Maldon in Winter purrs on towards the Goldfields Gothic in all its multifaceted forms. From coffee to coffins, horror to hearses, markets to movies, skulls to steam trains to spiritualists, it’s all there for your delectation.
Doesn’t appear to be any cemetery tours yet, but there is likely a bus tour around town – may include Elizabeth’s grave. For the aficionados of the theme, the story is about the lone grave sites around Maldon. Meanwhile, life swirls on around Maldon’s peccadillo of a gothic program. Dances, dinners and divies into markets; the art scene, sports and gold fossicking continue apace in the (undead) centre of central Victoria. Even Aunty's Backroads Channel is showing up.
It’s all for your entertainment
Michele Waddington For the Fairbank team |
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Intelligence from the Goldfields |
The state government wants to remove planning controls for solar panels and associated equipment from local government ‘s Heritage overlays. These overlays are the sole protection for Maldon centre’s integrity. Any change reducing overlay standards is a threat to our town and all of Victoria’s Heritage overlay streetscapes. Five years ago, intrusive electricity infrastructure in High and Main Streets was relocated underground, courtesy of both state and local governments. Now, intrusive electrical equipment is lionised for no attributable benefit and negatively impacts Victoria’s UNESCO Victorian Goldfields Bid. If it’s that easy to circumvent Heritage overlays, why even try for world recognition? |
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The world’s oldest and top International Cheese and Dairy Awards 2026 held in Stafford, England, 24-25 June attracted over 4,500 entries. Long Paddock (The Mill, Castlemaine) took out the award for the best Australian cheese with its Banksia, a semi-ripe cheese, then a silver medal for their cheddar-style Granite, and bronze for the mild blue cheese, Bluestone. Guests at Fairbank have long savoured Long Paddock cheese in their hamper. Now you can too, delivered to your door. https://longpaddockcheese.com.au/product-category/cheese-club/ Congratulations to Long Paddock; long may they make great cheese! |
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Update on special trains’ availability Seats for Ales on Rails are reasonably open for Saturday 10 October, but limited for Saturday 14 November. Murder on the Orient Express nights are likewise open for Saturday 22 August, but few on Saturday 12 September. Then next stop is 2027.
Scheduled services on Fridays and Sundays continue, of course. All bookings at vgr.com.au |
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25 July (Saturday and Sunday 26)
The Dessert Society, 28 Main St (Maldon Rose)
From 1pm for 90 minute sittings during the afternoon, delight in an icy pink Christmas in July High Tea. The menu comprises savoury bites a mini brioche, and Christmas themed finger sandwiches. Sweet offerings feature bottomless scones, petite pavlova, a Christmas pudding truffle, a rose themed cupcake, and peppermint panna cotta. There are themed drinks, teas and coffees. Book at https://the-dessert-society.square.site/upcoming-high-tea. Mobile 0492 183 081
Another one coming up . . . |
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Saturday 25 July Guilford Hall, 35 Fryers St Guilford. 12.30pm - 2.30pm Floursmiths’ Al Stanley is inviting folk from near and far to a mid-winter lunch, high tea style.l. Guests can expect polished floorboards, velvet draped stage, vintage memorabilia, and long table settings to spark conversation. The menu offers a fresh, modern take on high tea for lunch, using vintage china and tiered stands. Food will be creative with delightfully surprising flavour combinations and attention to detail. Cost $75pp, $25 deposit with booking at https://www.floursmith.com.au/events. Mobile 0480 779 459 |
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Maldon Athenaeum Library, 97 High St 2pm Saturday Relax in a cosy and convivial atmosphere to listen to a talk by historian and author Lynne Cooper as she recounts events of her ancestor. Henry Frood, a sergeant at the Castlemaine Police Station in the decades after the gold rush. Pic courtesy of the Castlemaine Mail. Contact maldonathenaeumlibrary@gmail.com, or ring 0437 094 469 |
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Sunday 26 July
Newstead Arts Hub, 8A Tivey St Newstead (old railway station). This is a free event, exploring the Loddon River through arts and crafts. Open to all, experienced with metal working or not .
