Activities in Goldfields
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Victorian Goldfields Railway
Maldon train station was built in 1884. Harry Potter types can go by steam with the Victorian Goldfields Railway along the original track through the Muckleford Forest to Castlemaine. For a little extra, go first class (adult/child/family $40/23/93, Sunday only) in an oak-lined viewing carriage. Magical!
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Central Deborah Goldmine
The 500m-deep Central Deborah Goldmine, worked on 17 levels, became operational in the 1940s and was connected with two Deborah shafts that date back to the 1860s. About one tonne of gold was removed before it closed in 1954. The mine is one of Bendigo’s major tourist attractions, with exhibits and photographs from the mid-1800s onwards. After donning hard hats and lights, you’re taken 61m down the shaft to inspect the ongoing operations, complete with drilling demonstrations. There’s a combined ticket (adult/child $34/18.50) for the mine tour plus a ride on the Talking Tram.
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Bendigo Talking Tram
Bendigo’s tram system was closed down in 1972, but Bendigo residents took direct action and resuscitated the trams, which now run as a tourist feature. The Bendigo Talking Tram runs with a commentary from the Central Deborah Goldmine, through the centre of the city, out to the Tramways Museum and on to the Chinese Joss House. It leaves the mine every half hour, or five minutes later from Alexandra fountain in Charing Cross.
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Coiltek Gold Centre
If you’d like to learn the tricks to unearthing a gold nugget, Coiltek Gold Centre runs full-day prospecting tours (one/two people $120/200), which include hire of a metal detector and showing you what to look for. They also sell and hire out prospecting gear.
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Ironbark Riding Centre
About 4km north of the town centre is the Ironbark Complex where the Ironbark Riding Centre organises various horse rides including the Great Australian Pub Ride to Allies Hotel in Myers Flat (with lunch $75)
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Bendigo Gold World
Located in the Ironbark complex is Bendigo Gold World, which operates fossicking and detecting tours (per half-day $150) into the bush, and hires out prospecting equipment.
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Ironbark Horse Trail Rides
Ironbark Horse Trail Rides organises various horse rides including the Great Australian Pub Ride to Allies Hotel in Myers Flat (with lunch $85).
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Chocolate Mill
Chocolate Mill is worth the 10-minute drive from Daylesford. You can watch the Belgian chocolates being made by hand (tour at 11.30am).
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Bendigo Water World
At the Ironbark Complex, the aquatic fun at Bendigo Water World includes a giant slide that zaps you into a pool.
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Salus
The pampering starts as you walk through a small rainforest to your exotic jasmine-flower bath in a cedar-lined tree house overlooking the lake.
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Tuki Trout Fishing Complex
At the Tuki Trout Fishing Complex you can catch a fish, and have it barbecued and served in the shearing-shed restaurant.
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Aquatic Centre
The Aquatic Centre is the closest swimming pool to Bendigo's town centre.
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Maryborough Riverboat Cruises
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Maryborough Guided Walks
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Ghostly Tours & Tales
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Harcourt Region
About 10km northwest of Castlemaine, the region is known as the Victoria's 'apple centre', but in recent years it has also developed as an excellent mini wine region – the tourist office can provide a map and a list of cellar doors. Check out Bress, a combined winery and cidery.
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