing of two colours, and an ink drawing. All materials provided. The workshop cost is $100 plus entry to Buda house and garden for an additional $10/$12. Booking: please email Mark on info@markdober.com.
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Saturday 9 November
Harcourt’s busy this weekend. Both Bress+ Lome and Harcourt Valley wineries have events. Bress’ action and eating, Harcourt Valley’s more sedate. These events are really popular, so don’t delay.
Bress + Lome, 83 Franklings Rd, Harcourt North
9am – 4.30pm Tour de Bress et Lome 2024 Enjoy a great day out in the Harcourt Valley with fresh locally made pastries and coffee on arrival before a leisurely ride through the countryside. Arrive back at the cellar door for a delicious lunch prepared by Bendigo’s FOS Kitchen and superb boutique wines from the Bress & Lome Vineyard. Relax and explore the property and enjoy a tasting with friends at the cellar door, picking up some bargains on the day. Riders $150pp, non-riders $100pp Book at https://events.humanitix.com/tour-de-bress-et-lome-2024
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Harcourt Valley Vineyards, 3339 Harmony Way (Old Calder Highway), (2 km south of) Harcourt
Noon to 4pm Saturday Event: Rose all day This is their 10 year milestone of making Harcourt Valley Rosé crowned by winning Bendigo’s Sparkling Rosé Winery of the Year at the Melbourne International Wine Competition.
Dress code - a spot of pink
There’s rosé on arrival to enjoy with a grazing table and music by Josh Deraugo + Jordan Allen. Winemaker Quinn will guide the sampling of ten rosé vintages, with lunch by Two Sisters Catering. After, there’s canapes and a main bar with drinks at bar prices. Cost $85pp, book at Humanatix https://events.humanitix.com/rose-all-day-89llrd6g? …
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Saturday still
Newstead Arts Hub 8A Tivey St Newstead
4pm - 6pm Art auction. Preview from 10am Calling all Artists and Art Collectors
An opportunity to either sell your art at auction, or buy a piece direcrt from the artist. or owner This event will be catered, butaudience entry price isn't availablle Vendors can elect to donate a percentage of the winning bid. More information at iMore information at info@newsteadartshub.org
Cameron Robbins: Detail from Sept 20 Time Slip 2 hr 2023 Loddon River (82 x 30cm)
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Sunday 10 November
Maldon Racecourse. Lewis Rd Bendigo road corner.
7am - 4pm Maldon Swap Meet.
Early bird/sparerow's heart, or you'll miss Mark's on 0414 244 842 if you want a berth. Or just turn up.
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Maldon Market Day 1 Church St, just off Bendigo Rd.
9am – 1.30pm Sunday Plenty of comfortable spaces to relax, lots of tasty treats, along with local music and a children’s playground and it’s dog-friendly.
This is local enterprise country style, with a unique and diverse range of artisan fare and wares. Everything from plants to seasonal produce, preserves, bread, olive oil, cheese. Along with arts and crafts from pottery to jewellery, to wood, to wool, and much more. There really is something for everyone at our Hand Made and Home Grown Market. Like panforte made by Elizabeth from Romagna29 perhaps?
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Story – Maldon’s folk festival v the rest
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We have it on some authority (often repeated) that Australian folk festivals started at the Teachers College, Melbourne University, 11-12 February1967. Performers Martyn Wyndham-Read and Glenys Tomasetti gathered together diverse artists for an event modelled on the storied US Newport Folk Festival, and titled it the Port Phillip District Folk Music Festival.
By 1969 it became the National Folk Festival (Australia) and after travelling Australia for decades, landed in Canberra in 1992, where it remains
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On good authority, the Victorian Folk Music Club has a detailed account of a prior Saturday night folk dance on 23 February 1963 followed by an outdoor Sunday concert at Nariel Creek on the Corryong-Omeo road (yes, there is one). This was the core of folk festivals – a Saturday night dance followed by an outdoor concert on Sunday.
