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Art gallery facade and bell tower — Image credit: Central Goldfields Art Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Central Goldfields Art Gallery

Central Goldfields Art Gallery is a cultural facility of Central Goldfields Shire Council. The art gallery is situated in the picturesque and historic fire station built in 1862, an easy 15-minute walk from Maryborough railway station and a few blocks Maryborough's High street. The gallery presents a varied exhibition program that showcases local and regional artists and includes touring exhibitions. A selection from the permanent collection is on display in the Cambrian Room. This growing collection includes works by artists of regional and national significance, such as Arthur Boyd, Pro Hart, Dean Bowen and Ray Crooke. Textile art from the biennial Golden Textures acquisitive exhibition compliments the work from the existing collection. Community engagement is supported with an annual community art exhibition and local schools' VCE art and design. If you would like to receive an invitation to the gallery's exhibitions, via email, please subscribe to their e-news. For further information on current exhibitions or to download a copy of the Gallery's program of exhibitions, visit the Gallery website. Tour groups welcome by arrangement outside of the listed opening hours.

Maryborough VIC

0.0 km away

Phillips Botanical Gardens — Image credit: Central Goldfields Shire Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Phillips Botanical Gardens

Phillips Botanical Gardens is a treasured heritage garden in the heart of Maryborough, Victoria, offering a peaceful retreat enriched by the town's goldfields history. The gardens originated in 1860 when a mining dam on Maryborough's main lead was purchased by the Borough Council to supply water for firemen and horses. A reserve was added in 1861, and by 1872 the site had been designated a botanical reserve. Thoughtfully planned in 1875 and gazetted in 1879, the gardens reflect the civic ambition and prosperity of Maryborough during the gold rush era. The name honours Henry Neville Phillips, who served as Town Clerk from 1888 to 1935 and contributed significantly to the town's development. Today, Phillips Botanical Gardens features an ornamental lake encircled by a walking track, shaded picnic areas and expansive lawn spaces ideal for relaxation, photography and family visits. A highlight is the greenhouse, home to a lush collection of tropical rainforest plants that can be admired year‑round. Located within easy walking distance of Maryborough's historic town centre, the gardens form an important part of the town's heritage and nature trails, inviting visitors to slow down and enjoy the living legacy of the Central Goldfields region.

Maryborough VIC

0.4 km away

Princes Park — Image credit: Central Goldfields Shire Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Princes Park

Princes Park is one of Victoria's finest regional parks and a signature attraction in Maryborough, offering a blend of grand landscaping, recreational facilities and goldfields history. Developed during the late 19th century at the height of Maryborough's prosperity, Princes Park reflects the civic pride of a flourishing gold rush town. Carefully designed avenues, mature trees and expansive lawns create a sense of scale rarely seen in regional parks, making it a standout destination within the Central Goldfields. At the heart of the park is Lake Victoria, a picturesque ornamental lake that adds to the park's beauty and provides a peaceful setting for walking, relaxation and photography. A network of paths winds through the park, connecting open lawns, shaded picnic areas and key heritage features. Princes Park is also home to notable historic structures including the Princes Park Grandstand, Memorial Gates and band rotunda. Sporting facilities, playgrounds and open spaces cater to both organised events and casual recreation, making the park popular with locals and visitors alike. Regularly hosting community celebrations, sporting fixtures and seasonal events, Princes Park continues its long tradition as Maryborough's premier gathering place. Located close to the historic town centre, it complements nearby heritage attractions and gardens, encouraging visitors to linger and explore everything Maryborough has to offer.

Maryborough VIC

0.6 km away

Bristol Hill Lookout

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bristol Hill Tower Lookout

For stunning 360-degree views of the region, there's no better place than Bristol Hill Lookout. With a panoramic outlook reaching over the Pyrenees Ranges and across to Castlemaine and Mount Tarrengower, the lookout is also an important piece of local history. Like many small towns, the Great Depression especially impacted Maryborough. The Unemployment Relief Committee secured funds to build the tower and provide jobs for many out of work locals. Works commenced in 1929 to commemorate the pioneers and the miners who were responsible for building the region. The site, once a scarred quartz hill known as Bristol Reef or Quartz Hill that operated during the gold rush, now houses the Tower. The bluestone steps were sourced from the old Maryborough Jail. Three plaques at the base have verses from Australian poet, Henry Lawson, referring to Australia's pioneers. Opening day was April 16 1933, and thousands of residents from Maryborough and beyond walked from the Civic Centre to the tower. The tower was restored in 2024 by a community group called Friends of the Tower, together with the local Rotary Club. Today, it's well worth a visit to enjoy the beautiful view and memories of the pioneers.