From 11am. The metal workshop, River Critters can be figurative or abstract forms – river shapes bubbles, swirls, fish, waterbugs, birds, frogs, plants. Bring materials and tools if you have them- safety glasses, gloves, pliers, metal cutters. We will also provide tools so no problem if you don’t have any No bookings required Bring your lunch. Cuppas provided. This is a fancy one from Pinterest. |
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Friday 31 July Goldfields Gothic – Festival of Dark Ideas Goldfield Gothic is a weekend of events themeds celebrating the dark side of the goldfields, and the Gothic subculture. Inspired by intriguing stories of the past, spiritualists, secret societies, bushrangers, ghost hoaxers and murders. Come and investigate the dark side of the goldfields in all its chocloately glory.
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Maldon Hotel’s crypt, 58 Main St. Friday: 2pm - 4.30pm; 7.30pm - 9pm Saturday 1st August: 2pm - 4pm ; 8pm - 9.30pm Sunday 2nd August: 2pm - 4pm Not for the faint-hearted or children under 15 years. Bettany and her wonderfully spirited dolls are returning to Maldon all the way from Avoca for a holiday. They have invited several dolly friends in exploring Gothic themes from the 1800s, including not-so-secret societies, Gothic superstitions, and the Black Dog’s link to death. Guided tours will be led by Gabriella and her hell hound. |
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Friday 31 July Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum, Main stage 6pm Opening by Gabrielle Kelly, the local doyenne on all things Gothic. Forget AI, although she may have a gig in training it if a data centre ever opens up underneath Maldon. That is swiftly followed by six bands doing hourly stints until midnight: One Part Gin, Wall and Waves, Mankind, Blood in the Champagne, and Burn in Hell. Dance the night away. |
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But that’s not all! There's more Museum sheds, i.e.,venues. Music Theatre and Gothic Lounge 6pm Hosted by Sasha Cuha, the Gothic Guru, and a mix of music, drama and movies. There’s Angellis Taliuu an Australian sound artist and musician whose works are, immersive "dark ambient" sound baths. Which are reportedly deep frequencies that soothe the mind and relax the goths flying around. At 7pm, catch the movie, Sinbad J Collins' Wolf Cat. It’s an Australian hyper-real, hand-built rock ‘n’ roll spectacular about a sheila and a bloke who try to break into the big time (scroll lots of hard rock superlatives into the narrative).
By 8.30pm, your host spins into a performance which is captivating in a gothic fashion. |
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Same venue, just more pictures 10.30pm Kids ostensibly over 18 years can view a burlesque presentation by the Shimmering Dark. This is a Gnostic notion (nothing to do with Gothic but a lot to fervid imaginations) about the tension between light and dark, seen and unseen. ‘Through music, the spoken word, and theatrical performance it embraces mystery, obsession, beauty and the strange territories where stories come alive’. Good prose, so I had to ask AI (Google) to illustrate it as well. 11pm The night concludes with Eris and the Disciples, hope they all get a blessing. |
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Who doesn't love Friday night?
The there’s the Old Fire Shed venue, hosted by Nathaniel Buchanan, Di Lelong and the Eerie Tours Gang. They will be relegating you with: `Stories of the Unexpected, Weirdly Curious Adventures of the Afterlife’ . 7pm – Nathan, 8pm Di, and 9pm Lana. - don't know, s/he's unexplained, which fits in to the genre. Pic shows a subcultuure of the Gothic, courtesy of AI |
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There's also the Mine Tunnel venue on Take it for granted that there’s a host/ess. 7.30pm has a B-grade Monster Movie 8pm Duraba abstractist (absurdist?) cabaret clown. 8.30 Play by the Hungry Goth. 9pm Adults only shadow play. 9.30pm The Rime of Neville – the angst-ridden pirate (Google to the rescue). Reminds me of the annual outing of the UK Women’s Institute who decided to dress up as pirates - only to be confronted with a speaker, Captain Coln Darch, who recounted his 47-day capture by Somali pirates. |
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Saturday 1 August
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum, Vincent's Road up to and afternoon 10am -2pm The Dark Market has 90 stalls covering all the dark and not so dark arts – jewellry, books, metal workers, clothiers and potion makers - offering their wares in a sunny atmosphere of food, hot drinks and outdoor stage entertainment. Gold coin donation. Accomaniment by ourdoors troubidors: 11 am Breakfast with the Poets of Goth, noon has the band Palliative and then Sage Roadnight at 2pm.
