Goldfields

Goldfields Region of Victoria

St George's Lake near Creswick

This area includes Ballarat, Bendigo, Maryborough, Castlemaine and Maldon.

Locals and vistors to the Goldfields region can also take advantage of the free wifi in Ballarat and Bendigo.

See also our entries under these places of particular interest:

Ballarat
Bendigo
Ararat & Stawell
Spa Country

Victorian Goldfields Railway

An impressive range of big steam engines. From 27 December to mid January, trains run every day on the Sunday times below.

Every Sunday (& public holidays) 11.30 am, 1 pm & 2.30 pm
Every Wednesday 11.30 am & 1 pm
Saturdays and Wednesdays during school holidays, Sunday timetable applies
From 27 December to mid January trains run every day on Sunday timetable
No trains Christmas & Boxing Day
Maldon (in the Goldfields area of Central Victoria)
Enquiries: (03) 5470 6658 or (03) 5475 2966

Clunes

Talbot Observatory

Some places of interest in the Goldfields region:

Bleak House Rose Gardens Bleak House gardens were established by rosarian Susan Irvine in the early 1980's. The gardens have now grown to fifteen acres, including groves, orchards, various water features and in roads of hedging roses . Refreshments are available in the garden conservatory. Irish donkeys love the attention of visiting children. Entrance fee $5. 10am to 4pm, Sat, Sun & Mon (Nov to April) 166 De Graves Mill Dve, Malmsbury
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Ballarat Fine Art Gallery Australia's oldest regional gallery. and home of the original Eureka Flag. A particularly impressive collection of Heidelberg School and Colonial paintings. Purchase a Smartvisit Card to obtain free entry to this attraction. 10.30am to 5 pm, daily Ballarat Fine Arts Gallery, Ballarat
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Bendigo Art Gallery In White Hat's opinion, the Bendigo Art Gallery is one of regional Victoria's finest art galleries set in a historic building and delightful surrounds. more info >> Bendigo Art Gallery, 42 View St, Bendigo
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Bringalbit Bringalbit is a country property near Mt. Macedon retaining some of its original remnant Peppermint Gums, Yellow Box and Manna Gums fail to break the winds. These have been supplemented confers, oaks, willow and poplar thickets, Monterey pines and Osage trees, nearly all planted in the 19th century. The large trees, together with a small creek feeding a couple of dams and the garden lake before cascading down it’s rocky falls below the spillway forms a peaceful retreat in country Victoria. There is a 60metre Quince Walk that delights in Spring and Autumn. Elsewhere in the garden swathes of roses, lavender, dianthus and gaura soak up the sun on the north facing terraces with their silver foliage context of snow-in-summer edging. There is a small entry charge per person (children free). More info >> 10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays 512 Sidonia Road, Sidonia via Kyneton, VIC
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Bulla Hill Miniature Railway A ride-on model railway. Enclosed footwear must be worn. More information at Bulla Steam Railway. noon-5pm, 1st & 3rd Sunday of month Green Street,, (Mel ref 177 B7)
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Campaspe House Campaspe Country House has a wonderful example of an early Edna Walling garden which changes character with the seasons. Spring features the colours of rhododendrons, azaleas, crab apple trees, camellias, jonquils, daffodils, Grandmother's bonnets and iris. Autumn features the colours the region with 80 year old liquidambars and maples Summer reveals the shades of greens a long established garden can produce. Winter allows the large feature trees like red cedars and the rare Macedon oak (which stays evergreen) become the chief attraction. In addition there is a kitchen garden featuring espaliered olive and pear trees and an excellent selection of herbs and vegetables. Please note: Campaspe House is a privately owned Country House Hotel and restaurant. This means that the gardens are not generally accessible to the general public. However White Hat recommends that house guests and restaurant patrons should take at least some time to wander through these special gardens. Restaurant bookings are essential and you can find details at the Campaspe House website. More info >> 10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays 29 Goldies Lane, Woodend , VIC
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Forest Glade Gardens Forest Glade Gardens is one of Australia's finest private gardens. It is short trip from Melbourne and is open to the public from September to May. It features large exotic trees, a bonsai house, a woodland section, a fern gully a blue bell patch and an impressive daffodil lawn during spring; a topiary garden, two aviaries, a laburnum arch, a peony walk highlighted with climbing roses, as well as numerous pergolas, ponds, fountains and statues. Entry $8 per head (children free); More info >> 10am to 4.30pm, daily Sept to May 816 Mt Macedon Rd, Mt Macedon, VIC
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Learmonth and District Historical Society Visit the newly restored and conserved Former Ballarat Shire Offices, Learmonth. Open 4th Sunday of month Feb to Nov ,
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The Golden Dragon Museum This museum records and celebrates the presence of Chinese in Bendigo since their arrival with the gold rushes. The museum is also home to Sun Loong, the world's oldest and longest Chinese dragon. Entry fees apply. 9-5pm daily (except Christmas Day) 5-11 Brook Street.,
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Tieve Tara A large garden covering over 7 hectares. It reopens to the public on 8th September 2012. Full details at Tieve Tara 10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays 751 Mt. Macedon Rd, Mt. Macedon, VIC

Bleak House Rose Gardens

Bleak House gardens were established by rosarian Susan Irvine in the early 1980's. The gardens have now grown to fifteen acres, including groves, orchards, various water features and in roads of hedging roses . Refreshments are available in the garden conservatory. Irish donkeys love the attention of visiting children. Entrance fee $5.

