Bendigo is a vibrant contemporary regional centre, boasting beautiful streets created from one of the world’s greatest gold rushes. Every visit will reveal new surprises and experiences.
Castlemaine boasts a remarkable community of artists, writers, actors and designers, who offer a host of galleries, theatres, festivals, bookshops and boutiques. It’s a theme that runs through nearby Maldon, Newstead and Harcourt.
Rich in history and opportunity... today’s visitors come to Maryborough and the surrounding villages for many reasons. Many come to wander through the lovely box-ironbark forests with their wildflowers, birds and superb display of Wattle in the spring. Others come to research family history and discover a connection to the Victorian gold rush, or to visit nearby wineries or explore markets, galleries and museums.
Take a deep breath… and travel along the meandering roads of the Loddon Valley. They start at untouched historic villages, weave their way up to spectacular views on granite strewn hilltops, through ancient forests, and then alongside wide flowing rivers and vast wetlands.
One of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries presenting innovative exhibitions alongside a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events. Our collection is extensive, with an emphasis on 19th century European art and Australian art from the 1800's, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian art.
Bendigo Venues and Events nurtures, develops, presents and celebrates performing arts and culture for Bendigo and central Victorian communities.
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Visit RegionThroughout Winter, we have plenty of options and unique locations for you to consider.
Our cycling trails take you around our villages so you can discover our Maker and Collectors Trail, Art Exhibitions, Live Music Venues, Words In Winter Festival, Long Weekend Golf Classic, Queen's Birthday Dunolly Festival and so much more!
Visit our our fabulous Farmers' and Community Markets with an abundance of fresh local produce, set around historical buildings full of grandeur from a bygone era.
Join the goldrush (our area is a popular prospecting region), visit our museums, or treat yourself to one of our gastronomy delights.
Located in between Bendigo and Ballarat, in the heart of the Goldfields, you'll find amazing accommodation and a base for day tripping and discovering our region.
Goldfields Reservoir is located just off the Ballarat Maryborough Road at Reservoir Road.
This location is a popular family recreational area with a walking track, nature playground, grassed area on the bank, scenic lake, undercover BBQ, toilets surrounded by forest area.
A great location for walking, cycling, fishing, walking your dog, that family picnic, or some canoeing and cool off swim.
Join in the Saturday morning Goldfields Parkrun event.
The Talbot Farmers' Market showcases our finest local produce. Meander along the historic streetscapes of Talbot and embrace the atmosphere, whilst searching for a bargain. The Talbot Farmers' Market and Town Hall Market are held on the third Sunday of each month (9am-1pm).
Visit Maryborough and Surrounds, boasts an abundance of historical buildings.
You'll be amazed at our beautifully preserved heritage listed precincts.
See our historical tour: HERE
The Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre has a fabulous indoor pool facility.
Further details: HERE
Visit Maryborough and Surrounds has amazing areas to keep active and improve your mental well being.
See further details: HERE
Experience the history of the Central Goldfields by cycling the eight tracks through the many parks, forests, reserves offering spectacular scenery and riding conditions. All tracks differ in difficulty and distance. You can download off our website or call in and pick up your hard copy of the cycle maps at the Central Goldfields Visitor Centre.
View maps: HERE
Image: Maryborough Advertiser
Tullaroop Reservoir located near Carisbrook, is a great spot for fishing and picnics. The grassy area alongside the reservoir has multiple wood fire barbecues and plenty of tables and chairs. There is a large expanse of grass and a few shady areas beneath the trees.
Fishing boats are now permitted on the reservoir, view details HERE
Paddy’s Ranges State Park is a beautiful Box-Ironbark Forest located on the outskirts of Maryborough 
You’ll discover:
230 species of wildflowers
30 varieties of orchids
140 native bird species
cycling trails
bush walks
driving tracks
horse riding
prospecting areas
free camping area
picnic areas
Further details: HERE
Bealiba Reservoir is located not far out of the small rural township of Bealiba.
You'll find plenty of shady areas to set up that family day out. Take your fishing rod, your lunch and your walking boots to spend the day walking around the tracks, fishing, climbing nearby Mt Bealiba or just experiencing peace and quiet.
There are toilets, fire BBQ's and table and chairs.
Directions: HERE
The Maryborough Paramount Theatre is a fully restored historical theatre, with twin cinemas and a great candy bar.
They cater for large group bookings, kids birthday parties, and ensure you enjoy the latest release in comfort.
Whether you're an expert or a novice, and enjoy searching for gold, then our region has an abundance of areas that will keep you looking.
Coiltek Gold Centre is open every day for that extra assistance and prospecting tours.
Take a visit to Moliagul where the famous 'Welcome Stranger' nugget was discovered.
Details: HERE
Visit Maryborough and Surrounds has some wonderful options for you to consider. It might be that comfortable motel room, that caravan park with wonderful amenities, a hotel with grandeur, a dining option with your over night stay, a quaint Bed & Breakfast, or spacious self contained apartment, or are you seeking an experience on a farm stay or a winery?
We have something for everyone.
View details: HERE
An ultimate experience for that escape is to visit one of our local wineries, and we have accommodation options also.
Amherst Wines located on the outskirts of Talbot, is an award winning winery, offering you tastings by appointment.
Craigie Wines offer distribution of their amazing Cab Sav and Shiraz by appointment.
Lillicur Winery B&B can offer you accommodation on a winery, and the opportunity to sample local produce.
Image: Victoria Together
Golden Nugget Discovery Tours caters for families and large groups, corporate, hen's parties, winery tours and ecotours.
A testament to the rich past of Maryborough and the central goldfields towns shows in the grand buildings, historic cottages and gracious homes. The central goldfields are also home to the Box-Ironbark forests which abound with wild nature.
On this tour we take you to the heart of the goldfields – Maryborough and to the central goldfields with its myriad of goldfield towns that seemingly time has forgotten. It’s in the central goldfields where the largest nuggets of gold were found.
Maryborough is the largest town in the central goldfields and is rich in gold rush heritage government buildings, private homes, parks and gardens.
The myriad of central goldfields towns that we will visit are unique in their own way, towns that will visit are Creswick, Clunes, Talbot, Timor, Moliagul and Dunolly.
Paddy's Ranges State Park and Maryborough Regional Park wildflower showing in spring of golden wattle blossom amid the Box- Ironbark forest is a visual delight. Kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and numerous birds are also found in the forest.
For booking details: HERE
If you have a passion for collectables or unusual gifts, then we have a great selection for you to peruse:
MARYBOROUGH:
BEALIBA:
CARISBROOK:
DUNOLLY:
TALBOT:
Stay up to date with our events throughout the Central Goldfields.
We have live music venues, markets, festivals and much more!
View details and updates: HERE
The Makers & Collectors Market is a deconstructed market trail showcasing the undiscovered trail of bric-a-brac, antiques, handmade crafts and bespoke artisans the region is home to.
Explore the towns of Talbot, Dunolly, Carisbrook & Maryborough by following the deconstructed market trail. Use our map to plan your treasure seeking journey!
Discover what the Central Goldfields has to offer from 11-4pm on the 2nd Sunday of the month. May 8th, June 12th, July 10th.
Visit website : www.makerscollectors.com.au
Central Goldfields Shire Council acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung people as the traditional owners of this land and pay our respects to their leaders and elder’s past, present and emerging.