The Mine Tunnel Stage has a rerun of last night's show: 3pm, Rime of Neville, 4.30pm The Hungry Goth, 5pm Ghosts (new), 5.30 Movie and short play, 7pm Shaddow puppets |
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Saturday Humongous Hearse Hike from the Beehive Chimney 11am Yes, it’s the Australian Hearse Nationals, 2026 edition. Gathering at the Beehive Carpark at 11:00am, the cortege will take a bow in Maldon and cruise down to Castlemaine at 11:30am Unfortunately, they will be going the other way this year. Castlemaine nicked the Hearse Awaeds |
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Saturday and Sunday 12.30pm in the Central Fun District at View Point, also known as the intersection of High and Main Streets, take in The Diplomats of Maldon. Maybe Night on Bald Mountain (Mussorgski) or Danse Macabre (Saint-Saens) is on the cards. The cafes and bakery of Main St. have suitably themed provisions. Try Maldon Rose for one of their tea sessions. Black lattes, anyone? Dark chocolate cakes? Coffin cookies? |
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Saturday Maldon Athenaeum Library, 97 High St 1.30 pm As part of the Goldfields Gothic, the Ath welcomes a talk be Helena Kidd, who recounts the story of her Cypriot mother’s extraordinary life. She also produced an insight into the chaotic history of Cyprus. Could be part of the Gothic ticket or may be free, so check with the Ath. maldonathenaeumlibrary@gmail.com, or ring 0437 094 46 |
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Maldon Hotel, 58 Main St. Saturday afternoon street level One hour gigs from Drongo and the Crow (1.30pm), One Part Gin (2.30pm), Sage Roadnight (3.30pm). Crypt level, Spirited Dolls creeps along, 2pm - 4pm ; 8pm - 9.30pm |
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Saturday night at the Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum Vincent’s Rd Main Stage: No host mentioned (Gabrielle?). Dancing from 5.30pm, which is Schism 2IC, 6 pm The Moth Body, 7pm Mankind, 9pm One Whole Hand, 10pm The Death of Art, 11pm Burn in Hell until 1am. Museum Theatre: 4pm Angellis Talliu starts off early with Tectonic – A dark approach to mindfulness. The Friday night program is repeated with a dark filum at 7pm, Sasha Cuha taking the stage at 8.30pm, 10pm Shimmering Dark, and Eris is back at 11pm. Old Fire Shed: Hosted by Nathaniel Buchanan and Di Delong. 4pm, Goldfields Call of Cthullhu. It’s a tabletop game where players take on the role of everyday people investigating cosmic mysteries. Get your own copy first! https://goldfieldsgames.com.au/products/call-of-cthulhu-starter-set. Then 6pm Goldfields Death Ballad. 7pm The Drongo and the Crow, 8.30pm Nathaniel himself. |
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Sunday 2 August
Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum is still at Vincent’s Rd, ready to wrap this Goth up with pomp.
Outddors 9.30am What else but yoga for all those breathless Goths? 11.30am The Gothic Picnic gets underway on the green, the road. Bit soon after breakfast, maybe. You could have gothbrunch instead. At least there's One Part Gin to serenade you. 12.30pm.The Gothic Fashion Stroll and Pet Parade launches somewhere outside 1.30 am The Heavy Choir tops the stand 2.30pm The Maldon Brass Band performs (witout augmented sound)
Mine Tunnel Stage: 11.30am Rime of Neville, 12.30pm The Hungry Goth, 1.30pm Movie.
