A Well-Preserved Cute Village in Central Victoria
Often referred to as Australia’s most “notable town”, Maldon is now home to artists, retirees and those that cater for the many tourists that visit this historic gold mining town. Gold was first found at the base of Mount Tarrengower in 1853 and within weeks there were 3,000 miners seeking their fortune and by 1854, the population had grown to an estimated 18,000. The gold fields led to the construction of stone buildings, weatherboard houses and shops, many of which remain today. The gold in Maldon was not alluvial but found in quartz reefs and the towns prosperity peaked in the 1860’s when it was recognised as one of Voctoria’s major quarts reefs where some 1.7 million ounces of gold were mined. Today the population is significantly less at around 1,500 but much of the historic atmosphere of the gold rush era has been retained, with old weatherboard homes, historic stone buildings and decorative and interesting shop fronts in a heritage streetscape. Around town you will find much to see that defines the gold mining history of this quaint historic town.
Beehive Mine Chimney
The chimney was completed in 1863 and stands 30 metres high and is the only one of its age standing in Victoria. Nearby are structures for the boilers and steam engine and the remains of the shaft of the New Beehive Company, one of Victoria’ biggest gold producers. Go north on Main St and there is a car park at the top of the hill.
North British Mine
The North British Mine was established in 1853 and was one of the most productive gold producers in the area. The site is free to enter and visitors can take a self0guided tour to see well preserved quartz kilns, machinery foundations and a large mine shaft. To get there take C283 south and after 1.2km turn right on Parkins Reef Rd, and then left on Reef Rd. Total distance is 2.3km.
Maldon Railway Station & Victorian Goldfield Railway
Opened in 1884 it provided passenger services between Castlemaine and Maldon until 1941 and freight services until 1976. In 1986 it was reopened as the Voctoria Goldfields Railway and now provides tourist services between Castlemaine and Maldon on Fridays and weekends.
Historic Streetscape & Buildings
Take a walk down Main Street & High Street, lined with well-preserved 1860s wooden and brick buildings.
Main Street has a quaint feel, where many of the historic buildings are converted into nice cafes, galleries, gift shops and antique shops.
Joined at the Y-shape intersection with Main Street, High Street runs through the town, and there are many historic buildings along the street.
Mt Tarrengower Lookout
The Mt Tarrengower Lookout sits atop Mt Tarrengower (564 Metres) and provides excellent 360 degrees views of Maldon, Lake Cairn Curren and surrounding country.
The multi-level tower was constructed in 1923 from the poppet head from the Comet Mine in Bendigo and two levels are accessible for viewing. To get there drive north from the town on C283 and turn left at Franklin Street and then follow Mt Tarrengower Road to the peak, a distance of 3.9 km.
Other things to see & do in Maldon
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum
Step back in history and see this interesting collection of old farm and mining machinery collected by a group of Maldon volunteers. Located on Vincent Rd. Maldon. Admission is by donation and the museum is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am until 3:00 pm. It is also open on the second Sunday of each month from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Historic Churches
There are also a number of historic churches in Maldon.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 50 High St. (1861)
Maldon Uniting Church, 8 Fountain St. (1864)
St Brigids Catholic Church, 31 High St. (1863)
St Johns Presbyterian, 18 Camp St. (1864)
Maldon Baptist Church, 8 Edward St. (1865)
St Paul’s Anglican Church, 39 church St. (1893)
Events in Maldon
Maldon Easter Fair (Easter)
Maldon Folk Festival (Melbourne Cup Weekend)
Maldon Market (Every second Sunday each month)
Getting There
Maldon is 145km north west from Melbourne via the Calder Highway, 18km from Castlemaine and 40km to Bendigo. It takes approx 1.5hrs to 2hrs from Melbourne by car.
Driving is the best method to reach Maldon, however the access via public transportation is possible. If you choose to go by public transportation, take a V/Line train (Bendigo Line) from Melbourne (departing from Southern Cross Station) to Castlemaine (approx 1.5hrs), then catch a bus #4 from Castlemaine to Maldon (20 mins). Please note the bus service between Castlemaine and Maldon is very infrequent. Consult timetables before you go. Timetables are available at Tranport Victroria website.
Alternatively, you can reach Maldon using a heritage train service from Castlemaine. The Victorian Goldfields Railway provides a tourist train service to and from Castlemaine on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check their website www.vgr.com.au for their current timetable and tickets.
Where to Stay & Suggested Itinerary
Accommodations in Maldon
Motel Maldon – Comfortable motel style accommodation, 0.9km from centre (35 Reef Street)
Fairbank House – Three-bedroom home 0.6km from centre (9 Ireland Street)
More accommodations are available in Castlemaine (18km), Bendigo (40km), Maryborough (40km), and Daylesford (45km).
Central Victoria, where Maldon is located, has many historic towns and villages which flourished in the gold rush era. Also in the south of Maldon lies mountain ranges, where there are many hiking spots and a popular resort town, Daylesford. Central Victoria also has many excellent winery areas. For more information about Central Victoria, click here.