10am to 4pm, Sat, Sun & Mon (Nov to April)
166 De Graves Mill Dve, Malmsbury

Ballarat Fine Art Gallery

Australia's oldest regional gallery. and home of the original Eureka Flag. A particularly impressive collection of Heidelberg School and Colonial paintings.

Purchase a Smartvisit Card to obtain free entry to this attraction.

10.30am to 5 pm, daily
Ballarat Fine Arts Gallery, Ballarat

Bendigo Art Gallery

In White Hat's opinion, the Bendigo Art Gallery is one of regional Victoria's finest art galleries set in a historic building and delightful surrounds. more info >>

Bendigo Art Gallery, 42 View St, Bendigo

Bringalbit

Bringalbit is a country property near Mt. Macedon retaining some of its original remnant Peppermint Gums, Yellow Box and Manna Gums fail to break the winds. These have been supplemented confers, oaks, willow and poplar thickets, Monterey pines and Osage trees, nearly all planted in the 19th century. The large trees, together with a small creek feeding a couple of dams and the garden lake before cascading down it’s rocky falls below the spillway forms a peaceful retreat in country Victoria. There is a 60metre Quince Walk that delights in Spring and Autumn. Elsewhere in the garden swathes of roses, lavender, dianthus and gaura soak up the sun on the north facing terraces with their silver foliage context of snow-in-summer edging. There is a small entry charge per person (children free). More info >>

10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays
512 Sidonia Road, Sidonia via Kyneton, VIC

Bulla Hill Miniature Railway

A ride-on model railway. Enclosed footwear must be worn. More information at Bulla Steam Railway.

noon-5pm, 1st & 3rd Sunday of month
Green Street,,
(Mel ref 177 B7)

Campaspe House

Campaspe Country House has a wonderful example of an early Edna Walling garden which changes character with the seasons.

Spring features the colours of rhododendrons, azaleas, crab apple trees, camellias, jonquils, daffodils, Grandmother's bonnets and iris.
Autumn features the colours the region with 80 year old liquidambars and maples
Summer reveals the shades of greens a long established garden can produce.
Winter allows the large feature trees like red cedars and the rare Macedon oak (which stays evergreen) become the chief attraction.

In addition there is a kitchen garden featuring espaliered olive and pear trees and an excellent selection of herbs and vegetables.

Please note: Campaspe House is a privately owned Country House Hotel and restaurant. This means that the gardens are not generally accessible to the general public. However White Hat recommends that house guests and restaurant patrons should take at least some time to wander through these special gardens. Restaurant bookings are essential and you can find details at the Campaspe House website. More info >>

10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays
29 Goldies Lane, Woodend , VIC

Forest Glade Gardens

Forest Glade Gardens is one of Australia's finest private gardens. It is short trip from Melbourne and is open to the public from September to May. It features large exotic trees, a bonsai house, a woodland section, a fern gully a blue bell patch and an impressive daffodil lawn during spring; a topiary garden, two aviaries, a laburnum arch, a peony walk highlighted with climbing roses, as well as numerous pergolas, ponds, fountains and statues. Entry $8 per head (children free); More info >>

10am to 4.30pm, daily Sept to May
816 Mt Macedon Rd, Mt Macedon, VIC

Learmonth and District Historical Society

Visit the newly restored and conserved Former Ballarat Shire Offices, Learmonth.

Open 4th Sunday of month Feb to Nov
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The Golden Dragon Museum

This museum records and celebrates the presence of Chinese in Bendigo since their arrival with the gold rushes. The museum is also home to Sun Loong, the world's oldest and longest Chinese dragon. Entry fees apply.

9-5pm daily (except Christmas Day)
5-11 Brook Street.,

Tieve Tara

A large garden covering over 7 hectares. It reopens to the public on 8th September 2012.

Full details at Tieve Tara

10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays
751 Mt. Macedon Rd, Mt. Macedon, VIC

Some markets in the Goldfields region:

Ballarat Trash & Trivia Market

Over 400 stalls selling secondhand goods, crafts,etc.

8am - 2pm, Sundays
Ballarat Showgrounds,Creswick Rd,,
(Mel ref 609 A12)

Bendigo Prince of Wales Showground Market

A large indoor/otdoor market with fresh produce, hardware, trash or treasure and bric-a-brac.Free admission and free parking with a family atmosphere.