Maryborough VIC

0.8 km away

Paddys Ranges State Park

National Parks and Reserves

Paddys Ranges State Park

Well-known for its wildflowers in springtime, Paddys Ranges State Park is home to 30 types of orchids and more than 140 native bird species like the rare Painted Honeyeaters and Swift Parrots. Located northwest of Melbourne, this beautiful bushland is a stronghold of Box-Ironbark and is an important conservation refuge for endangered plants and animals. Wander the park as it bursts into colour with spring wildflowers or discover relics and reminders of its gold mining past. The parks mining history dates back to the 1800s and since 1951 the Maryborough Field Naturalists Club began pushing for the protection of the park's unique Box-Ironbark Forest. In 1989, Paddys Ranges State Park was reserved. The now 1,954ha park is a haven for plants and animals with more than 230 species of wildflowers and a 140 species of birds have been recorded in the park. There are a number of walking trails, a free camping area at Karri Track and Settling Ponds Track Picnic Area has tables, a toilet and wood barbeques. Visitors must bring their own firewood. Before you go check Parks Victoria's website for local changes and park conditions. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors and stay up to date using the Vic Emergency website.

Adelaide Lead VIC

6.5 km away

Tilly Aston Memorial Park — Image credit: Central Goldfields Shire Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Tilly Aston Memorial Park

Tilly Aston Memorial Park is a quiet community park in Carisbrook, Victoria, dedicated to one of Australia's most inspiring advocates for people with vision impairment. The park honours Matilda "Tilly" Aston, who was born near Carisbrook in 1873 and lost her sight at an early age. Despite this, she became a pioneering educator, writer and activist, playing a foundational role in the introduction of braille literacy and services for people who are blind across Australia. Her work had nationwide impact and continues to influence disability advocacy and inclusive education today. Set within a peaceful, leafy setting, the memorial park provides a reflective place to pause and learn about Tilly Aston's remarkable life and achievements. Open lawn areas, shade trees and seating create a welcoming space for quiet rest, while interpretive elements acknowledge her strong connection to Carisbrook and the Central Goldfields region. Located close to Carisbrook's historic township and within easy reach of nearby heritage attractions, Tilly Aston Memorial Park adds depth to the region's story — highlighting not only goldfields history, but also the individuals whose legacy extends far beyond their local community. For visitors interested in social history, education and stories of determination, the park offers a meaningful and enriching stop when exploring the Central Goldfields.

Carisbrook VIC

6.9 km away

Cairn Curran Reservoir — Image credit: Central Goldfields Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Cairn Curran Reservoir

Cairn Curran Reservoir is one of northern Victoria's most popular inland water destinations, offering expansive views, outdoor recreation and a relaxed country atmosphere near Maryborough. Created in the mid‑20th century to support irrigation and water supply for the region, the reservoir is now valued just as highly for recreation and tourism. Set against wide open farmland and big skies, its vast shoreline creates a sense of space and tranquillity that invites visitors to slow down and unwind. The reservoir is a well‑known spot for boating, fishing and kayaking, with species such as yellowbelly, redfin and trout attracting anglers year‑round. Scenic picnic areas and informal camping spots around the shoreline make it an ideal place to spend a day, or longer, enjoying the outdoors. At sunrise and sunset, the landscape comes alive with colour, birdlife and sweeping reflections across the water. The Cairn Curran Reservoir complements nearby goldfields towns and heritage attractions, adding a nature‑based experience to the region's rich history. Whether stopping in for a peaceful picnic, casting a line, launching a boat or camping under the stars, Cairn Curran Reservoir offers visitors a refreshing lakeside escape and a compelling reason to extend their stay in the Central Goldfields.

Baringhup VIC

23 km away

Gallery 127

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Gallery 127

As part of the Avoca Community Arts and Gardens Hub located at the newly transformed heritage listed Avoca Railway Station, Gallery 127 presents exhibitions of local and regional artists as well as solo exhibitions by single artists, including photographic and sculptural works. Local history displays, workshops and artist studio spaces are also available together with a permanently operated community plant nursery situated on the station's platform.