Next Goth will swoop down in 2027. |
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Sunday 9 August Neighbourhood Centre 1 Church St. 9am – 1.30pm. Maldon Midwinter Market As winter retreats with bursting blooms everywhere, Spring around the corner and find what our makers and growers have to offer. There are new makers of arts and crafts, pantry essentials, and growers of seedlings, plants, produce and as always, a surprise. Bring a big bag and a sense of fun. This is an A4 art print for $45. |
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Spring is just around the corner Just when you were thinking of getting some chooks. Try Nuggetty Nook, a (very) Maldon smallholding on the north side of the Nuggettys, specialising in multicoloured eggs. No other contact but Facebook. No guarantees on egg production schedules! |
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s ever, an initial query regarding lone graves opened yet another Maldon mystery from anomalies about dates and record-keeping. Gold was found on the slopes of Tarrangower/Bryant’s Ranges in June 1853 and became public in December of that year when the colourful John Mechosk claimed a goldfield finder’s reward. Whilst the rush was underway by Christmas, the new colony administrator wasn’t far behind, establishing the town of Maldon on 4 February 1854, complete with Goldfields Commissioner and surveyors. Consequently, the Maldon General Cemetery opened for burials in 1856 (gazetted in 1861), but the first recorded internment was 9 January 1857. Bot burials were often located near the person’s home or at the Tarrangower Cemetery near the then Methodist Chapel, now part of Cascade Gallery in Fountain Street. Internments from the Tarrangower Cemetery were relocated to the Castlemaiane Cemetery at Campbells Creek. |
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The Maldon General Cemetery at 80 Maldon-Shelbourne Road, backed by Mount Moorul, better known or Rock of Ages, 156m above. Just inside the cemetery’s gates is the sexton’s cottage historical Pioneer section, where are buried the mid-19th century founders of Maldon; many of them the names on Maldon’s buildings (Tobin) or streets (Oswald). Despite its founding date of 1854, the first recorded burial was reportedly1857. In the south-east Chinese section (originally 121 interned), there is a small funerary fireplace where paper offerings were burnt during a funeral ceremony. |
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Maldon's famous lone grave is that of Elizabeth Anset, who died in 1856 aged 27 years, and her infant son. Born Elizabeth Hannah Burton in Brixton, London, she married William in 1849 before emigrating to the Australian goldfields. While she lost her infant son, records show she left behind an older surviving daughter, Elizabeth Hannah Anset (later Lemon), who lived from 1850 to 1921.They were distant relatives of the founder of Ansett Airways (Facebook post). The headstone reads: In memory of Elizabeth, wife of William Anset, of Brixton England. Died 19th July 1854, Aged 27. Also her infant son, aged 14 days. Her grave was within the Tarrangower Cemetery, located off Chapel Street South. This public reserve location allowed the grave to remain in situ, on request of her husband. |
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Along Watersons Road the gravelled back road from Maldon to Lake Cairn Curran there’s a commemorative plaque. It reads: CHILD'S GRAVE CIRCA 1850 Approx 50mts North of this marker is an unmarked grave, said to be that of the first child to die in this area. Around 1850 a teamster camped near here. During a storm he left his hut to find his strayed bullocks, leaving his daughter behind. She apparently left the hut, and was later found dead |
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There were at least two cemeteries for Maldon from the 1854 rush and 1861, The Rock of Ages location and that of Tarrangower to the west of High St.. Prior to the 1861 establishment of the Maldon Cemetery Trust, burials were unrecorded or lost. The first burial according to the Maldon Sexton's books was that of James Currie, presumably in 1861 and numbered 112 on a location peg. Therefore there are at least 111 burials between 1855 when Maldon Shire Council designating the cemetery and 1861. Even prior to the gold rushes, Europeans were burying their dead either on their properties or on consecrated church grounds. The first Anglican and Catholic churches appeared in Maldon in 1861; unlike the Methodist church, without attached graveyards. Graves were scattered around the mines, including the Beehive, but after 1861 these were reportedly excavated and the remains redeposited in the early mining section of the Maldon Cemetery. But there are others scattered through the Maldon Historic Area, waiting for those pesky gold detectors to find them. The picture shows one found near Wedderburn by P. Jacobs (Facebook, commenting on Elizabeth’s grave). |
