Discover 4 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Castlemaine (Australia). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Buda Historic Home and Garden, Old Castlemaine Gaol, and Castlemaine's West End Hall. Also, be sure to include Castlemaine Post Office in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Castlemaine (Victoria).
Table of Contents
Buda Historic Home and Garden
Buda is a heritage-listed historic house and garden located in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia. It was added to the Victorian Heritage Database on 15 October 1970, when it was purchased by the Castlemaine Art Museum which oversees its management.
Since 1981 the house (museum) and garden are open to the public Monday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm.[1]
Address: 42 Hunter St, 3450 Castlemaine
Old Castlemaine Gaol
Tourist attraction in Castlemaine, Australia. The Old Castlemaine Gaol is a prison located in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia. The prison was modelled on Pentonville; the present building replaced the original, designed by Inspector General John Price which was never occupied. Built in 1861 to house offenders from the goldfields and nearby towns, it served various functions in the penal system before it was closed down and its prisoners transferred to HM Prison Loddon in 1990.
From 1861 to 1908 (the colonial era), the gaol housed all manner of criminals, including lunatics, debtors and ten men that were hanged within the walls. In the later of these years however, the gaol housed mostly short term sentenced prisoners and first time offenders.
Between 1909 and 1951, the gaol was transformed into a reformatory school for boys aged between 16 and 25 (but most were under 21).
The gaol then closed for a number of years, before reopening in 1954 to accommodate medium security prisoners from across the state once again. It remained open until August 1990.
After it ceased prison operations, it was used as a hotel and tourist attraction. It served as the studio for local community radio station WMA FM/Main FM 94.9 as well as various small businesses.
In 2018 the old gaol was sold to artist David Bromley (artist).
The grounds were originally landscaped by renowned landscape gardener Hugh Linaker.[2]
Address: 36-48 Bowden St, 3450 Castlemaine
Castlemaine's West End Hall
Park, Relax in park
Address: Woodman Street, Castlemaine
Castlemaine Post Office
Castlemaine Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 202 Barker Street, Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 8 November 2011.[3]