Castlemaine
VIC 3450 • Rest of VIC
About Castlemaine
Castlemaine is a historic goldfields town located 120 kilometres northwest of Melbourne in the Mount Alexander Shire. With a population of around 7,500 and a median age of 52, it has evolved from a gold rush boomtown that once rivalled Melbourne into a thriving cultural hub. The town sits at 298 metres elevation on Dja Dja Wurrung country, retaining magnificent Victorian-era streetscapes and architecture.
Life in Castlemaine blends heritage charm with contemporary arts culture. The town boasts an eclectic arts scene, the historic Castlemaine Art Museum, award-winning cafes, and regular markets. Residents include tree-changers, artists, and retirees attracted by its affordability compared to Melbourne, sense of community, and easy train access to the city. The nearby Maldon and surrounding goldfields offer weekend exploration.
Castlemaine falls under postcode 3450 and is governed by Mount Alexander Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bendigo West (Northern Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Castlemaine Bus Lines — Local town services Various
- Coach — Maldon & surrounding towns 15-30 min
Commute to Melbourne CBD
🛣️ Regular V/Line services to Southern Cross; several trains daily
Compact historic town centre with shops, cafes, and services within walking distance
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
Urquhart Street
-
Blakeley Road
-
Etty Street
-
Roberts Avenue
-
Templeton Street
-
Roberts Avenue
-
Barker Street
Housing 2021 Census
121 state housing + 26 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 296
- 2. New Zealand 117
- 3. Vietnam 52
- 4. United States 46
- 5. Germany 42
- 6. India 37
- 7. Scotland 37
- 8. Netherlands 29
- 9. Malaysia 24
- 10. Canada 22
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)