Top choice in Victoria
Here's one for cider purists: the owners of this family-run orchard are on a mission to introduce Australians to real dry ciders. They grow 43 varieties of French and English heritage-listed apple, and the free tastings of seven interesting varieties offer a masterclass on the subject and the production process.
The fortified apple wines are also worth exploring, as are the organic apple-cider vinegars. Grab a few ciders to drink on the deck or pick up takeaways to enjoy later.
6.19 MILES
Looming from its commanding hilltop location, the Old Castlemaine Gaol is the town's most notable historical landmark; dating from 1861, it closed its…
Golden Dragon Museum & Gardens
16.23 MILES
Bendigo’s Chinese heritage sets it apart from other goldfields towns, and this fantastic museum is the place to experience it. Walk through a huge wooden…
6.19 MILES
Housed in a superb art deco building, this gallery (established in 1913) features colonial and contemporary Australian art, including works by such well…
29.26 MILES
An ancient and evocative feature in the landscape, the extinct volcano formation known as Hanging Rock is a sacred site for its traditional owners, the…
16.04 MILES
One of Victoria’s finest regional galleries (founded in 1887), Bendigo Art Gallery has a permanent collection that includes outstanding colonial and…
15.57 MILES
For an interesting city tour, hop aboard a restored ‘talking’ tram. The hop-on, hop-off trip runs from the Central Deborah Gold Mine to the Tramways Depot…
19.56 MILES
Australia’s oldest pottery works, Bendigo Pottery was founded in 1857 and is classified by the National Trust. The historic kilns are still used; watch…
5.79 MILES
Originally the Castlemaine Woollen Mills (1875), this red-brick industrial complex has been developed into one of the town's coolest precincts. It's worth…
1.72 MILES
Drop by Blackjack's cellar door to taste its range of reds, including award-winning shiraz and blends.
1.92 MILES
As well as producing shiraz, riesling and chardonnay, Harcourt Valley does an alcoholic ginger beer, a raspberry mead and a 'Sightings' American pale ale …
2.42 MILES
Sample ciders and apple juices, all produced on site using local fruit, at this shop for Harcourt Perry & Cider Makers. You can taste the range and pick…
4. Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
5.52 MILES
These majestic gardens, among the oldest in Victoria (established 1860), strike a perfect balance between sculpture and wild bush, with lovely National…
5.59 MILES
Home to a Hungarian silversmith and his family for 120 years, Buda has permanent displays of the family’s extensive art and craft collections, furnishings…
5.79 MILES
Originally the Castlemaine Woollen Mills (1875), this red-brick industrial complex has been developed into one of the town's coolest precincts. It's worth…
5.82 MILES
Three winemaker mates have come together here to produce their wines on-site using locally grown grapes. The winery's within the Mill complex, and offers…
6.02 MILES
For a good view over town, head up to the Burke and Wills Monument on Wills St, completed in 1863. Robert O’Hara Burke was a police superintendent in…