maldon - australia's first notable town

“The township displays overall historical and architectural importance, particularly in its gold town buildings. The significance lies in the variety of building styles, and the area of mining is of interest with one mine still open to the public. Maldon boasts that it is largely unchanged since the 1850s, and has attracted considerable interest from tourists for its 19th-century atmosphere.”
— National Trust Victoria

Maldon makes an ideal base to explore all the central Victorian Goldfields region has to offer.

Take a trip down memory lane through the tree lined back streets of Maldon; catch a steam train ride to Castlemaine; tour the goldmine; potter through antiques and collectables stores or simply stroll past grand old buildings - all this (and much more) is on offer within walking distance of the Eaglehawk Hotel.  Come and see for yourself why Maldon was awarded the most intact heritage streetscape by the National Trust in 2006.  Treat yourself to the experience of what life was like during the gold rush era!

Our central location offers the opportunity to visit many nearby wineries, see historic Castlemaine (15 mins drive) or tour Bendigo which is an outstanding example of a 19th century gold rush city (30 mins). Maryborough is also only a short drive away. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs make perfect destinations for a day trip.  Nearby, Cairn Curran Reservoir provides a wide range of water based recreational activities, these include boating (power and sail), skiing, fishing, swimming, wind surfing, jet skiing and canoeing.  Cairn Curran is also a perfect picnic location.

Things to do in Maldon

The Victorian Goldfields Railway is walking distance from The Eaglehawk. An authentic steam train running between Maldon and Castlemaine.  Travel in first class of yesteryear, take a ride in the locomotive and drive the train or join one of the special events held on the steam train.  Click the image above for more information.

The Victorian Goldfields Railway is walking distance from The Eaglehawk. An authentic steam train running between Maldon and Castlemaine.  Travel in first class of yesteryear, take a ride in the locomotive and drive the train or join one of the special events held on the steam train.  Click the image above for more information.

The Maldon Dredge and Dragline is a short drive from The Eaglehawk. It represents an era of gold mining in Maldon when large scale reworking of earlier deposits which had first been worked by thousands of individual prospectors in the rush of the 1850s. Click the image above for more information.

The Maldon Dredge and Dragline is a short drive from The Eaglehawk. It represents an era of gold mining in Maldon when large scale reworking of earlier deposits which had first been worked by thousands of individual prospectors in the rush of the 1850s. Click the image above for more information.

Carmens Tunnel was started in 1882 with the aim to drive right through Mt Tarrengower.  Work was abandoned in 1884 after 600 metres of tunnel was excavated.  Tunnel tours are available. Click the image above for more information.  

Carmens Tunnel was started in 1882 with the aim to drive right through Mt Tarrengower.  Work was abandoned in 1884 after 600 metres of tunnel was excavated.  Tunnel tours are available. Click the image above for more information.

 

If you're into machines and how they work then the Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum is for you.  Featuring steam engines and generators from the 1870's.  If you're not convinced this is for you, check out the reviews here on TripAdvisor . Click the image above for more information.

If you're into machines and how they work then the Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum is for you.  Featuring steam engines and generators from the 1870's.  If you're not convinced this is for you, check out the reviews here on TripAdvisor. Click the image above for more information.

Mount Tarrengower Lookout provides panoramic views over Maldon and the neighbouring districts.  Erected in 1923 the tower was made using the poppet head from the Comet Mine in Bendigo and brought to Maldon by train; the legs were then carried up the mountain on a horse-drawn jinker. 

Mount Tarrengower Lookout provides panoramic views over Maldon and the neighbouring districts.  Erected in 1923 the tower was made using the poppet head from the Comet Mine in Bendigo and brought to Maldon by train; the legs were then carried up the mountain on a horse-drawn jinker. 

The Maldon Market is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month (9am to 2pm) in Fountain St, just off High St.  A growers and makers market featuring a wide variety of produce and hand made products, fresh food and coffee. Click the image above for more information.

The Maldon Market is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month (9am to 2pm) in Fountain St, just off High St.  A growers and makers market featuring a wide variety of produce and hand made products, fresh food and coffee. Click the image above for more information.

There's a reason why Maldon was named Australia's First Notable Town. Take a walk down Main and High streets and you'll see why.  Apart from the amazing collection of buildings from the Goldrush era there's a store for everyone.  From the Christmas shop, Much Ado General Store, Gardens Etcetera, the old fashioned Hardware store to Le Sel French Deli, Miss Prichard's Pantry the Kangaroo Hotel and many more. 

There's a reason why Maldon was named Australia's First Notable Town. Take a walk down Main and High streets and you'll see why.  Apart from the amazing collection of buildings from the Goldrush era there's a store for everyone.  From the Christmas shop, Much Ado General Store, Gardens Etcetera, the old fashioned Hardware store to Le Sel French Deli, Miss Prichard's Pantry the Kangaroo Hotel and many more. 

Ride the Castlemaine Maldon Rail Trail which travels alongside the Victorian Goldfields Railway.  An 18km ride each way, (or take the steam train one way) and spend a few hours in Castlemaine. Click the image above for more information.

Ride the Castlemaine Maldon Rail Trail which travels alongside the Victorian Goldfields Railway.  An 18km ride each way, (or take the steam train one way) and spend a few hours in Castlemaine. Click the image above for more information.