COME TO CASTLEMAINE!
Attending CDoc Events
Whether if you are coming to the festival from Melbourne or Bendigo, or across state from Ballarat or elsewhere, getting here by public transport (Bendigo line) or car up the Calder Freeway is easy.
We hold screenings in Theatre Royal in Castlemaine, as well as events at the Northern Arts Hotel.
Getting here
TRAIN
Castlemaine Railway Station is centrally located, and train travel is an easy and pleasurable 1.5 hour journey from Melbourne. V/Line trains run between Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station along the Bendigo line to Castlemaine, or Bendigo departing regularly from 6am to 11:30pm. For more information visit vline.com.au or phone 1800 800 007.
BUS
There are local buses servicing Castlemaine, Chewton, Campbells Creek, Maldon and Bendigo. For service schedules visit pvt.vic.gov.au
CAR
Castlemaine is approximately 120 kms north –west of Melbourne, or a 1.5 hour drive via the Tullamarine Freeway, following the signs to Bendigo and the Calder Freeway. Bendigo is approximately 155 kms from Melbourne or a 2-hour drive.
TAXI
Castlemaine Taxis service all areas in the region and can be contacted on 131 008.
Places to stay
The Northern Arts Hotel is located within easy strolling distance to the beautiful Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, The Mill Castlemaine artisan precinct and the Bridge Hotel. The deliciously renowned Johnny Baker is also on your doorstep (seriously!). And the Northern Arts Hotel is a great base from which to explore the many riches of the central Victoria region.
VISITING CASTLEMAINE
The Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre offers a free accommodation service providing knowledgeable advice for your specific accommodation needs.
CASTLEMAINE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Market Building, 44 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine VIC 3450
Phone: 03 5471 1795 or toll free 1800 171 888
visitors@mountalexander.vic.gov.au
Castlemaine Region info:
Eating and drinking
Love Shack Public Bar & Brewery is a love letter to the regional Victorian pubs of yesterday. There’s just as much love, care and passion in the Public Bar as there is in our beers. We tend to keep things cosy and laidback here, with warmth and comfort being the key descriptors. But every now and then it’s a bit of a party. If you want to know what you’ll be in for on a night, best thing is to check our Instagram and see what’s goin’ on.
Animus Distillery, located in Kyenton (25 mins by car), was founded in 2015, by four friends with a shared passion for producing world-class spirits. The Distillery boasts a range of incredible local regional producers of wines, beer, cider, gin & takeaway cocktails.
Opened in April 2016 at The Mill Castlemaine next to the Botanical Gardens, Shedshaker Brewery’s Taproom is open six days a week serving delicious beverages, yummy food and beaucoup conviviality — with live music most nights!
The expansive cellar door has been fashioned rustically for both function and charm. A recent renovation has seen the installation of a permanent kitchen and an inviting bar area. An ideal setting for enjoying the wines on offer.
Das Kaffeehaus is a Viennese coffee house serving traditional Austrian food, with traditional Viennese flair! Enjoy our freshly roasted coffee, sip on local and Austrian beers and wines, feast on good, old-fashioned, “like Oma used to cook”, hearty meals.
Things to see and do
The Mill Castlemaine showcases Castlemaine’s creativity at its best. Savour delicious food and beverages; discover vintage treasure and artisan-made wares, admire and create art, and enjoy live music and events.
Founded in 1913, the Castlemaine Art Museum has a unique collection of Australian art and fascinating historical artefacts reflecting the early history of the district. With five gallery spaces and a dedicated museum, CAM presents a vibrant calendar of changing exhibitions.