Avoca VIC

23 km away

Barking Owl

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Avoca Silo Art

The Avoca silo artwork depicts the Australian Barking Owl, a bird native to the local Pyrenees Ranges. The Avoca silo displays the first glow-in-the-dark artwork in the Australian Silo Art Trail. The silo has two separate glow-in-the-dark features that can be experienced after dark. First, set behind the owl is a Glow in the dark starburst sky. The starburst sky and the owls eyes both glow in the dark when charged by the silos installed floodlights. Nightly projection with audio and visual from 8pm allow 45 minutes for this full experience. (This projection is located to the left face of the silo from the Owl mural). There is also an interactive glow wall set on the Pyrenees Ranges below the owl where you can draw your own artwork using nothing more than light from a torch or phone torch.

Avoca VIC

23 km away

Avoca Moonambel cycle loop — Image credit: Pyrenees Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Avoca Moonambel Cycle Loop

The Avoca Moonambel cycle loop ride takes you from the Avoca township, to Moonambel and then return. It is filled with quiet country roads, stunning landscapes and plenty of wildlife and farm animals along the way. Starting from either Avoca Chinese Garden or Moonambel Community Common, this gravel ride allows you to enjoy the Pyrenees scenery from a different perspective, allowing you to be more in nature and intimate with the backcountry of the Pyrenees region in central Victoria. The ride covers a distance of 46 kilometres, with an estimated 3.5 hours of total ride time. This loop is suitable for gravel bikes, hybrid, and mountain bikes. The trail is suitable for riders of all fitness. Gradients are mostly gentle. The trail surface varies along the trail and is made up of either compacted gravel or bitumen. There are plenty of opportunities to detour off the trail to visit 20 wonderful wineries and cellar doors that offer an impressive variety of award-winning wines – it is easy to eat and drink your way around the region. Many cellar doors are accompanied by decks and terraces overlooking vineyards so close that you feel like you are dining amid vines. Some Cellar Doors are only open weekends or by appointment. It is best to refer to the Visit Pyrenees Website or Visit Pyrenees App for opening hours.

Avoca VIC

24 km away

The Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles Collection — Image credit: Hepburn Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles Collection

The Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles Collection consists of over six thousand historical bottles and other related objects dating from 1500 AD to the present. This hugely significant holding includes glass and ceramic vessels created for the storage of beer, wine and spirits, aerated waters, preserves, and condiments, along with pharmaceuticals. In 1868, Ernest Eberhard established a successful cordial and aerated water production facility in Clunes. Eberhard bottles can be viewed as part of the collection. Housed in the old South Clunes State School (which was, for over 45 years, the Clunes Interknit Mill), The Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles Collection is a must see for all visiting history buffs.

Clunes VIC

28 km away

Clunes Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Clunes Museum

Discover the story of a town built on gold at Clunes Museum, which is housed in the former warehouse (circa 1860) of contractors Nichol and Wallace. The beautifully curated and presented collection is an opportunity to step back in time and trace the history of this tightknit community in Central Victoria. Highlights include: The Gold Room: View artefacts related to natural history, the Dja Dja Warrung First People, and the discovery of gold. Sir John Longstaff Kitchen: See a kitchen typical of a 19th century miner's cottage. Laura Hudson Parlour: Learn about the domestic life of Laura Hudson (1848-1953) and see the contents of a typical miner's cottage parlour. Rivett Bland/Mayor's Room: Learn about the mining era and Clunes' local government over the decades. Entry to Clunes Museum is from Collins Place through the reception area of The Warehouse (Hepburn Shire Council Hub). A voluntary gold coin donation would be appreciated. Group tours can be arranged with prior notice. Check the Museum's website for the latest information on opening hours.

Clunes VIC

28 km away

Screenprint workshop in action — Image credit: Rogue Planet

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Rogue Planet Art Gallery

Rogue Planet is a screenprint studio, gallery and creative hub nestled inside a beautifully restored piece of Victorian goldfields history. The former Clunes School of Mines building dates to 1892, and still features original wall stencils and historic gold-smelting furnaces. It is one of only two schools of mines remaining in Victoria. Visitors can explore a welcoming gallery space showcasing the work of local and visiting artists. Original prints, paintings and handcrafted works are available to browse and buy. Monthly shows bring a rotating program of exhibitions, meaning there is always something new to see. Rogue Planet also runs hands-on workshops in screenprinting and other creative skills, suited to all experience levels. Talks and community events are held throughout the year. There is always something to discover. The building sits creekside in Clunes, one of the most architecturally intact gold rush towns in Victoria. The main street is lined with heritage buildings, independent shops and cafes, making Rogue Planet a natural stop on a day trip or weekend getaway. Whether visitors come to make, to browse or simply to soak up the atmosphere, Rogue Planet offers a genuine and unhurried creative experience in a remarkable historic setting.

