Maldon
- Population approximately 1,200
- 137 kilometres north-west of Melbourne
- National Trust registered historic nineteenth century streetscape
- Prior to European settlement the area was occupied by the Dja Dja Wurung aboriginal people.
The National Trust declared Maldon Australia’s first ‘notable town’ in 1966 because of its range of well-preserved nineteenth century buildings. Visitors to the town find broad footpaths shaded by corrugated iron verandahs, buildings and cottages made from local stone, old-fashioned shop fronts and deep stone gutters. High Street is cool and verdant in summer with its swathe of deciduous European trees that strike brilliant colours in autumn.
Activities and attractions
- Pick up a brochure from the Visitor Information Centre to guide yourself around the town’s preserved nineteenth century streetscape and fine old buildings
- Discover the Mount Alexander Diggings and uncover the stories of the world’s greatest alluvial goldfields
- Ride a steam train trip through Muckleford Forest from the historic Maldon train station (it is anticipated that the train will run from Maldon to Castlemaine by October 2003)
- Visit the local Museum to view its collections of mining photographs and implements and domestic memorabilia
- Take a guided tour of Carman’s Tunnel, a 570 metre mine drilled through solid rock by the Great International Quartz Mining Co. between 1882 and 1884 and gain a fascinating insight into century-old mining techniques
- Explore the many local craft and antique shops, such as the Maldon Old Grain Store Antique Market
- Visit the historic Penny School Gallery and cafe
- Climb Mt Tarrengower’s lookout tower for a 360 degree view of the town and surrounding countryside
- Taste local wines at winery cellar doors, including Nuggetty and Welshman’s Reef.
Major events
- The Maldon Camp Draft – February
- Gear Grinders Motorfest – March
- The Maldon Easter Fair – April
- Maldon in Winter – late June, early July
- Maldon and Baringhup Agricultural Show – October
- Tarrengower Hill Climb – October
- The Maldon Folk Festival – November.
How to get there
Maldon is about 90 minutes from Melbourne via the Calder and Pyrenees Highways.
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