Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 03-5472 5166;
www.empyre.com.au
;
68 Mostyn St; lunch $17-25, dinner $34-36; noon-3pm & 6-9pm Wed-
Sat, 6-9pm Sun)
In a beautifully restored 19th-century hotel, dinner at the Empyre is a sump-
tuous fine-dining experience - the focus is on classic dishes, local produce and a refined
setting. There's more relaxed lunchtime dining in the cafe.
Public Inn
MODERN AUSTRALIAN
$$$
( 03-5472 3568;
www.publicinn.com.au
;
165 Barker St; mains $31-38; 4pm-late Mon-Thu, noon-late Fri-Sun)
The former Criterion Hotel has been transformed into a slick bar and restaurant that, with
its plush tones and leather couches, wouldn't look out of place in Manhattan. Food is
high-end 'gastropub', and there's a two-course lunch menu for $39. Check out the 'barrel
wall', where local wines are dispensed.
Entertainment
Bridge Hotel
( 03-5472 1161; 21 Walker St; 4-11pm Mon-Wed, 4pm-1am Thu, noon-1am Fri, noon-midnight Sat,
noon-11pm Sun)
It's always worth checking out what's on here at one of regional Victoria's
best live-music venues. It's an unassuming venue with a regular calendar of live acts, in-
cluding indie gems and star performers plus karaoke and trivia nights.
LIVE MUSIC
Theatre Royal
CINEMA
( 03-5472 1196;
www.theatreroyal.info
;
28 Hargreaves St; adult/child $15/12)
A continually operating
theatre since the 1850s, this is a fabulous entertainment venue - classic cinema (dine
while watching a movie), touring live performers, a bar and a cafe. Check the program on
the website.
Shopping
Castlemaine is a good place to go hunting for collectables.
BOOKS
Book Heaven
