6pm – 8pm, Daylesford Gala opens along Vincent Street, (theirs, not ours) with music, the street's cafes abd pubs joined by mobile specialty foods. There’s a woodchop and a kids’ space wuth circus workshops. The parade starts at 8pm, and concludes with the Daylesford & District Pipes and Drums Band, culminating in a heartfelt rendition of Auld Lang Syne, and a solo bagpipe performance |
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Maryborough Highland Society, 35 High St, Maryborough.
7pm New Year's Eve at The Highland! Enjoy a delicious 2 course dinner and entertainment from Alexi Cola and Pipe Band. Tickets $65pp. Book at (03) 5461 1480 |
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Of the many restaurants around central Victoria, one would be hard to surpass . . .
Lake House 4 King Street Daylesford
7.30pm The Ruby Gala - thats the dress code. Celebrate as the sun sets on 2024, Lake House’s 40th year, and their end of year house party. As the moon rises, charging us all with the passion to be greater, wiser, and kinder to ourselves and others, we encourage you to come out and play! There’s a five-piece band, dancing, multi course beautiful dinner and selected wine and beverages all night long. Dress: Party formal. Ruby red, black or white. Cost $595pp. |
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Wednesday, New Year’s Day
Princes Park, Lake Rd, Maryborough
162nd Highland Gathering,
A new year celebration like no other. Maryborough’s Highland Gathering was originally formed by Scottish squatters and businessmen in an attempt to recreate the New Year celebrations of their native home. Today, the Highland Gathering attracts people from all across the country – athletes, dancers, musicians, and those who just want to soak up the incredible atmosphere of piped bands and traditional Scottish culture. The program has something for everyone. A piped band street parade, all-day athletics, highland dancing on two stages all day, Highland games and traditional strongmen events. Track events on the day range from 70-metre sprints to middle-distance races over 1500 metres. The athletics program culminates with the running of the $15,000 Max Martin Memorial Maryborough Gift, contested over 120 metres: now one of the country’s most prestigious footraces. |
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Anyone who’s attended the Highland Gathering event over the past 35 years will have a lasting memory of the Girl on the Drum spectacular that has become a highlight of the New Year celebrations. It features a highland dancer atop a base drum, lifted to the shoulders of fourburly Scots. Flanked by a full pipe band and other traditional dancers, it really is a sight and sound spectacular not to be missed. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained too, with games, sideshows and rides happening throughout the day. The day concludes with a free evening concert and fireworks display – a great way to celebrate the new year. |
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There’s a somewhat smaller event at Glenlyon (Dysart St) when it has its New Year’s Sports Day with picnic spots. Starts at 10.30am.
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Friday 3 January
Lyons Will Estate, 60 Whalans Track, Lancefield (hour from Maldon) 4pm – 6pm Aperitivo Fridays in January. This is the granite hills wine country, either south of Heathcote’s reds, or north of the Macedon region. If you are .tootling around either, plan your day to finish here. Lyons Will is bringing the Italian art of pre-dinner drinks to the cellar door. Join them on the deck from 4 – 6pm for a glass of wine or Rose spritz and a selection of snacks. |
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Tuesday 7 January
Maldon Neighbourhood Centre. 1 Church St Maldon
Bicycle Maintenance Workshops
8.30pm- 7.30pm Glen from Maldon Bicycles is conducting three workshops in January on maintenance and repairs of your bike. Save costly breakdowns by keeping on top of maintenance and get prepared for unexpected damages. First session of three planned, and cost is $45.00 per adult or $30.00 for ages 12-18. years He's continuing the workshops through January to cover all aspects of Bicycle management. |
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Sunday 12 January
Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Church St, syill
9am – 1.30pm Maldon Market along Edwards St,
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Sunday 12th still
Goodness Flour, Gaasch’s Rd Harcourt
9.30am - 3.30pm Make wholegrain bread from scratch. Hands-on class led by Lise Ramsden to make the best use of wholegrain flours. See the mill room, talk flour, and explore wholegrain flavour. You'll take home the bread you've made, some of Lise's starter, and rye for your starter and recipes for each of the breads you've baked. Morning tea and lunch are included. Cost $320. Book at https://www.goodnessflour.com.au/book-online. . . . . |
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John G. Mechosk (1820 – 1863) – the man with the Midas touch
Captain Mechosk (1820-1863) was recognised as the discoverer of the Tarrangower/Bryant Ranges goldfield, reputedly with a dud mine in Tobin Street. Mechosk (as mainly spelt) claimed captaincy in the Russian Army occupying Poland, claimed several goldfield discoveries; and was indeed an astute geologist, a grand self-promoter, and a magnificent storyteller. Arriving in Victoria in February 1852, he spent maybe eight years in the colony and at most 1860 - 1863 in Queensland. He died of tuberculosis in Brisbane 5 May, 1863. |
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Contemporary newspapers and Government records depict Mechosk as a soldier of fortune, with a Midas touch for goldfield discoveries. Mechosk’s fame was bolstered by a whiff of nobility, and his Russian/Polish war exploits. His tall tales or true were widely circulated in the colonies, and his fame certainly reached Queensland. A thorough report in 2010 by the Polish Museum and Archives in Australia dampens the more colourful of his battlefield claims, but they did think his aunt was Lady Howden and he was probably the last of the line of Mechowski. |
