Autumn in Castlemaine, Maldon and surrounds sees an explosion of world-class performances and exhibitions at the Castlemaine State Festival. It’s Victoria’s longest running major arts festival, presented in the culturally rich and creative town of Castlemaine for ten days from 22 – 31 March.
The elegance of the old gold-rush buildings that adorn the streets is reflected through the music of masters such as Jordi Savall and Floraleda Sacchi. The diversity of people and the landscapes they inhabit is conveyed through works such as Adam Ford’s Dance to the Anticlinal Fold and performances by world/folk legends such as Ego Lemos and Božo Vreco.
This region’s unique ability to communicate and connect globally is celebrated through multiple works from the Republic of Korea, and collaborations with artists from Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, Germany and Timor-Leste. An open studio program also invites you into the artist’s spaces throughout the region.
Food, wine and market-style entertainment shine at both the Harcourt Applefest and Taradale Mineral Springs Festival on the March long weekend. A few weeks later the township of Maldon bursts into colour and movement with the school holiday period and the traditional Maldon Easter Fair. Steeped in history, this beautiful township comes alive with parades, live performances and exhibitions.
The natural surrounds of our region put on their own show each autumn, making it a wonderful time to explore our regional parks and formal gardens. The historic Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, with links back to notable botanist Baron von Mueller, are home to an impressive collection of established native and exotic trees, with a beautiful ornamental lake surrounded by open landscaped gardens. The seasonal colour changes are spectacular.
Likewise at the picturesque Vaughan Springs Reserve just south of Castlemaine. Set on the banks of the Loddon River this pretty picnic spot offers an autumnal sensation, a much-loved slide for all ages and mineral springs.
For more information about any of these great events or other attractions in the region, call our team on 1800 171 888 or pop into either our Castlemaine or Maldon Visitor Information Centre when you are in the region.