8.30am - 3pm, Sundays (except major annual events)
Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holmes Road,
(Mel ref 609 D3)

Darley Market

A general outdoor market with new and second hand goods.

1st & 3rd Sat of month, 7am - 2pm. (Dates may change during footy season.)
Darley Football Oval, Fitzroy Street, Bacchus Marsh
(Mel ref 219 G4)

Naturipe Fruits - Pick Your Own and Farm Gate Sales

Naturipe Fruits has both pick your own and farm gate sales. (please note - cash only).

Pick your own

Fruit	Season	Typical price (Jan 2016)
Strawberries	Mid Oct to end of May	$10/kg*
Cherries	Mid Nov to Jan	$10/kg
Peaches	Dec & Jan	$3.50/kg
Nectarines	Dec & Jan	$3.50/kg
Apples	Feb to May	$3.50/kg

*Entry is free except for cherry picking where there is a small entry charge per person.
Apple seasons are Royal Gala (Feb); Golden Delicious (March); Early Fuji (late-Feb); Late Fuji (April); Pink Lady (late-April to May); Granny Smith (April)

Farm Gate Sales
Fruits for sale are fresh-picked daily and and are not waxed or stored or use any chemicals. As well as the fruits listed above, garlic is also available.

For current details consult the Naturipe Fruits website.

Our rating - 5 Hats

9am to 5pm daily during season (usually Oct to May)
638 Bacchus Marsh Road, Bacchus Marsh

Trentham Farmers' Market

Trentham's authentic Farmers Market has a selection of dairy and goats cheeses, fresh honey, eggs and live poultry, preserves, local potatoes and sourdough breads, organic and conventional produce, olive products, plants and fresh flowers, organic and conventional wines and an assortment of natural farm products.

9am to 1pm, 3rd Saturday of month
Trentham Town Square, Trentham

Avoca Riverside Market

Come and visit our market on the picturesque Riverflat at Avoca, you can taste our local wines and enjoy a stroll amongst our variety of stalls including craft, plants, lollies, cakes German sausage, candles, soaps, baby clothes, jewellery, alpaca rugs and so much more.

9am to 1pm, 4th Sunday of month
Dundas Street, Riverflat, Avoca

Bacchus Marsh Village Country Craft Market

An indoor market with over 60 stalls featuring a wide range of handcrafted goods.

10am—5pm, 2nd Thursday of the month
Bacchus Marsh Village Shopping Cenrte, Main Street,
(Mel ref 611 F1)

Ballan & District Farmers' Market

Ballan is just a short detour off the Western Highway near Ballarat, and White Hat suggests that if you are in the area on the second Saturday of the month that you call in a buy some of the produce grown in the rich chocolate soil of the Ballarat/Ballan Area. Melburnians might even consider taking a V/Line train for a pleasant break in the country.

This market has been accredited by the VFMA.

2nd Saturday of month
Mill Cottage, 96 Inglis Street, Ballan

Ballan Community Market

Local crafts and secondhand goods.

8am to 1pm, 1st Saturday of Month
145 Inglis Street,,
(Mel ref 611 D1)

Ballarat Antique Market

This large antique market with a wide range of items is located on two floors of an old school building and also contains a museum with a small entry charge.It is morein the nature of a very large antique store and does not appear to have the space to cater for casual stallholders. When White Hat last visited (in April 2008) there was also a specialist coins area.

10am to 5pm, daily
Antique & Collectables Centre, 9 Humffray Street North,,
(Mel ref 609 A12)

Ballarat Bridge Mall Farmers Market

Situated in the Ballarat's city shopping strip between Grenville Street and Peel Street, White Hat suggests that this farmers' market is well worth a visit. You can talk to local growers and producers and there are live cooking demonstrations as well as entertainment for the kids.

9am to 1pm, 1st Saturday of month
Bridge Mall, Ballarat (next to Pipers Restaurant)

Ballarat Computer Swap Meet

A large number of stalls selling new and second hand computer equipment and related goods. A small entry fee applies. (Note - the dates and venue of this event can vary. Click here to confirm the current information on this event.

9am—4.30pm, 2nd Saturday of month
Ballarat Secondary College, Ballarat,

Ballarat Fine Art Gallery Arts Market

With original fine arts, acoustic musicians and artists at work.

9.30am-3.30pm, 2nd Sunday of month
Ballarat Fine Arts Gallery,, Ballarat

Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market

A true Farmers Market. Situated on beautiful Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Lakeside Market dishes up some of Victoria's freshest produce. While enjoying the live music you can sample & buy from up to 50 specialist boutique stalls featuring fresh fruit, herbs & vegetables, free range poultry and meat, deli style foods, regional wine, coffee, sausage sizzle and much much more. The Lake has never tasted so good.

