Maldon

Introducing Maldon

Charming Maldon is a well-preserved relic of the gold-mining era. Its population is a ­fraction of the 20, 000 who once worked here. The tourist town is virtually closed on Monday and Tuesday since traders work all weekend.

The Maldon visitor information centre (5475 2569; www.maldoncastlemaine.com; High St; ) stocks lots of useful free literature. A small historical museum (5474 1633; 1.30-4pm Mon-Fri, 1.30-5pm Sat & Sun), behind the visitor centre, displays local artefacts.

On the edge of town is the excellent Penny School Gallery & Café (5475 1911; www.pennyschoolgallery.com.au; 11 Church St; 10am-5pm), exhibiting well-known artists’ work.

You can take a candle-lit tour of 1880s-era Carmen’s Tunnel Goldmine (5475 2667; adult/child $5/2; 1.30-4pm Sat & Sun), which is off Parkin’s Reef Rd, 2.7km south of town. Railway buffs will enjoy the Victorian Goldfields Railway (office 5470 6658, station 5475 2966; Hornsby St), which has old-time steam trains running to Castlemaine. Historic Porcupine Township (5475 1000; www.porcupinetownship.com.au; Bendigo Rd; adult/child/family $9/6/25; 10am-5pm) is a quaint re-creation of a gold-mining village.

Folk-music fans will enjoy the annual ­Maldon Folk Festival (www.maldonfolkfestival.com) held in early November.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009