Clunes VIC

28 km away

View of the Newstead Arts Hub — Image credit: Newstead Arts Hub Inc

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Newstead Arts Hub

The Newstead Arts Hub Inc is a community-run arts space situated in a renovated railway station in Newstead, Victoria. They host exhibitions, community events and workshops. They have multiple gallery spaces, a workshop room, a garden, outdoor platform and event spaces. Their mission is to engage with the local community and visitors from the wider region.

Newstead VIC

29 km away

Pippa looking at Dean Bowen's prints and paintings — Image credit: Cascade Art Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Cascade Art Gallery

Cascade Art Gallery is an inviting, light-filled space in Maldon showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and diverse contemporary works. Here, you'll find a carefully curated selection of paintings, sculpture and works on paper from both emerging and established Australian artists. Whether you're an avid collector or simply curious, Cascade Art offers inspiration, conversation, and a deeper connection to the creative spirit of the region. Home of the Maldon Portrait and Landscape Prize.

Maldon VIC

30 km away

Maldon Historic Reserve — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Maldon Historic Reserve

Located in and around the township of Maldon, the Maldon Historic Reserve protects many relics from the gold mining era - abandoned shafts and tunnels, mullock heaps, quartz roasting kilns, stone walls, chimneys and machinery - as well as the box and ironbark forests. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Maldon VIC

30 km away

Tuki

Agritourism

Tuki

Discover Tuki's unforgettable experiences as you soak up the breathtaking scenery and stunning location with uninterrupted views of the Daylesford Macedon region. Visit Tuki and catch a fish at their trout pond. Fishing has long been part of Tuki, and the spring-fed ponds remain a favourite for families and first-timers. Fishing is available seven days a week. While booking isn't required for fishing exclusively, admission and rod-hire fee applies. Visit their website for more information. You can also indulge in their Fish and Dine package, which pairs a two or three course lunch in the restaurant with the chance to cast a line and catch your own fish. Visit their website for pricing and bookings. Located in the Daylesford region and just 90 minutes from Melbourne, clear the calendar and take a short break. Whether this is a return visit or your first trip, you will create lasting memories at Tuki.

Smeaton VIC

31 km away

Avoca Waterfalls

Natural Attractions

Avoca Waterfalls

Take a scenic stroll alongside a stony creek to the gorgeous Avoca Falls, a seasonal waterfall which is nestled in a valley within the Pyrenees State Forest. Accessed via an easy 500 metre walk from the nearby Waterfalls Campground, Avoca Falls is a great place to explore. This waterfall typically only flows after heavy rains, but is a beautiful spot to visit with or without water. From the base of the waterfall, you can clamber up either side to reach several more levels in the rocks above. Take care if climbing up, as the grass and rocks can be very slippery. The walking track is narrow and uneven in places, travelling upstream along Number Two Creek. This creek is seasonal, but the walk is scenic with or without water flowing. Follow the track right to the base of the Avoca Waterfall.

Percydale VIC

33 km away

Welcome Stranger Monument — Image credit: Central Goldfields Shire Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Welcome Stranger Monument

The Welcome Stranger Monument marks the site of one of the most extraordinary discoveries in global gold rush history, the finding of the largest alluvial gold nugget ever recorded. In February 1869, prospectors John Deason and Richard Oates uncovered the legendary Welcome Stranger at Moliagul, beneath the roots of a tree. Weighing more than 70 kilograms before processing, the nugget was so large it had to be broken apart before it could be weighed. The discovery captured international attention and cemented Moliagul's place in goldfields history. Erected in 1897, the granite obelisk stands near the original discovery site and serves as a lasting tribute to this remarkable moment. Surrounded by the quiet bushland of the Central Goldfields, the monument invites visitors to reflect on the scale of the find and the determination of those who searched for gold in Victoria's rugged landscapes. Interpretive signage helps bring the story to life, making the monument an engaging stop for history enthusiasts, families and travellers exploring the region's gold rush heritage. The site forms part of the broader Moliagul Historic Reserve and can be visited alongside walking tracks, picnic areas and nearby prospecting locations. A visit to the Welcome Stranger Monument offers a powerful connection to Victoria's gold rush legacy, where chance, perseverance and history combined to create a story known around the world.