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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. This is a feature of all Australia Post hotspots d connect to the internet. This is a feature of all Australia Post hotspots. Nearest public EV station is in Newstead at 45 Lyons St, Newstead. Options at Castlemaine are the IGA and Woolworths carparks, both Forest Street Castlemaine. Plus there’s Castlemaine Gardens at the carpark next to play space on Downes Road. There’s also one at the ANA Hall, 7 High Street in Harcourt Check out:
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 – 9 August Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum in Vincent's Road, open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 3pm, and 2nd Sunday of month (9 August 10am to 1pm. Maldon and District Museum, Maldon gardens, 93 High St. is closed for a while. The chimney is in dire state and needs repairs. Self-informed walking tours at https://tours.maldonmuseum.com.au/ Contact on (03) 5475 1633 Cascade Art 1A Fountain St, Closed until September. Usually open Thursday – Sunday 10am - 5pm Kareen Anchen, Gallery Director: 0408 844 152 cascadeart.com.au. Sign up for the newsletter. RedShed Arts workshop space, Church St Newstead. Serious art classes, sign up for their newsletter at info@redshed.art Oxart Pottery produces a range of beautiful, functional pottery (including hospitality orde) while also running a vibrant pottery school at 'Oxart HQ' Taradale. Open 9am to 5 pm weekdays and most weekends. Oxart offers regular beginners’ classes, especially popular during school holidays with youth. Upcoming dates at https://oxartpottery.com.au. Or contact Ian McColl on 0431 611 194, email - ox@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, noon to 4pm Entry $15 less discounts. Guided tours Sunday afternoons, free. Details at https://budacastlemaine.org/ or ring (03) 5472 1032 Possum Gully Gallery and Nursery, 428 Possum Gully Rd, Adelaide Lead. 11am - 5pm 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,. Harcourt’s Victorian Miniature Railway, 3643 Harmony Way (Old Calder Highway), Sundays 10am to 4pm. This new attraction is gaining traction among the pre-teenager set, and includes the Model Engineering Club for post-teenagers. There’s scaled reproductions of V/Line diesel locomotives, steam locos carriages and goods vans on 2.7km of miniature and safe railway tracks. Tickets $5 at the station less various discounts. Check https://vmr.com.au/ for questions. Food? Maldon Rose Official Café 6 Main St, open Wednesday (from 11am) – Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Specialising in morning and afternoon cream teas. High tea $60+pp . Phone Kimberlei McClure et al. 0492 183 081 for bookings over six people https://tinyurl.com/Highteaatmaldonrosewww.facebook.com/maldonrose. The Dessert Society venue offers catering for groups of 12 or more. Killiecrankie Wines Cellar Door, 30 Main St, Open Friday – Sunday, noon to 8pm, 7pm on Sunday for tastings and sales with platters. Winter menu includes mulled wine and soup, in that order, with compliments all around. Contact https://killiecrankiewines.com/contact/ Maldon Takeaway and the Blue Cockatoo Bar 10 Main St, Melitta and Adam’s takeaway fish and chippery/pizzas 11am – 7pm every day. Plus the Blue Cockatoo Cocktail Bar weekends with birds, cock-tails, bar snacks open noon to late Saturdays and Sundays. Live music. Phone orders 0476 887 062
The Good Food Providers 12 Main St Maldon. Adrian Upward offers a French-inspired style in this deli/cafe, open from 10am – 4pm Wednesdays to Sundays. Phone (03) 5475 1592. Contact orders@thegoodfoodproviders.com.au. It’s getting plaudits for deli food from locals Maldon Quality Butchers 19 Main St, Open weekdays 7am to 5.30 pm, Saturdays 7am to 12 noon, closed Sundays. Great food, great preparation tips and local eggs, milk, and condiments. Plus Maldon Honey. Brad’s landline (03) 5475 2271. Maldon Fudge and Icecreamery, 29 Main St, Carman’s open Wednesday to Sunday 11ish to 4.30pm, phone 0447 573 050. Now offering fudges, nougats and Turkish Delight as well as its signature sorbets, gelatis and ice cream. Gold Exchange Café 46 Main St. Open seven days each week from 7am - weekends from 7.30am, closes at 3pm. For breakfast, lunch and teas, everything homemade. Ring Cathy 0439 368 077. 