Discover Historic Maldon, the Heart of Victoria’s Goldfields Region

Maldon in Victoria’s Goldfields region, with its beautifully preserved shopfronts along the main street, is one of Victoria’s most picturesque historic townships. Full of nostalgic charm, the town is characterised by its iconic 19th-century buildings, quaint retailers and eateries, heritage steam train, and surrounding ironbark forests.

Take a stroll down the main street, still with its original wide flagstones, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the gold rush era. The surrounding streets are just as attractive, with stunning examples of Victorian architecture. Most public buildings also date to the mid-to-late 1800s, including the primary school, library, museum and several churches. Yet despite its history, Maldon offers all the comforts of today - delectable food and drink offerings, quality boutique stores, and some incredible accommodation options, so you can spend a little longer soaking up the atmosphere of this charming town.

Here are the top things we recommend to discover Maldon.

Stay

You’re going to want to spend more than a day in Maldon. A stay at one of the town’s historic accommodation options allows you to fully immerse yourself in history. Book a stay at Sunday House - a four bedroom, heritage-listed and meticulously restored church located just a short stroll from the main street, with spacious gardens, including sunny verandah and pizza oven. Sleeping up to 8 guests, it’s ideal for small groups of friends and family.

Or for a luxurious adults-only getaway, Wiltshire House is an elegant, self-contained period property with gorgeous private cottage gardens, sleeping 4 guests. To check availability and book, visit Maldon Getaways, who provide a professional and seamless booking experience.

Heritage-listed Sunday House, c. 1865

Wiltshire House, c. 1880

Eat

Pop into Maldon’s French bistro Le Sel - a European deli that brings the best of France and regional products to Maldon, including a wide selection of French cheeses, baguettes, pastries, and almond, pain au chocolat & plain croissants cooked daily on site. Stop in at one the region’s best country bakeries, Maldon Bakery, the oldest continuously-running bakery in Australia. Built in 1854, its traditional Scotch oven was the first brick structure in Maldon. Recently restored, it’s now back in use, with the bakery reviving authentic old recipes. Or spend an afternoon enjoying an indulgent high tea, complete with finger sandwiches, Devonshire tea, petit fours and delicious coffee at the pretty-as-a-picture Maldon Rose.

Maldon Market is popular with locals and visitors alike, with specially selected stall holders selling fresh local produce, gourmet fare, and creative crafts. Held on the second Sunday of every month in town, book accommodation in advance if you’d like to time your stay with the market.

Le Sel, image via Maldon Inc

See & Do

Make sure to take a ride on the much-loved Victorian Goldfields Railway steam train between Maldon and Castlemaine, and explore all the best that both these historic gold mining towns have to offer. Soak up the surrounding countryside along your journey, or keep an eye out for some of the exclusive on-board events, including the very popular Murder on the Orient Express screening!

Maldon Steam Train, image via Bendigo Region

Cascade Art Gallery, housed in a striking historic church dating to 1863, is an inspiring and atmospheric space, with its lofty timber trusses and leadlight windows. Admire original paintings, prints, artist-made books and sculptures.

Savour the beauty of the Australian countryside while you immerse yourself in the wonders of yesteryear at the Maldon Historic Reserve. Located in and around the township, the reserve protects many relics from the gold mining era including abandoned shafts and tunnels, mullock heaps, quartz roasting kilns, stone walls, chimneys and machinery; as well as box and ironbark forests.

And during June and July each year, experience the Maldon in Winter Festival, a celebration of darkness and of winter’s light with candlelit recitals, community bonfire, magical fairy-lit shop windows, theatre, poetry and markets.

How to Get Here

Maldon is just over 90 minutes by car from Melbourne’s CBD. Or, catch the train from Southern Cross station to Castlemaine - then hop on a 20 minute bus ride. For a relaxing stay in town, you won’t need a car!