Today, the Folk Alliance Australia boasts 85 folk festivals around the country, a third of those in Victoria. Presumably, the folk festival movement was strengthened and sustained by its community base, and as a reaction to the 1970s counter-culture rock festivals (now known as the entertainment industry)
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The following is a 2016 summary by Brian Cuffley of the Maldon Folk Festival’s beginnings.
In early 1974, at the Nariel Creek Folk Festival, a group including Ian Huxley, the Peter/s McDonald and Cuffley decided central Victoria (Maldon was a more accessible folk festival venue. By September that year the first Maldon Folk Festival was live at the Bill Woodfull Reserve in Francis St. The first two years of the Folk Festival on this site were free, small and local, as much for the musicians as the audience. (Pic 1974, R. Boyd).
Hay bales and the back of a truck formed a makeshift stage and Saturday night dances were called by James Buchanan and Peter McDonald. Ian Huxley’s ‘scratch band’ consisted of himself on banjo, Peter McDonald on guitar and Chris Wendt (formerly ‘Wild Colonial Boys’) on accordion. The first performer was Stan Gottschalk, who played banjo. with Jack Collins (a blacksmith from Ballarat) who recited bush poetry, singers Helen and Margaret Reynolds, Philip Day and Graham Dodsworth. Other acts included The Last Gasp Bluegrass Band, and the Loose Scratch String Band.
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The festival began informally, with forays into the Kangaroo Hotel, camping on the Reserve, sessions around the campfire, and a concert on Sunday afternoon. To give everyone more space, the 1976 Festival moved to Mt. Tarrangower’s natural amphitheatre at the Butts Reserve, and to the last weekend in October. There it stayed for 11 years, as the location was ideal and could absorb any numbers – and it was free camping space. Maldon’s central fun district missed out, except for a Friday night session around the pubs, from performers who were limbering up for the weekend and an occasional Saturday night pub afterparty. (Pic P. Cuffley, 1977).
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All this remained free, with hire of equipment and a hall for the Saturday night dance paid for by audience donation. But by 1986, the Festival grew too large for the Council to ignore and the Maldon Folk Festival came to a halt. Administrate or perish.
A n association was formed by Neville Wilson, and Helen McGeachin and Roddy Read stepped up to allow the Folkie to continue. They donated $150 for insurance and outgoings, making up a koala token for a weekend pass. From 1987 the Festival was shifted to the Melbourne Cup holiday weekend and higher profile performers were engaged, still leaving space for new acts and local performers. All performers were accommodated and a wide range of food and drink was availabl both in town and The Butts. The Guinness Ten was a popular feature at the Butts, as was the Troubadour Wine Bar from1995 (or 1997). Shuttle busses moved the audience between Maldon and The Butts The Saturday night dance was held in Main Street for a couple of years, then moved to Friday night in the Community Centre..
But times they were a’changing again, and the performers started to drift into town where the audiences were. Things got formalised, as can be seen from the 2013 venue plan and the very bury shuttle bus. Insurance restrictions and costs became more onerous, and audiences aged and wanted convenience and real chairs.
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Venues for the festival - some useful information
Venue 11 1Festival Office (42 High St)
Pick up wristbands with pre-purchased tickets; further tickets are released depending on Maldon’s daily capacity.
Venue 1. Maldon Community Centre, 6 Francis St.
The Community Centre complex includes the Progress Hall concert venue. The outdoor area has hospitality vendors for food, alcohol and coffee and is fenced off due to liquor licensing.
Progress Hall concert venue – the main venue seats about 300 in concert rows; also used for dancing with specialist lighting. As most performances take place here, it’s open until Sunday night. This is a ticketed, licensed venue and unaccompanied youth or children are not allowed. There is an accessible toilet on site.
Venue 2 Troubadour Wine Bar, Maldon Shire Gardens cnr Fountain and High Sts..
Andrew Pattison’s Troubadour Wine Bar is a marquee seating about 250, with a low stage for audiences to engage with the musicians. There are hospitality vendors similar to the Community Centre and the gardens are similarly controlled due to liquor licensing. The Troubadour Wine Bar is open Friday evening to 6pm Monday.
Venue 3 Holy Trinity Anglican Church 50 High St.