48 Main St Bar offering local beers and wines, live music Sundays, but no meals. Open Thursday - Friday 5-11pm, Saturday- Sunday, 1pm -11pm. Contact Leah or AJ on lmcmahon849@gmail.com. Café Maldon, 52 Main St. Open weekdays 7am – 3pm, Sat – Sun. 8am - 3pm. tel Karen (03) 5475 2022. They also offer Maldon Grazing, where you order boxes as required for takeaway. Contact maldongrazing@gmail.com and ask for a menu. Maldon Bakery, 51 Main St. Open Monday – Friday 7.30am to 4pm, weekends from 8am to 3/4pm. Australia’s oldest (and best) bakery offers high quality traditional baked fare from its original Scotch oven. Contact (03) 5475 2713, or eat@maldonbakery.com.au. Much loved by the recent All British Motorcycle Rally. Maldon Hotel, 58 Main St – Open Monday-Tuesday from 4pm, meals from 5.30pm; Tuesday to Sunday from noon for both lunch and dinner, although does not have a high local reputation for food. Closes 11pm each day. Land line (03) 5475 2231. This Little Piggy Market, Post Office Residence, 95 High St. Closed until mid-August. Rolling array of fresh and frozen Asian street foods to takeaway. Available afternoons at late weekdays and weekends (try Facebook). Contact by email lisa@thislittlepiggy.au or mobile for catering and menu 0474037556 Kangaroo Hotel, 89 High St. Now open for drinks, Fridays and Saturdays, 4pm to late. Food van is available weekends for snacks Harcourt Harcourt Produce and General Store (and café) 115 Harmony Way Harcourt. Offers home baked specialties, excellent coffee, toasties, local wines, salads and much more. Open 9am to 3pm Wednesdays to Sundays. SMS bookings to Annette on 0430 302 763 or Annettefie@bigpond.com Little Red Apple produce and Harcourt Cider, 8795 Midland Highway Barkers Creek. Purrveyors of fresh local produce, local smallgoods, interesting new foods and of course pear and cider products. Open every day 8am to 6pm except Sundays, open 10am – 6pm. Ring (03) 5474 2483 or sales@harcourtapples.com.au. Fairbank House supplies guests with Harcourt Cider’s sparkling apple juice. Buy a range of Harcourt Ciders and apple juices online https://harcourtcider.com.au/ Mica Grange, 373 Faraday/Sutton Grange Rd, Sutton Grange Situated atop the Harcourt valley, the popular seasonal sculpture and art exhibition is scheduled for 31 October through to 6 December. Its gardens are currently open for tours/group (10>) bookings. Contacts are mobile 0499 897 242, email micagrangegarden@gmail.com, and the spectacular destination is on show at https://www.micagrange.com/sculpture-exhibitions/ Newstead Dig Cafe cnr Lyons and Panmure Sts. Open Wednesday – Sunday 8.30am – 3.30pmand takeaway pizzas from 5pm to 8pm Fridays. Phone 5476 2744 for bookings (and specialties). Newstead Country Store, 12 Lyons St Newstead Take away type food. Open 7am -- 4pm Monday to Wednesday, 7am- 7.30pm Friday, 8am – 7pm Saturday and 9am- 7pm Sundays. Serves fishing chips, pizzas and in-store or take-away diners (beef or pork meal packs). They do delivery, too, but probably not Maldon! Ring (03) 5476 2252 Newstead Pub (was Crown Hotel) 8 Lyons St Newstead. Opening Monday-Wednesday (4pm-9pm), Thursday (2pm-11pm,) Frida (2pm–1am), Saturday (noon–1am, Sunday (noon-8.30pm). Dinner Thursday – Saturday, Sunday pizzas. Lunch Saturday and Sunday. ‘Easy to find and hard to leave’. Ring 5476 2222 to book. Castlemaine Railway Hotel 5 Gingell St, Castlemaine West of the railway, the hotel celebrates the opening of the Bendigo railway in 1862 and has since grown into bars, a bistro and serious food. It’s open from 3pm until midnight weekdays, and earlier for lunch so noon to midnight Saturdays and Sundays. Menus at https://www.railwayhotelcastlemaine.com.au/menu. Book (03) 5472 1250 Five Flags Hotel. 155 Main Rd Campbells Creek Open 11 am to 11pm every day. Established in 1855, with an opening ball on 1 June. With a prize-winning team, you can expect the classics with a twist. Lunch and dinner weekdays, meals all day at the weekend. and culinary adventure. Website https://fiveflagshotel.com/ for menu. Book at (03) 5472 1010 Das Kaffeehaus at The Mill, 9 Walker St Castlemaine Foodie heaven at the Mill, with Das Kaffeehaus styling itself as a Viennese coffee house. Culinary pursuits are amply supported by Sprout, which vies with Maldon Bakery for excellence; Coffee Basics for beans et al.; a greengrocer; Cabosse and Fevre (Fairbank’s guests’ chocolates); Long Paddock cheese (from Mulberry’s who have better hours); and Oakwood smallgoods (bacon and hams). Naam Pla Thai with takeaway, 217 Barker St, Castlemaine, open every day except Tuesdays, 4pm to 8pm, Menu https://www.naamplathai.net/menu and mobile 0457 785042.
