THE MILL CASTLEMAINE

Discover Local Creativity

Calling all foodies, art admirers and seekers of the curious and collectible! Come and discover local creativity at its best at The Mill Castlemaine. This historic woollen mill now houses a vibrant makers’ and creators’ space, and is the home of over forty small businesses showcasing the very best locally produced goods, artisans and vintage items. Together, these vendors form an authentic, welcoming, and engaging community of entrepreneurial minds, where inspiring vision gives birth to small-scale production, and visitors can immerse themselves in an interactive experience of Castlemaine’s finest creations.

Known as Castlemaine’s ‘happy place,’ The Mill exudes a vibrant and creative energy that invites guests on an immersive journey of discovery. From the rich scent of roasting coffee beans from the onsite micro-roastery, to the smooth, silky texture of sweet treats from the chocolatery or the chilled tunes of live music performances at the craft brewery, The Mill truly delivers a feast for the senses.

It is located about one kilometre from Castlemaine’s CBD, which is approximately one and a half hour’s drive or train ride from Melbourne and half an hour’s drive or train ride from the city of Bendigo. This multi-sensory, must-do attraction still retains much of the original old woollen mill’s footprint, with meandering paths connecting the site’s creative precincts.

The Mill Layout

Visitors to The Mill Castlemaine are greeted at street entry by a mural of an inquisitive young face peeking out at them, created by artist Damien Mitchell. The site has two entry points, one via the main car park to the vintage and arts precinct, and the other to the food precinct on the western side of the property. To the south of the main car park off Walker Street you’ll find the main factory. This is the oldest part of the historic mill, and now houses the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar and Platform No. 5, which collectively form the vintage and artisan market precinct. To the right of the main factory building is another mural depicting hands weaving wool, surrounded by wattle. This piece was created by street artist Libre Hem and was commissioned to pay homage to former woollen mill workers.

To the west, or your right as you stand in the main car park, lies the food precinct. The most striking feature as visitors enter the food area is the 36-metre-high round brick chimney of the former woollen mill, which is still used today for roasting coffee beans. At the foot of the chimney are the striped blinds and colourful outdoor seating of the Viennese coffee house. The food precinct also features a paste-up mural by renowned artist Baby Guerrilla, featuring a young girl holding up a paintbrush next to pink writing which reads ‘Courage Is Contagious.’ There is also a leafy green space here for sitting under the trees with a picnic.

The Vintage and Artisan Precinct

The Vintage Precinct, comprising the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar and Platform No. 5, is a quirky melting pot of upcycled, hand-made and antique pieces. Explore the sprawling stall-lined corridors of the Bazaar, bursting with a kaleidoscope of colour and retro randomness, to unearth hidden treasures and that must-have piece you never knew you needed – until now! At the nearby Platform No. 5, you’ll discover an unconventional collection of vintage and antique pieces, artwork, Asian artefacts, and homewares to name a few. The vintage precinct also hosts outlets for several local bespoke makers, including Mill-based makers that produce quality items ranging from bath soaks and essential oils to super comfortable organic undies. In the foyer area of the vintage precinct, a table tennis table and foosball/soccer table provide hours of entertainment for young and old alike. Come and fossick your way through these markets to unearth a hidden gem!

The Food Precinct

Taste your way through a delicious smorgasbord of locally produced eats, treats and drinks in the tantalising Food Precinct. Be drawn in by the satisfying aroma of freshly roasted coffee, the scent of sourdough bread baking in the oven, and the malty notes of craft beer brewing. Along with locally made artisan cheeses and smallgoods, locally produced wines, hand-crafted chocolates and ice-creams, there’s sure to be something here to please every palate.

Enjoy tastings of a range of organic artisan goodies at Long Paddock Cheese, or sample the local vino at Boomtown Wine’s cellar door. Some vendors offer sampling, while others cater to dine-in or take-away purchases for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Shedshaker Brewing create fresh, hand-crafted, small batch craft beer, delicious house-made pizzas, and feature live music performances most Friday nights and Sunday evenings.

Or why not indulge your senses at Das Kaffeehaus, to experience a little slice of central Europe in central Victoria? The resplendent interiors of this Viennese coffee house feature sumptuous booth seating in graduating shades of deep red along one side, marble top tables and bentwood style chairs throughout the rest, and a glamorous crystal chandelier as a centrepiece. With tradition and skill, this coffee oasis serves up a delicious mix of art, coffee culture, cake, sausages, beer, and exquisite specialties.

History of The Mill

The Mill Castlemaine began life as the Castlemaine Woollen Mills in 1875, providing a major source of employment for the township. Over the course of its life, it also served as a carpet factory before being left derelict in 2013. Under new ownership, the site has organically evolved into a mecca for entrepreneurs, makers, and creators, now serving as a base for more than forty individual businesses. The harsh, concrete industrial site has been transformed by the sowing of masses of native plants, designed to complement the adjacent Botanic Gardens.

Local owners, Phil and Ronnie, strive to preserve the historic and heritage values of the property, while placing significant importance on sustainability and the environment. They have introduced a range of sustainability measures, including an extensive solar power system.

Come and experience Castlemaine’s creativity at its finest at The Mill Castlemaine.

Accessibility

The Mill Castlemaine values diversity and promotes a culture of inclusivity for all. It delivers an immersive visitor experience which can be appreciated by all your senses. The Mill also boasts a range of accessible features for those with mobility or vision impairment. These include smooth pathways, gently sloping ramps leading to wide doorways, uncluttered corridors and stalls in the vintage markets, and accessible toilets and parking bays.