The Anglican Church with its superb acoustics is a ticketed venue for the Saturday night concert. All performers perform without technical augmentation. The service on Sunday is followed by a free gospel concert
Venue 4 Maldon Hotel 56-58 Main Sat.
The venue is the hotel restaurant, unchanged with usual restaurant services, but entry is restricted for ticketed performances. Otherwise the hotel public areas are open to non-ticketed customers.
Venue 5 Maldon Machinery Museum, Vincents Rd,The Machinery Museum is a a licenced venue and restricted entry to unaccompanied children. The museum itself is entry by donation and open to all over the weekend. The outdoor Weighbridge Stage is free with table seating in front of their café which sells Devonshire teas, plunger coffees and hosts a BBQ.The Cymru mine stage is located in the big rear shed at the back. It’s a ticketed, licenced venue with pa, good acoustics and seating and/or dancing space. There is an accessible toilet on site.
Venue 6 Anglican Church Hall
The Anglican Church \Hall, used for workshops, is located behind the church
Venue 7 Returned Services League Hall 97 High St
The RSL Hall is a small room behind the Athenaeum library that is used for workshops. This is a free venue.
Venue 8 Rotunda, Shire Gardens High St
This hosts the children’s circus on Saturday and Sunday.
Venue 9 Maldon Football/Netball clubrooms, Bill Woodfull Reserve, Francis St.
Venue 10 Victorian Goldfields Railway, Hornsby St.
On Festival Saturday afternoon, the Victorian Goldfields Railway hosts performers in first-class carriages on two special train trips. Festival tickets include a $30 discounted train ride, booked in advance at https://secure.vgr.com.au/BookingProduct/List/?&category=FOLKFEST
Venue 13 Instrument Makers Exhibition –Fire Brigade, High St,
The instrument makers exhibition is held in the engine bay of the Maldon CFA on Saturday and Sunday
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How good is this?
From the full concert experience of the Progress Hall, the completely acoustic Anglican Church to the intimate Neighbourhood Centre, there is a venue for all. The Troubadour and Guiness tents followed the crowd to the Gardens and Community Hall respectively, and Main St took its proper place in Maldon’s central fun district.
Since 1974, the festival has hosted some of the best acts on the scene, and prides itself on the welcoming atmosphere it creates. It remains one of the most affordable events of its kind in Australia and fosters the careers of local and emerging artists (Sadie Mustoe, Hannah Schmidli) alongside acts like Michael Waugh (Golden Guitar Winner 2022), Greg Champion, and Charm of Finches (2021 Best Folk Act).
Andrew Pattison still hosts the famous Troubadour venue its sessions and a boutique wine bar, and Andrew claims that the one good thing he has done in his life is to introduce quality wine to folk festivals!
Consequently, the venue is a performers’ favourite and if you park yourself in the Troubadour for the entire festival almost all of the top performers will come through at some stage..
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Bush tunes, Bluegrass, Scottish Ballads, and much more are on offer, interspersed with workshops and kid’s entertainment.
Festival Choir, Irish Dancers, Gospel, Poetry, and Instrument Makers displays pack out a full program, and on your way between venues, or lunch in one of the many cafes, you might spot Campbell the Swaggie.
Like any long running event, Maldon Folk Festival has developed its own traditions and communities and has an organic spirit which can only come from the long involvement of the wider community.
In recent years, the folk festival committee has commissioned fixtures and fittings commensurate with a quality venue for the Community Centre hall. Reusable glasses and implements continue the less waste aesthetic, and volunteers from the local institutions, especially the Machinery Museum, continue to support operations throughout the weekend. Income and grants from its festivals have allowed Maldon to build up the infrastructure, equipment and organisational skills necessary to stage its three major events each year - the Twilight Dinner, Easter Fair, and Folk Festival. All from 1500 residents.
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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 (13 October)
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 Arts Focus 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. Details on 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/?
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 5.30pm to 7.30pm 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
Tapas in Taradale monthly. Pizzas cooking Friday - Sunday nights. Table bookings essential, 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.
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/
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
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.
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