Klua Sathorn also Thai takeaway. Same hours, 4pm – 8pm but it’s closed Sundays and open for Friday lunch (noon to 8pm). You can book online for takeaway or a table https://www.kluasathorn.com/
Royal Sultan Indian Restaurant and Bar, 113 Mostyn St. Castlemaine. Open Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 9pm for authentic Indian cuisine. Phone 5472 3968. Their kitchen comes to Maldon’s Kangaroo Hotel every Friday, 5pm – 7.30pm
Taradale 120 High St Taradale Wine and Produce Store Open Thursday - Sundays, and they have a Friday night pizza. Facebook or phone (03) 5423 2828. Elphinstone Elphinstone Hotel. 14 Wright St. Open Fridays to Sundays for lunch and dinner, noon to 10pm. Ring (03) 5473 3165 or email theelphohotel@outlook.com For fine dining 2026 AGFG hat chasers: To keep you in the loop, Daylesford remains the culinary destination, ranging from AGFG 18 for Kadota, plus Lake House (16), Sault (15), The Suurly Goat (14) and duFermier (13) plus two others. Bendigo (a UNESCO creative city and region of gastronomy) could claim Chauncy at Heathcote (15) and has three restaurants at hat 13, The Woodhouse Bar and Grill, Alium Dining and Le Foyer; plus one other. Ballarat has Underbar (16), Babae (14) and claims Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes (13), and one other. Kyneton gets a nod with two restaurants at hat 12, Midnight Starling and Marchesa. All right, Maldon doesn’t rate – yet. Fine dining on farms (2) Creswick Black Cat Truffles with Liam Downes 150 Howards Rd Wattle Flat (50 minutes from Maldon) Black Cat Truffles with Liam Downes (2026 AGFG hat) Whilst you can't hunt your own truffles you can watch truffle dogs at work and enjoy their finds. The restaurant is welcoming the (big) winter truffle season, Open Friday 12pm-5pm, Saturday/ Sunday 9.30am-5pm. All food and experience opportunities at https://blackcattruffles.au/ Mobile 0428 035 083 Smeaton Markets
Maldon Makers Market, 1Church St Maldon, second Sunday. of month See above. Castlemaine Farmers’ Market Weekly, Camp Reserve, Forest St. every Wednesday, 2:30pm-5:30pm Castlemaine Farmers’ Market Monthly, Western Reserve, Forest St. first Sunday of the month, 9am-1pm, Enquiries on these from the Market Manager, Emmaline Macartney: cfm@castlemainefarmersmarket.org.au, mobile 0493 366 49. Dunolly Country Market, Broadway, 4th Saturday of the month, 9am to 1pm. Featuring everything from fingernail painting to hotrods, with food, kids’ entertainment, fresh bread, arts and crafts, and vegetables in the mix. Contact Drew on mobile 0418 875 453 for a spot Wineries et al. St Anne’s Winery, 3 Belvoir Park Rd, Ravenswood. Open every day for wine tastings, 9am – 5pm (Sunday opens 10am). It’s popular for Sunday pizzas from noon to 4pm with live music during the afternoon. Book at (03) 5435 3601. Harcourt Cider at Little Red Apple, 8795 Midland Highway, Barkers Creek, Tel (03) 5474 2483 Online sales at https://harcourtcider.com.au/shop/ There’s an extraordinary range of locally sourced apple products, juice to liqueurs produced by Simon and Vicki Frost available online and at the Little Red Apple along with their sparkling apple juice appreciated by Fairbank’s guests. Bress Wines, 59 Franklings Rd, Harcourt . Cellar door open 3rd weekend every month (17 May), 11am -4pm Saturday and Sunday. Online sales at Bress.com.au. Sutton Grange Winery, Carnochan’s