9am to 1pm, 2nd & 4th Saturday of month (except December 2nd and 3rd Saturday)
Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat (next to Pipers Restaurant)

Beaufort Market

Craft and Produce Market. 1st Saturday of the month, 9:00am - 1:00pm in Memorial Park, Western Highway, Beaufort. Market operates from September to April. Local Gourmet food & produce, Jewellery & fashion, Art & craft, Sculpture, Plants, grain & feed, coffee & cakes, musical instruments, some secondhand & antiques, bricabrac and more

9am to 1pm, first Saturday of month
Memorial Park, Havelock Street,

Bendigo Community Farmers’ Market

A farmers' market featuring seasonal produce. White Hat suggests you make a morning of it and take in the cooking demonstrations and talks which take place every hour.

This market has been accredited by the VFMA.

9am to 1pm, 2nd Saturday of month
Sidney Myer Place (Rosalind Park end of Williamson St), Bendigo

Buninyong Farmers Market

Fresh local produce direct from the producer together with live music and entertainment.

10am-2pm, 3rd Saturday of month
Desoza Park,,

Caledonian Art, Craft & Produce Market

Ballarat's art, craft & produce market, held in the grounds of Caledonian Primary School, Brown Hill. From 9am-1pm. Quality hand made, home grown products. Entry is Free. Special twilight Market - Friday 11 November 2011.

First Sunday of month (March, April, May, Sept,Oct)
Caledonian Primary School, cnr Thompson & Water Streets, Ballarat

Carisbrook Market

Craft, second hand goods & groceries.

10am - 4pm, last Sunday of the month
Carisbrook Town Hall,,
(Mel ref 621 K11)

Castlemaine Farmers Market

The Castlemaine Farmers' Market that is located in the centre of the Historic Township has more than 40 quality stallholders showcasing produce from Central Victoria. The Market sells locally grown and made produce.

9am to 1pm, 1st Sunday of month (exc. Jan)
Beside the old Market Building, Mostyn Street, Castlemaine

Clunes Farmers' Market

Held In the historic main street of Clunes you can shop fro your local and organic produce at the Farmers' Market as well as browsing your way along the local bookstores and antique stores

9am to 2pm, 2nd Sunday of month
Collins Place & Fraser Street, Clunes

Computer Swap Meet

Featuring local and Victorian traders.

9am-4pm, 2nd Saturday of month
Ballarat Secondary College, East Campus,,

Creswick Craft / Car Boot Market

Selection of new and used items. Hand made goods, plants, clothing, soy candles, soaps and quality second hand books. Timber crafts. Food and drinks available.No entry fee, ample parking, disabled access.Stalls inside and out.

9am to 1pm, 3rd Saturday of month
Community Hall and grounds, 19 Victoria St, Creswick

Daylesford Farmers Market

Over 40 stalls selling the best in Regional Produce. The region has the best in both organic and other fresh produce as well as all the value added produce in the Hepburn Shire. White Hat can particularly recommend the winter vegetables from Spring Creek Organics. Full details at Regional Farmers Markets.

9am to 1pm, first Saturday of month
Daylesford Primary School, Vincent St, Daylesford

Daylesford Mill Markets

A large indoor market with an emphasis on antiques, retro fashion and collectables. New stallholders are welcome. White Hat recommends that the serious browser for retro and memorabilia sets aside plenty of time because there are a large amount of goods on display. More information at Daylesford Mill Markets >>

10am to 6pm, 7 days a week
105 Central Springs Road, Daylesford

Daylesford Sunday Market

Brought to you by the Daylesford Spa Country Railway, the Daylesford Sunday Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in Victoria with something for everyone. Also on offer are Vintage Train rides to the sleepy town of Bullarto on vechiles from the early to mid 20th Century Set in the historic Daylesford Railway Station, entry and car parking is free.

8am to 4pm, Sundays
Daylesford Railway Station, Midland Hwy (Raglan St), Daylesford

Gisborne Olde Time Market

An outdoor market with 220 stalls selling arts and crafts with no second hand goods.

9am to 2pm, 1st Sunday of month
Hamilton & Aitken Street, Gisborne
(Mel ref 197 F9)

Gisborne Village All Seasons Market

An indoor market with plants, crafts and bric a brac. It is run by volunteers to support The Elms and The Oaks Aged Care Facilities for Macedon Ranges Health Services.

9am - 3pm, 1st Sunday of month
Gisborne Village Shopping Centre Brantome St,,
(Mel ref 197 F9)

Glenlyon Village Market

The Glenlyon Village Market is held at the historic Glenlyon Shire Hall in picturesque Glenlyon, only minutes from Daylesford, Kyneton,Malmsbury or Woodend on the Daylesford-Malmsbury Rd. We are a friendly, local country market with lots of beautiful fresh local produce, crafts and vintage goods. For stall enquiries contact Dan Harris on (03) 5348 7662

9am to 1pm, 3rd Saturday of month
Glenlyon Shire Hall. Daylesford-Malmsbury Rd, Glenlyon

Golden Plains Farmers' Market - Smythesdale

A farmers' market featuring seasonal local produce, live music, flowers and gourmet products.

