Maldon (Victoria)
Maldon is a town in Victoria's Goldfields region, known for its historic streetscapes and links to the gold rush era.
Understand
This town of about 1,500 is located 140km north-west of Melbourne in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields. The town is nestled on the slopes of Mt. Tarrengower in an agricultural, pastoral and mining district.
Maldon was declared Australia’s First Notable Town in 1965 by the National Trust of Australia. The township and surrounding forests abound with remnants of the gold mining past, beautiful seasonal wild flowers and comfortable historic and scenic walking trails.
Get in
From Melbourne, take the Calder Fwy (M79) and turn off onto the Pyrenees Hwy (B180). Follow the B180 through Castlemaine and turn left onto Castlemaine-Maldon Road (C282).
From Daylesford, take the Midland Hwy (A300) and turn left onto the C285. At Newstead, follow the signs to the Maldon-Newstead Road (C283).
V/Line coach services run between Bendigo and Ballarat and stop outside the post office.
Get around
A compact town centre means that Maldon is easy to visit by walking. Some outlying areas such as Mt Tarrengower and the wineries will require a car or bicycle.
See
The town's historic streetscape provides many opportunities for strolling through the town, as well as photography. Learn more about Maldon's history through numerous explanatory signs and plaques situated throughout the town. Most historic buildings are situated close to the town centre, but if you venture further out into the residential areas, you will find a number of beautiful cottages and old churches.
The Mount Tarrengower lookout is situated just outside the town and provides wide vistas across the region. Bushwalking tracks also stem from the site. From the town centre, drive north along High Street and turn left into Franklin Street.
Several mine ruins are present in Maldon, including the Beehive Mine Reserve and the North British Mine.
Do
- Victorian Goldfields Railway. Steam train rides between Maldon and Castlemaine, with bushland between the two towns.
Buy
The Maldon Market runs on the second Sunday of every month, and offers a selection of food and craft products from local makers.
There are also many craft stores in Main Street, offering products such as soaps, wool, art and clothing.
For everyday essentials, an IGA is located in Main Street, and contains everything from food products to toiletries.
Eat
- Kangaroo Hotel. A no-frills local pub with a bar and food. A favourite amongst locals. $30.
- Le Sel. A French-style café and delicatessen with dine-in options, as well as cheeses, jams, breads and other imported products. Good for breakfast. $15.
Drink
Sleep
- 🌍 Maldon Eaglehawk Hotel, 35A Reef St, ☏ +61 408 242 269.