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Further, the Polish Museum accepted colonial documentation, acknowledging Mechosk’s testimonial from an ex-Commissioner of the Goldfields. This stated that Mechosk arrived in the colony in March 1852 to prospect districts in Victoria. He found goldfields at Fryer’s Creek (German Gully, 1.5km n/w Fryerstown), Jones’ Creek (Waanyarra near Dunolly), and then in June 1853 he visitedTarrangower/Bryant’s Ranges. In July 1853, he explored McIntyre’s Ranges/Rheola/Kingower, finding gold in August. In September 1853 he found the Simson Ranges/Havelock/White Hills/Four Mile Creek goldfield (Maryborough north). These endeavours cost him £7000 for which he wanted recompense for carrying out a civic duty. It was signed Charles P ridham, Past Commissioner of Goldfields (undated, but April 1855). Tarrangower discovery map on the left anm the 300-odd kilometres he covered in 1853 nelow. |
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Late last century. Heritage Victoria’s David Bannear compiled public records on all matters gold. Discussing Maldon, he first noted Pridham’s account of Captain Mechosk’s role in discovering the Tarrangower goldfield, and added fresh evidence. In early December 1853, Mechosk visited the Gold Commissioner in Castlemaine. John Bull, to report a new goldfield at Tarrangower and to show him the mine. Mechosk had visited Tarrangower in June 1853 before his further goldfield discoveries to the north and west. Returning to Tarrangower after claiming Simson’s Ranges, he had been working the claim for some weeks – a plausible story. . Pic. Rudimentary mining techniques illustrated by 1860s mine at Parkes, NSW |
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Meanwhile, there are two contemporary accounts of diggers watching Mechosk’s movements and following him on 8 December 1853 as he departed Barker’s Creek with fresh supplies. Commissioner Bull in his subsequent Tarrangower report surmised that Mechosk had returned to his mine on a circuitous route to delay the interlopers. The diggers eventually found Mechosk’s claim on 11 December 1853, with eight men digging in the gully where the (Page’s) Royal Hotel now stands. As the first hole proved fruitless, they were sinking and slabbing a second shaft. Nevertheless, the area looked promising to the anonymous arrivals and gold was found at 3m depth by Costick and ‘Windy Jack’ further down Long Gully. Upon the audience giving the newly rich three cheers, the rush got underway.
The Commissioner visited Tarrangower on 15 December 1853 and found about 50 diggers at work. On 20th January 1854, McNulty, Hurly and Wilson pegged off three Long Gully claims near the Pioneer Monument and commenced work on Wilson’s Reef. This was the first opened of Maldon’s19 gold reefs that in 70 years to the 1920s reported some 58 tonnes of gold. |
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Mechosk continued on his claim with dire results, as he wrote to the Brisbane Courier in 1862: My first misfortune occurred on the 8th January, 1854. On that day I left the Commissioner's camp at Tarrangower for Castlemaine about mid-day, alone, taking with me a large amount of gold and cash. I had not proceeded more than a mile and a half, on a well-known bush track when I was suddenly attacked by three armed bushrangers. Determined not to yield my property to these ruffians without a struggle, I defended myself vigorously, and succeeded in disabling two of my opponents, when the third, armed with a young wattle, struck me senseless to the ground by a tremendous blow on the left side of my head. About 8 o'clock in the evening I was found in this state by four Bendigo diggers, who took me back to the Commissioners camp with three broken ribs, a burst blood vessel, and minus the gold and cash I had on my person. Had it not been for the kind and prompt attention I received from G. M. Lowther, Esq., the Commissioner in charge at Tarrengower, Robert Bede, Esq, then on a visit to the camp – now Crown Lands' Commissioner and Deputy Sheriff at Geelong and C. H. Nicholson, Esq., Inspector of Police, and also for the skilful medical treatment I received, I should in all probability have been saved from the sufferings I now endure. |
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In his writings, Mechosk often claimed that Governor LaTrobe had requested that he use his undoubted mining skills to establish goldfields in Victoria – after the major fields were already productive.As noted, his stories of a military career in the Russian Army (Poland was a Russian province then) and his incarceration for insurrection in a Ural Mountains mining camp weres not verified by the Polish Museum, whose writer said it was impossible to prove. But the Museum discounted Mechosk’s battle yarns due to who was fighting whom, when. . |
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Nevertheless, it is plausible that family connections, knowledge of mining, plus his self-promotion make his LaTrobe communications plausible. So in March1854 Mechosk was at the Muckleford goldfield (near the Maldon road) and began his campaign for goldfield discovery recognition with a letter to Governor LaTrobe asking for a reward for finding the Tarrangower field. Subsequently he produced two testimonials, the first already mentioned from Charles Pridham in April1854, and a reference from Resident Commissioner John Bull dated 4 November 1854. The Legislative Assembly awarded Mechosk £1000 in August 1867 for the Tarangower and Kingower discoveries. Two tranches were paid, £475 reported in October 1857 and £525 the following year.
