Castlemaine to Maldon Trail
Cycling through bushland and farmland, past some fantastic gold-era historical sites, the 17.7 km long Castlemaine to Maldon Trail runs parallel to the Victorian Goldfields Tourist Train railway. This historic branchline railway served rural Victoria from 1880 through to the 1970s and had been restored to its former glory by dedicated volunteers. The scenic cycling and walking trail that follows the railway line was constructed in 2016 and opened in March of 2017.
Starting in Castlemaine the vehicle-free walking and cycling shared trail is family friendly and easy to navigate with signage and trail markers providing information on distance, direction and location. Those not up for the return trip, can choose to travel back by the steam train operated by Victorian Goldfields Railway (Wednesdays and Sundays). The ride takes around two hours one-way with the main entry points located on Langslow Street in Castlemaine and near the Beehive Mine on Reef Street in Maldon.
An annual event, Race the Train is held each spring. The race offers the chance to cycle the trail competitively racing one of the magnificently restored steam engines, or ride socially along the family friendly scenic trail and your own pace.
You can interact with the ride profile below for further details on the trail.