9am to 1pm, 3rd Saturday of month
82 Brook Street, Smythesdale

Hanging Rock Craft Market

An occasional craft market held in the beautiful suooundings of Hanging Rock. An entry fee applies

10am to 3pm, 31 Oct 2010 & 13March 2011
Hanging Rock, South Rock Road, Woodend

Inverleigh Market

A general market selling a wide range of goods.

9am-1pm, 3rd Sunday of month
Victoria Park, Hamilton Highway.,
(Mel ref 611 C6)

Kyneton Farmers' Market

A monthly farmers' market that showcases the wine and produce of the great central province - right in the heart of Piper Street Kyneton.

8am-1pm, 2nd Saturday of month
St Paul's Park, Piper Street,,

Lancefield & District Farmers Market

Community owned - authentic - farmers market. Fresh local produce - veg - fruit - meat - cheese & other provisions for a more sustainable shopping experience. Free face-painting & music from local buskers.Come down with your bags, baskets and trolleys and support local producers.

9am-1pm, 4th Saturday of the month, (3rd Sat in Dec)
Centre Plantation, High Street,,
(Mel ref 609 J10)

Maldon Market: Hand Made, Home Grown

The Maldon Market is a monthly farmers and makers market that brings together the very best hand made products and home grown produce from independent designers, artisans, craftspeople, gourmet food makers, growers and farmers.

9am to 2pm, 2nd Sunday of month
Fountain St & Shire Gardens, Maldon

Malmsbury Village Market

An indoor/outdoor market in a pleasant lakeside setting selling quality goods and produce.

9am-3pm, 2nd Sun of month (Sept-May)
Gardens, Calder Highway, Malmsbury
(Mel ref 609 F8)

Maryborough Old Wares & Collectables Market

This market, held at the historic railway station, attracts large crowds. A wide range of antiques and collectables. The last market for 2010 is 8.30am to 4pm on 19th September 2010. 2011 dates yet to be announce

9am-4pm, selected Sundays
Maryborough Railway Station, Maryborough
(Mel ref 620 J11)

Maryborough Sunday Tourist Market

Bric-a-brac and other goods. This market is operated by the Lions Club who over ten years have donated an impressive amount of money raised by the running of this market to various charities and community projects.

8am to 1pm, 1st Sunday of month
Carisbrook Trotting Complex, Chaplins Road, Maryborough
(Mel ref 620 K11)

Melton Community Twilight Market

White Hat suggests for those who live or work out west that you might want to give this newly established market run by the scouts a try. There are a variety of stalls and food is available. In addition there is a live DJ and affordable activities for the kids.

6pm to 9pm, 3rd Friday of month
Barries Road, Melton

Mundy Market on Mondays

Mundy Market has been designed to celebrate and provide an avenue for aspiring and creative young people known to the orgaisers. Mundy Market is a community event that is operated by the partnerships of BCentral and an amazing army of volunteers. Taking place at BCentral on Monday 10 December 2007 from 11:00am until 2:00pm, with the aim of running the market every three months in 2008.

BCentral - 45 Mundy street,

Newstead Market

Car boot sales.

8am-noon, 3rd Sat in March & November
Rotunda Park.,
(Mel ref 627 A1)

Riddells Creek Farmers Market

An authenic community farmers market featuring locally grown gourmet food, seasonal produce, wine, olives, honey, eggs, bread, compost, grain, plants, woolen products and much more. Free face painter for young and old and music from local buskers.

9am to 1pm, 3rd Sat of month (exc. Dec)
Riddells Creek Primary School, Riddells Creek

Skipton Indoor Craft Market

Held at the Mechanic Hall in the heart of Skipton (54kms west of Ballarat on the Glenelg Hwy). Hand crafted jewellery, concrete garden ornaments, natural soy candles, knitted clothing and quilts, crystals, hobby craft and wooden toys, plants and home baked goodies. New stall holders welcome.

9am to 1pm, 2nd Saturdayof month (Exc. Nov)
Mechanics Hall, Anderson St, Skipton

St Anne's Winery Craft Market

Craft market and wine tasting.

Labour day Monday & Queens Birthday Monday
St Anne's Winery, off Western Hwy.,
(Mel ref 611 E1)

Sunbury Computer Swap Meet

A large number of stalls selling new and second hand computer equipment and related goods. A small entry fee applies.

9am to 4pm, 4th Saturday of month
Leisure Centre - Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury

Sunbury Family Market

Over 50 indoor and outdoor stalls including jewellery, knitware, toys, scrapbooking,Asian handicrafts, aromatherapy, ceramics, soy candles, books, collectables, clothing, plants, produce, picture framing, hot food, speciality cakes, confectionary and children's activities. Proceeds to the Rotary Club of Sunbury's community projects

9am to 2pm, 1st Sat of month (except Jan)
Leisure Centre - Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury

Talbot Farmers' Market

A community farmers market featuring local wineries, fresh fruit and vegies, and a large variety of stalls to reflect the diversity of the region from Ballarat to the Grampians to Hepburn, Mt Alexander and the Central Goldfields. Including live music, locally grown produce, tastings, food, wine and more. Talbot is between Clunes and Maryborough.