The newspapers of the time have substantial grumbling about Mechosk’s Tarrangower discovery reward along the lines of ‘everyone knew about visible gold on the mountain’, and that he wasn’t the first on the field to strike gold. But the June 1853 visit and November return were not disputed. Maybe because of the opposition, Mechosk pulled back on the number of fields he proved, mentioning that he didn’t claim the Simson’s Ranges field because he was sick at the time (Bendigo Advertiser, May 1859). However, the Kingower find was later challenged : |
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An anonymous letter to the Bendigo Advertiser much later (9 September 1857) stated that in November 1853, a miner travelling between Korong and Moliagul discovered gold at Kingower. There were no miners present. He returned to Korong, alerted his mates and they decamped and, similar to Mechosk, found they had followers. Despite trying to shake them off, the followers arrived at their Kingower camp. The finder’s party said they were on their way to Moliagul and had camped for the night. Next morning they all continued to Moliagul where they all remained for some time, the watching and watched. A rush to Donkey Woman’s Gully (Avoca, actually September 1853) which the followers joined allowed the finder diggers to return to Kingower.
They waited for one of their party chasing a runaway horse the night befor. He had met other prospectors and camped with them at McIntyre’s, described as the wet diggings. He obviously talked too much because upon picking up his mates next morning and the party returning to Kingower, the would-be discoverers found the party mentioned very profitably engaged in sinking and driving. These men were the only persons on the field— the first workers, and the Kingower rush started in November1853. One of that party still working the field in 1857 knew those present and had never heard of Mechosk, who had anyway left the district in August 1853. Of note, McIntyre Ranges host Mount Moliagul, with that 1852 goldfield to the south and the goldfield of Rheola to the north (Smith’s Gully, rushed 1858). Kingower is 13km north from McIntyre Ranges. So Mechosk probably found Rheola and claimed it as Kingower. The Welcome Stranger was found about 8km south of Mount Moliagul in the McIntyre ranges. The Kingower nugget pictured above is 133 gms worth about $17000, and the Welcome Strager at 72kgs would be worth closer to $10 million if it remained intact. |
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Mechosk’s way with words is illustrated by a visit to Ballarat in 1854, as he described to a Brisbane audience in 1861 A few months afterwards (1854) I was fortunate enough to save a man's life at the Gravel Pit Lead; Ballarat. One rainy morning, it being his turn to work in the hole, he was on its top nearly ready to descend, when his foot slipped, and he fell into the shaft. There were two bucket ropes, one for the bucket up, the other down, seizing in his fall the first of these ropes he immediately descended with the greatest speed, the windlass, with its heavy iron work handles, spinning round with such velocity as .to clear all the unfortunate man's mates who were standing on the top of the hole. I had sufficient presence of mind to rush forward and get hold of the slab above the windlass as a support, and then with my left hand I grasped the rope, by which he was going down, while dust and smoke, and pegs were flying about me, and I feared every moment that the windlass would go to pieces, and that I should share the fate ofthe man I sought to save. The first grasp had, however, checked the- speed of his'descent, and he was thus enabled to avoid the meeting of the second bucket. Hundreds of diggers now rushed to our rescue, and exhausted with my efforts, I dropped the rope. I then found that I could not lift my arm. The man thus saved from certain deathi as now brought to the mouth of the shaft. You may imagine how thankful he was. He was much injured, as wherever he came against the slabs in that fearful descent, pieces of flesh as large as half-a crown were torn from his head and body. I was still more seriously hurt, the flesh was shaved and burnt to the bones of my fingers, and-the; sudden force with which I had checked the rope bad dislocated my arm. I am unable to describe the-misery of the sleepless nights, and the torments I suffered for above a fortnight. The diggers, how-eyer, rewarded me with three cheers, and many of them accompanied me to Dr. Beckler and Dr. Mount, to which gentlemen I owe my thanks for their kindness and skilful treatment. In six weeks I had resumed my old task of exploring for gold. |
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By June 1855 Mechosk was soliciting at Geelong for financing an exploration of a prospect within 60km to the south-west of the town. Mechosk had claimed Steiglitz field to the north east although the Select Committee on rewards to discoverers of goldfields (May 1866) paid a reward of £300 to Andrew Love and George Morton as the original discoverers of the Steiglitz field in November 1854. However, although Geelong had prior knowledge of Steiglitz, they were still willing to fund exploration. In May 1856, however, Mecosk returned to report the absence of auriferous ground and that further exploration was futile, except at Black Range (Grampians/Stawell). The Portland Guardian noted that Black Range was outside the gold discovery reward fund boundaries. But by June 1857, Mechosk’s constant crying poor grated on the Portland Guardian, whose writer pointed to his continual soliciting for private funding and besides, he hadn’t paid for his advertising in the paper. Abandoned mine and tailings dam at Steiglitz |
