Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
living, working town - packed with tourists on weekends but reverting to its sleepy self
during the week.
The town centre consists of High St and Main St, lined with antique stores, cafes, old
toy shops, bookshops and the local pubs - the Maldon, Grand and Kangaroo hotels.
Sights & Activities
Evidence of the mining days can be seen around town - you can't miss the 24m-high
Bee-
hive Chimney
, just east of Main St. A short trip south along High St reveals remains of the
North British Mine
, where interpretive boards tell the story of what was once one of the
world's richest mines.
Maldon & District Museum
( 03-5474 1633; adult/child $5/1; 1.30-4pm Fri-Wed)
Situated behind the visitor centre, the old
marketplace is now the Maldon & District Museum, with historical photos and a research
room.
MUSEUM
Old Post Office
(95 High St)
The Old Post Office, built in 1870, was the childhood home of local author
Henry Handel Richardson. She (yes, she!) writes about it in her autobiography,
Myself
When Young
(1948).
HISTORIC BUILDING
Carman's Tunnel
( 03-5475 2656; off Parkin's Reef Rd; adult/child $7.50/2.50; tours 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm Sat & Sun, daily
school holidays)
For a hands-on experience, Carman's Tunnel is a 570m-long mine tunnel that
was excavated in the 1880s and took two years to dig, yet produced only $300 worth of
gold. Now you can descend with a guide for a 45-minute candlelit tour.
HISTORIC SITE
Mt Tarrengower
Don't miss the 3km drive up to Mt Tarrengower for panoramic views from the poppet-
head lookout.
LOOKOUT
SCENIC TRAIN
Victorian Goldfields Railway
( 03-5470 6658;
www.vgr.com.au
; adult/child/family single $25/15/55, return $35/15/75)
This beautifully re-
stored steam train runs along the original line through the Muckleford forest to Castle-
maine (and back) up to three times a week. For a little extra, go first class (adult/child/