9am to 1pm, 3rd Sunday of month
Scandinavian Crescent, Talbot
(Mel ref 620 J11)

The Square - Bendigo's Handmade Market

A boutique handmade market featuring crafters and makers from the region and further afield. White Hat can recommend this market to those who prefer the comfort of an indoor venue. It is also in the middle of Bendigo's downtown shopping precinct so you can combine your craft market browsing with other shopping. Further information at The Square

2011 dates

Autumn - 26th March
Winter - 18th June
Spring - 17th September (10am - 3pm only)
Summer / Christmas - 10th and 11th December.

2012 dates

Autumn - 17th March
Winter - 16th June
Spring - 15th September
Summer / Christmas - 8th and 9th December.

10am to 4pm, selected Saturdays (4 times a year)
Bendigo Town Hall, Bendigo

Trentham Sunday Market

Local produce and other goods.

9am-2pm, 4th Sunday of month
Main Street,,
(Mel ref 627 D2)

Trenthamade

Trenthamade a recently commenced market is an initiave of the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre. Intending stallholders must make the goods that they intend to sell there. Items available are Jewellery, Knitted and crocheted goods, handsewn babies and children's clothes. Gumboot socks, soy candles, greeting cards, garden ornaments, porcelain dolls and much more.

9am to 1pm, 3rd Saturday of month
Gardens of Cosmopolitan Hotel, Cnr Cosmo Rd and High St, Trentham

Wesley Hill Market

Locally grown produce, plants, flowers, books, antiques & bric-a-brac, etc

7.30am - 1pm, Saturdays
Pyrenees Hwy opposite Albion Hotel,,
(Mel ref 609 D7)

Woodend Market

An outdoor market selling craft and other goods.

9am-3pm, 3rd Sunday of month (closed June-August)
High Street,,
(Mel ref 609 G10)

What's on and things to do in the Goldfields region:

Clunes Booktown Festival Indulge in a weekend of book browsing amid the historic streetscape of Clunes - Australia's first International Booktown. Thousands of rare second-hand new, small press publications and collectable books on sale. Talks from visiting writers including Hazel Edwards, Tim Fisher, Geoffrey Blainey, Peter Goldsworthy, Alice Pung, Anna Goldsworthy, Gina Perry, Nicholas Jose and Scottish poet Ryan Van Winkle. Workshops on reviewing, with Peter Rose, writing poetry, writing science and publishing. Meet the publisher sessions. Begin your own book collection workshops, book road show evaluations, street theatre, the Australia Fair Grand Concert Street Organ, wine, food, live music, silent movie show on Saturday night with piano accompaniment. A special Children's Booktown creates the world of Narnia with visiting writers Hazel Edwards and John Nicholson. A unique opportunity to see rare books from the State Library collection - a 15th century illuminated manuscript, a book printed by William Caxton the first English printer and dated 1490, The Voyage of Governor Phillips, 1798 and an artists book with a very special connection to Clunes.Full details at Clunes Booktown Festival May 2013 ? Clunes, near Ballarat
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Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally This years theme is Transport. All the usual attractions: steam and oil engines, operational 90 ton steam shovel, steam fired powerhouse, blacksmith, Furphy tank rebarrelling, tractors, motorcycles, cars and trucks. Grand parade 2:15pm daily. Wood bending, radio controlled model boats, steam ploughing, chaff cutting, threshing and straw baling, regular dragline, farm machinery & dairy demo's. Attractions for ladies and children. Mothers' facilities, stalls, crafts and food available. Free non powered camping for exhibitors. Lake Goldsmith is unique on the Australian Rally scene in that it has permanent sheds owned by club members which house their magnificent toys. There is a large collection of restored steam engines traction engines steam rollers internal combustion engines farm tractors a restored farm cottage displaying old wares. See the working 90 tonne steam shovel and working steam powered 'power' generating display. Coach parties welcome. Parking for Coaches onsite Food and refreshments available all weekend Grand parade 2:15pm daily on our all weather arena Australia’s largest, (90 tons) fully operational steam shovel Vintage cars and Motorcycles A great family outing just kilometres from Ballarat Historic Machinery Camping facilities Large display of oil engines and tractors Site opens at 10 am Pioneer cottage and crafts . Full details at Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally Adults $15, Children under 16 Free Ballarat Rd, Lake Goldsmith
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Australia Day Races The popular annual horse racing event. 26 January 2018 Hanging Rock
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Harcourt Applefest Harcourt Applefest The Harcourt Applefest is a community festival celebrating everything apple related. March 2018 ? Harcourt, (near Castlemaine, on the way to Bendigo) (Mel ref 609 D6)
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Ballarat Antique Fair The Ballarat Antique Fair claims to be the largest and longest running fair in Australia and White Hat has no reason to doubt them. Entry fees apply 10th to 12th March 2018 (tbc) Ballarat Badminton Centre
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Stawell Easter Gift Festival This carnival includes one of Australia's most famous foot races and has been held every Easter for over 120 years with the running of the Stawell Gift on the Easter Monday. 31st March to 2nd April 2018 Central Park, Stawell
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Heritage Apple Festival Join the Diggers Club team for a weekend of heritage apple festivities and celebrations. Taste test and choose the best heritage apples and pears, sample freshly pressed apple juice and cider, taste and buy delicious baked apple pies and strudels. For the green thumbs join garden tours and learn about the history and making of this beautiful garden and pick-up gardening tips at the free gardening workshops. Book into an Apple Masterclass with the heritage apple experts, Pete the Permie and David Key and sample cider from local makers. Learn all about cider making at the demonstrations. Listen to live music at the Fork to Fork Café while you enjoy a menu inspired by the autumn harvest and complimented by wine. Children activities on Sunday between 11am-2pm early April 2018 (tbc) The Garden of St Erth, 189 Simmons Reef Rd Blackwood
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Woodend Winter Arts Festival The Woodend Winter Arts Festival showcases music, literature and the visual arts in intimate historical venues over three pleasurable days. 9th to 11th June 2018 (tbc)
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La Primavera Swiss Italian Festival Lavandula's La Primavera festival honours the original Swiss-Italian migrants who celebrated the coming of spring with song and dance. Rosa Voto and her troupe from the Melbourne School of Tarantella will be performing their intoxicating songs and dances. Salvatore, will share the stories of his homeland through song. Lina and Tony of Rose Creek Estate will be showcasing their quality range of Italian-style wines, olive oil and preserved olives. Mara Ripani of Village Dreaming will be putting on a special performance called Kitchen Songs. Descendants of the original Swiss-Italian family who once farmed the property, Faye and Boyd Thompson will give an authentic tour of the original farmhouse. In addition, good regional fare will be available from La Trattoria and its wood-fired oven. Several stallholders will be showcasing their wares and handicrafts. $6 per adult, $2 per school-age child October 2018 - date to be announced Lavendula, 350 Hepburn-Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat (near Daylesford)
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Hanging Rock Races The traditional New Years Day races at the atmospheric racecourse at Hanging Rock. 1st January 2019 Hanging Rock
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Ballarat International Foto Biennale With photographs from across Australia and around the world together with a host of exhibitions and events the Ballarat Foto Biennale is the largest photography event in the Southern Hemisphere. Full information at Ballarat Foto Biennale September 2019 ? Various locations in Ballarat

Clunes Booktown Festival

Indulge in a weekend of book browsing amid the historic streetscape of Clunes - Australia's first International Booktown. Thousands of rare second-hand new, small press publications and collectable books on sale. Talks from visiting writers including Hazel Edwards, Tim Fisher, Geoffrey Blainey, Peter Goldsworthy, Alice Pung, Anna Goldsworthy, Gina Perry, Nicholas Jose and Scottish poet Ryan Van Winkle. Workshops on reviewing, with Peter Rose, writing poetry, writing science and publishing. Meet the publisher sessions. Begin your own book collection workshops, book road show evaluations, street theatre, the Australia Fair Grand Concert Street Organ, wine, food, live music, silent movie show on Saturday night with piano accompaniment. A special Children's Booktown creates the world of Narnia with visiting writers Hazel Edwards and John Nicholson. A unique opportunity to see rare books from the State Library collection - a 15th century illuminated manuscript, a book printed by William Caxton the first English printer and dated 1490, The Voyage of Governor Phillips, 1798 and an artists book with a very special connection to Clunes.Full details at Clunes Booktown Festival

May 2013 ?
Clunes, near Ballarat

Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally

This years theme is Transport. All the usual attractions: steam and oil engines, operational 90 ton steam shovel, steam fired powerhouse, blacksmith, Furphy tank rebarrelling, tractors, motorcycles, cars and trucks. Grand parade 2:15pm daily. Wood bending, radio controlled model boats, steam ploughing, chaff cutting, threshing and straw baling, regular dragline, farm machinery & dairy demo's. Attractions for ladies and children. Mothers' facilities, stalls, crafts and food available. Free non powered camping for exhibitors.

Lake Goldsmith is unique on the Australian Rally scene in that it has permanent sheds owned by club members which house their magnificent toys. There is a large collection of

restored steam engines
traction engines
steam rollers
internal combustion engines
farm tractors
a restored farm cottage displaying old wares.