Road, Sutton Grange, Top syrah wine and sparkling rosé, proudly presented to Fairbank’s guests. Sutton Grange is on the eastern side of Mount Alexander, at 28k from the Central Fun District. Sit down wine tastings (45 min) on Sundays noon – 5pm for $10 pp, or while away a gorgeous Sunday with antipasto and pizza menus and wine. Ring (03) 8672 1478 or for six+ guests book at the reservation button at suttongrange.com.au Panacea Estate, 329 Seers Road, Welshman'sReef, 12 noon – 5pm Saturdays and most Sundays, other times by arrangement. Enjoy your afternoon gazing over vine-clad countryside and lake views with a platter ordered in advance at https://panaceaestate.com.au/bookings or ring 0434 366 617 Welshman's Reef Vineyard (1984), Maldon Newstead Road, cellar door by appointment (03) 5476 2733. http://welshmansreef.com/ Check first. The owners have diversified their production to a site near Smeaton (rainfall, volcanic soils). Of the 2020 plantings, the white half may be wine later this year. Grangehill Vineyard, Gallaghers Lane, Eastville (off Maldon-Bridgewater Rd). Their cellar door/historical homestead is open weekends11am – 5pm or by appointment, ring the legendary Russell Clarke on 0457 353 838. Chaperon wines, the Grangehill brand, are available in most Maldon venues 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. Physically unaffected by the fires, but lost much of their vinaged stock Wombat Forest Wines, 189 Springhill Rd, Denver, (from Malmesbury on Daylesford Rd,) 45 mins from Maldon. Small vineyard, chardonnay, pinots, cabernet. Open noon to 5pm Saturday-Sunday and most public holidays. Contact mobile 0408 799 187 or info@wombatforestwines.com Passing Clouds, 30 Roddas Lane, Musk (about 40 minutes from Maldon). This is a food and wine paired restaurant. Choose exactly what you want from charcoal-fired menu and match with Passing Clouds range of wines, from long lunches to snacks. Open for lunch Friday – Sunday. It’s at https://www.passingclouds.com.au/ or phone (03) 5348 5550
Maldon sporting clubs you may want to look up
Maldon Bowls 82 High St. Playing Tuesday (10am), Friday (4pm) and weekends (1pm, except for pennant season). Secretary can be contacted at MaldonBowls@outlook.com). 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 or thereabouts per round for visiting players, and golfers with handicaps are welcome to join in club events. Social golf on Monday and Wednesday from 8.30am – 9 holes. Facebook: Maldon Golf Club. Enquiries maldongolf4u@gmail.com, 0412 272 181 or 0418 534 792
Maldon Pétanque Club is fortnightly 1pm Sunday at St. Brigid’s (Chapel St, cnr Adair St). Enq: Sandy Noble 0429 006 130
Social Pétanque club is fortnightly, 2 pm Sunday at the Penny School,19 Church St. or further information call 0459 093 452. Maldon Croquet Club 5 Francis St. (behind Information Centre) at 9.30am – noon Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. New players welcome to come and try. Morning tea provided. Contact. Ann 0403 669 249 or Cheryl 0428 453 042 or email maldoncroquet3@gmail.com Maldon Bridge Club, Thursdays 1pm to 4.30pm at the Community Centre 6 Francis St. New players welcome, including solo players. Enq: Danny Murphy 0430 733 782.
Pic suitablt Gothic sunset from Facebook - lost the name of the excellent photographer! |
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