CASTLEMAINE WEEKEND AWAY
*** 9th–11th OCTOBER***
Join me for a relaxing and fun 2-night, 3-day weekend adventure exploring the historic goldfields area of Castlemaine!
PAYMENT DETAILS
Once you rsvp and shown as going please pay full amount ASAP by 28th August to secure your spot. Places will be offered to those on waiting list if payment not made by due date
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
Twin-share basis only (note: single room options are not available).
Property:
Campbell House (31 Campbell Street, Castlemaine VIC 3450), a grand, fully restored historic mansion built in 1882 located right in the town center.
Features & Layout:
Spans 3 levels with 9 bedrooms featuring flexible bedding options (King beds can be split into 2 king-single beds for twin share), Couples will have bedroom with Queen/King Bed. There are multiple living and dining areas, and 3.5 bathrooms.
Amenities:
Modern heating and air conditioning, fully equipped kitchens (including a ground-floor commercial-style stove), Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
Outdoor Space:
A large backyard with garden and outdoor entertaining areas.
Location Highlights:
Within easy walking distance of local cafes, restaurants, shops, and the Castlemaine railway station.
ITINERARY
FRIDAY 9TH OCTOBER
Arrival & Exploration
Car Pooling: 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne to Castlemaine. Accomodation Check in time is 3pm but will aim to meet at 1pm at the The Mills vintage
1.00 pm: Head to The Mill Castlemaine to browse for retro items at the massive Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar.
2.00 PM: Stroll through the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens for a peaceful walk around Lake Joanna and admire the historic trees.
3.00 PMr 3pm Check into Campbell House Accomodation and settle in and relax.
5:00 PM: Pre-dinner drinks and nibbles.
6:30 PM: Dinner at either Shedshaker Brewing Company or Bridge Inn Hotel with a chance to catch some live music.
SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER
History, Hiking & Live Music
8:00 AM: Breakfast served at the house (Bacon and eggs).
9:00 AM: Visit the local Wesley Hill Market for fresh food, plants, books, or a morning coffee.
10:00 AM: Garfield Mine and Welsh Village Hike
Trail Details: Moderate 10.6 km circuit in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park (Approx 3 to 3.5 hours duration, 300 m elevation gain, gentle hills with some short, steep, and rocky sections).
Highlights: Massive stone foundations of the 1887 Garfield Water Wheel and the peaceful stone cottage ruins of an 1850s Welsh mining settlement.
Lunch: Packed picnic lunch enjoyed out on the trail.
2:30 PM: Return to the accommodation to relax and unwind. or visit the Castlemaine Art museum
6:00 PM: Dinner at either Shed shaker Brewery or The Bridge Hotel spending a relaxed evening in the rustic beer garden listening to live local bands by a cozy fire.
SUNDAY, 11th OCTOBER
Rail Trail, Maldon & Steam Train
8:00 AM: Breakfast at the house.
9:00 AM: Check out of Campbell House.
9:30 AM: Castlemaine to Maldon Rail Trail Hike
Trail Details:
17.7 to 18 km one-way path winding through open box-ironbark forest and farmland alongside the railway (rough dirt, loose gravel, uneven tracks, and undulating terrain with 200 m total gain).
Highlights:
Historic bridges, bushland scenery, and the unmanned halfway point at Muckleford Station.
1:30 PM: Lunch in Maldon. Visit the historic, award-winning Maldon Bakery for lunch and browse the boutique shops around town.
3:30 PM – 4:20 PM: Ride the Victorian Goldfields Railway vintage steam train from Maldon back to Castlemaine. We will travel in first-class carriage featuring luxurious seating and an onboard bar.
4:30 PM: Head home to Melbourne.
COST & INCLUSIONS
Total Cost: $360 per person
Payment via either
pay id ref russellchellew@gmail.com
or Bank Transfer
Rchellew Familiy Trust
bsb 671-000
acc no 100040923
WHAT IS INCLUDED
-2 nights twin-share accommodation
-One-way first-class ticket on the Victorian Goldfields Railway steam train (Maldon to Castlemaine)
- Breakfast on both mornings
- Public liability insurance cover
- Host is First aid qualified.
REFUND POLICY
As Accomodation payment made by Host is non refundable the following cancellation policy applies.
Cancelation more than 14 days before the event will receive 50% refund
No refund if cancelled within 14 days of the event. Unless a paid replacement is located prior.