See the working 90 tonne steam shovel and working steam powered 'power' generating display. Coach parties welcome. Parking for Coaches onsite Food and refreshments available all weekend Grand parade 2:15pm daily on our all weather arena Australia’s largest, (90 tons) fully operational steam shovel Vintage cars and Motorcycles A great family outing just kilometres from Ballarat Historic Machinery Camping facilities Large display of oil engines and tractors Site opens at 10 am Pioneer cottage and crafts . Full details at Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally

Adults $15, Children under 16 Free

Ballarat Rd, Lake Goldsmith

Australia Day Races

The popular annual horse racing event.

26 January 2018
Hanging Rock

Harcourt Applefest

Harcourt Applefest The Harcourt Applefest is a community festival celebrating everything apple related.

March 2018 ?
Harcourt, (near Castlemaine, on the way to Bendigo)
(Mel ref 609 D6)

Ballarat Antique Fair

The Ballarat Antique Fair claims to be the largest and longest running fair in Australia and White Hat has no reason to doubt them.

Entry fees apply
10th to 12th March 2018 (tbc)
Ballarat Badminton Centre

Stawell Easter Gift Festival

This carnival includes one of Australia's most famous foot races and has been held every Easter for over 120 years with the running of the Stawell Gift on the Easter Monday.

31st March to 2nd April 2018
Central Park, Stawell

Heritage Apple Festival

Join the Diggers Club team for a weekend of heritage apple festivities and celebrations.

Taste test and choose the best heritage apples and pears, sample freshly pressed apple juice and cider, taste and buy delicious baked apple pies and strudels.

For the green thumbs join garden tours and learn about the history and making of this beautiful garden and pick-up gardening tips at the free gardening workshops.

Book into an Apple Masterclass with the heritage apple experts, Pete the Permie and David Key and sample cider from local makers. Learn all about cider making at the demonstrations.

Listen to live music at the Fork to Fork Café while you enjoy a menu inspired by the autumn harvest and complimented by wine.

Children activities on Sunday between 11am-2pm

early April 2018 (tbc)
The Garden of St Erth, 189 Simmons Reef Rd Blackwood

Woodend Winter Arts Festival

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival showcases music, literature and the visual arts in intimate historical venues over three pleasurable days.

9th to 11th June 2018 (tbc)

La Primavera Swiss Italian Festival

Lavandula's La Primavera festival honours the original Swiss-Italian migrants who celebrated the coming of spring with song and dance.

Rosa Voto and her troupe from the Melbourne School of Tarantella will be performing their intoxicating songs and dances. Salvatore, will share the stories of his homeland through song. Lina and Tony of Rose Creek Estate will be showcasing their quality range of Italian-style wines, olive oil and preserved olives. Mara Ripani of Village Dreaming will be putting on a special performance called Kitchen Songs. Descendants of the original Swiss-Italian family who once farmed the property, Faye and Boyd Thompson will give an authentic tour of the original farmhouse.

In addition, good regional fare will be available from La Trattoria and its wood-fired oven. Several stallholders will be showcasing their wares and handicrafts.

$6 per adult, $2 per school-age child
October 2018 - date to be announced
Lavendula, 350 Hepburn-Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat (near Daylesford)

Hanging Rock Races

The traditional New Years Day races at the atmospheric racecourse at Hanging Rock.

1st January 2019
Hanging Rock

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

With photographs from across Australia and around the world together with a host of exhibitions and events the Ballarat Foto Biennale is the largest photography event in the Southern Hemisphere. Full information at Ballarat Foto Biennale

September 2019 ?
Various locations in Ballarat

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The White Hat Guide to the Goldfields Region of Victoria

Goldfields Region of Victoria

St George's Lake near Creswick

Ballarat
Bendigo
Ararat & Stawell
Spa Country

Victorian Goldfields Railway

Clunes

Talbot Observatory

Some places of interest in the Goldfields region:

Some markets in the Goldfields region:

Ballarat Trash & Trivia Market

Bendigo Prince of Wales Showground Market

Darley Market

Naturipe Fruits - Pick Your Own and Farm Gate Sales

Trentham Farmers' Market

What's on and things to do in the Goldfields region:

Harcourt Applefest

Stawell Easter Gift Festival

Heritage Apple Festival

La Primavera Swiss Italian Festival

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

The White Hat Guide to the Goldfields Region of Victoria

Goldfields Region of Victoria

St George's Lake near Creswick

Ballarat Bendigo Ararat & Stawell Spa Country

Victorian Goldfields Railway

Clunes

Talbot Observatory

Some places of interest in the Goldfields region:

Some markets in the Goldfields region:

Ballarat Trash & Trivia Market

Bendigo Prince of Wales Showground Market

Darley Market

Naturipe Fruits - Pick Your Own and Farm Gate Sales

Trentham Farmers' Market

What's on and things to do in the Goldfields region:

Harcourt Applefest

Stawell Easter Gift Festival

Heritage Apple Festival

La Primavera Swiss Italian Festival

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Ballarat
Bendigo
Ararat & Stawell
Spa Country