Moliagul VIC

33 km away

Andersons Mill, Smeaton Historic Area

National Parks and Reserves

Andersons Mill, Smeaton Historic Area

In a postcard setting on the banks of Birch's Creek at Smeaton, Anderson's Mill stands as a powerful reminder of an industry that flourished after the gold rush of the 1850's. Standing today much like it was over 100 years ago, the five-storey bluestone building and its magnificent iron water wheel are still in place. Anderson's Mill is located in Smeaton, north of Creswick, in an area well known for it's fertile volcanic soils and goldmining past. Construction of the flour mill commenced in 1861 and it was operational within six months. The Oat section of the Mill was completed by the following harvest. Outbuildings such as the stables, grain store and bluestone office were added later as the operation expanded. The water wheel was developed from designs by John Smeaton and the patterns cast locally in Ballarat at Hunt and Opie's Victoria Foundry. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.

Smeaton VIC

35 km away

Lambley Nursery's Spectacular Dry Garden — Image credit: Lambley Nursery Pty Ltd

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Lambley Nursery and Gardens

Located in Ascot, a short drive from Ballarat in the central Victorian Goldfields, Lambley Nursery and Gardens is an inspiration to local and international visitors and a must-see for anyone interested in plants and gardening. The gardens, set around a bluestone farmhouse built in the 1860s, offer incredible beauty in every season. Lambley's Dry Climate Garden features a naturalistic design of frost-hardy plants requiring minimal watering and is world-renowned as a benchmark in dry climate and sustainable gardening. Other highlights include a driveway of standard Mt Fuji Cherry trees, flourishing perennial borders, and an ornamental pear walk underplanted with daffodils in spring and white Japanese windflowers in summer and autumn, a rose garden, vegetable garden, orchard, and borders where clipped formality combine with the colour of annual and perennial plantings such as tulips, poppies and salvias. Lambley is well-serviced by cafes and amenities in nearby towns Learmonth, Clunes and Creswick, however, visitors can picnic on the lawns or seating located throughout the garden. All gardens at Lambley are open except those signposted 'private'. Group tours of the gardens, including the private gardens, are available by appointment. Lambley Nursery is a leading online and phone order plant nursery, sending plants to all states in Australia except the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Ascot VIC

37 km away

Tribe Castlemaine — Image credit: Angela Rosemann

Shopping and Markets

Tribe Castlemaine

Tribe is a natural, sustainable, ethical and inspiring emporium, filled with handmade wares from local and overseas artisan makers. From jewellery to homewares, botanical skincare to natural playthings and an array of crafting tools and materials. A nurturing, slow shopping experience connecting you to nature and creativity. Tribe, the perfect gift and so much more.

Castlemaine VIC

42 km away

Lavandula Farm

Agritourism

Lavandula Farm

Only a 10-minute drive from Daylesford centre, Lavandula is a unique agritourism experience that blends heritage, hospitality, retail and regional tourism within one legacy property. Set across 100 acres of European-inspired gardens, historic stone buildings and picturesque farmland, Lavandula invites visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the beauty and sensory richness of country life. More than simply a lavender farm, Lavandula is a curated tourism experience designed to inspire connection to land, produce and history. Visitors can wander through expansive lavender fields and cottage gardens, discover artisan retail offerings and locally made products, dine within their hospitality venues, and experience a calendar of thoughtfully curated events that celebrate the seasons, regional produce and community. From long lunches and feast nights to weddings, private gatherings and family day trips, every visit to Lavandula is designed to feel memorable, generous and transportive. With its blend of heritage architecture, natural beauty and premium visitor experiences, Lavandula has become one of regional Victoria's most beloved lifestyle and tourism destinations. They welcome guests from across Australia and beyond to experience a slower, more beautiful way of gathering and exploring.

Shepherds Flat VIC

42 km away

Goldfields Explorer - Steam Train — Image credit: Victorian Goldfields Railway

Entertainment Venues

Victorian Goldfields Railway

Victorian Goldfields Railway is an authentic volunteer run steam railway linking historic gold mining towns of Castlemaine and Maldon in Central Victoria. Family fun - take the kids for a memorable day out. Watch the world go by from your family compartment as the steam train puffs up the hills. First Class - for a touch of class step back in time to an era of elegance when the journey was as important as the destination. Ride on the end viewing platform on the parlour car. Enjoy a drink from the fully stocked bar. Catch the train for a return trip from Castlemaine or Maldon stations. Castlemaine is 90 minutes from Melbourne by car on the Calder Freeway. For a wonderful day out, leave the car behind and use your Myki to catch the V/Line train from Melbourne to Castlemaine where you simply change platforms to catch the steam train. After a leisurely 45 minute train ride you have time in historic Maldon to enjoy lunch at a pub or cafe and then relax on the train (maybe enjoying a drink from the bar in first-class) back to Castlemaine. Trains run Sundays, Fridays and school holiday Saturdays. Visit the website for more information.

Castlemaine VIC

42 km away

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