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Returning to the central Victoria, Mechosk prospected north of Maldon’s Nuggettys up to Eddington and Laanecoorie, following Nuggetty’s auriferous indicators. This was fourteen months from about February 1858 to his Bendigo funds soliciting meetings reported in the Advertiser on 29 April and 25 May 1859. He told the May audience of the Steiglitz discovery, then said he prospected through Portland to Guichon Bay (South Australia), went back to Mount Gambier and then struck through the Mallee to within 40km of Swan Hill. He found gold traces in the Mallee but had no water to recover it. After an absence of two years and eight months, he had returned to the Mallee site, only to lose everything in a fire. Given the time line between Geelong (June 1855) and Bendigo (April 1859) his return to the Mallee afterrn absence of 32 monthswas possible. - butthere's more. Then in his last letter to the Brisbane Courier on 3 July 1862, he said that the southern expedition had taken him to ‘Cape Otway, Moonlight Heads, Warrnambool, Port Fairy, and the Portland Bay districts’. Another date emerged – March 1856, along with more drama, as the Mallee section of their expedition resulted in the group running out of food for nine days – a black snake was a delicacy – and that month was when their camp, between Swan Hill and Mount Korong, caught fire. The horses were tethered each one to a rope, and myself and men had been away all day. On our return at evening we found our camp in ashes; one horse had broken his rope and escaped, six were so badly burned that we had to shoot them, and,I was compelled to return to Melbourne for fresh equipment. |
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The Sydney Morning Herald of 8 April 1861 reported that the Queensand Government was commissioning Mechosk (despite his physical condition) to find gold in their colony. The burghers of Ipswich, too, were willing to part with £50 to prove gold at Canal Creek. Mechosk went and looked, finging bo auriferous ground, But:.. Though there is no quantity of gold, Queensland abounds in other precious minerals, and, while I recommend all parties without money to abstain from trying their fortune on any so-called gold-field, I think that men with capital, wishing to speculate, and who, at the same time, desire to make a home, could do no better than come here.
In summary, Mechosk deserved his reward for Tarrangower, as no one else claimed it. He was one of scores of prospectors at Fryerstown, Maryborough, Moliagul, Waanyarra,.Rheola (probably not Kingower) .and Steiglitz. And he ridiculed paying gold mines in south west Victoria and southern Queensland (er, generally).. All in all, we dips our lids to Captain Mechosk. |
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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.
Art places generally closed at least mainholidays/ They aren't saying.
Maldon Swimming Pool, Hospital St behind school open to the general public from 10am to 6pm on weekends and from 3pm weekdays during school holidays. Closed during cool or extreme weather, and Christmas Day.
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 (12 January)
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum in Vincent's Road, open Wednesdays, 11am to 3pm, all Saturdays and 2nd Sunday of month, 10am to 4pm. Not Christmas Day
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. Not the main holidays
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 Kangaroo Hotel, 89 High St. Now open for drinks, Fridays and Saturdays, 4pm to late, Sundays 2pm to 7pm. Food van on site for snacks. Varied opening over Christmas/New Year
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 IGA 11-17 Main St. Phone (03) 5475 2458 Open 7.30am to 7pm 9.30am to 5.30pm Sundays. Closed Christmas Day only, but late starts early close on the other public .
Maldon Quality Butchers 19 Main St, Open weekdays 6am to 5.30 pm, Saturdays 6am to 12 noon, closed Sundays. Closed from 2pm Tuesday 24th, and public holidays,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 every day except Christmas Day during summer holidays 11am to 5pm 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. Only closed 24 and 25 December. 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.Closed 24-26 December, 31 December and New Year’s Day 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. Closing 24 December, reopening 3 January. 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. Closed Christmas Day only.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/ 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. Closed on the three public holidays
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. Presumably closed public holidays 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
New 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, facing east. New Open weekday mornings from 6.30am to 1 pm.Big toasted samdiches with diverse fillings, and great coffee. Owners used to run Woodend’s popular Fox in the Chamber cafe.\
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. |
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