Historic Buildings Re-imagined

By creating something new and wonderful, whilst still honouring the beauty and heritage of the majestic gold rush architecture, the perfect fusion of old and new has been uncovered as magnificent buildings have been reinvented.

Built in 1861, The Old Castlemaine Gaol served as a prison for 130 years before becoming a public space. The Gaol is currently undergoing a new phase with new owners, David and Yuge Bromley, a passionate and creative couple who are keen to turn the incredible space in to an arts precinct. While we wait, visitors can still visit the imposing structure and take in the spectacular views over Castlemaine from the entrance.

Down the road from the Gaol is The Mill Castlemaine – a vibrant and ever-changing place. Initially starting life as Castlemaine Woollen Mill in 1875, industry was at its core until 2013 when Victoria Carpets closed its doors.  Now, the fabulous space includes great coffee and Austrian fare at Das Kaffeehaus and handcrafted beers and unique events at Taproom. The Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar and Platform No. 5 offer stallholder market-style spaces selling vintage, repurposed and secondhand goods, and the Drying Shed Artspace promotes local artists and provides an inspiring place for people to work, visit and shop.

The Goods Shed, next to the railway station in Castlemaine, is now a brilliant performance space for both local and travelling artists and many more incredible heritage buildings throughout Maldon and Castlemaine are finding a new lease of life as accommodation venues, cafés, restaurants, galleries, stores and more.