Feast and sip your way around The Mill Castlemaine this Easter, where you can shake the hand that feeds you.
Spend time browsing for something you’re not looking for in the ginormous haven of vintage goodness and discover hand made items created by some of the clever clogs makers on site. Explore artists at work in quirky studio spaces.
A number of businesses are open, so check our quick guide to make planning a breeze. For a deep dive, keep reading.
(Hours and dates correct at time of listing)
EAT
Das Kaffeehaus (open every day over Easter – 9am to 4pm)
A slice of central Europe in central Victoria, this Viennese coffee house serves traditional Austrian food, with traditional Viennese flair!
Feast on good, old-fashioned, ‘like Oma used to cook’, hearty meals and stay for the extensive range of cakes and pastries including of course, the magnificent apfelstrudel – all made in haus daily!
OPEN 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm, or 9am to 4pm on public holidays. No bookings, but extensive indoor and outdoor seating options.
Shedshaker Brewing Co. Taproom (open every day over Easter – from 12 noon)
Not only can you get a frosty brew at the Taproom, they offer divine house-made pizzas and a delicious Italian menu (pictured above), including vegetarian and vegan options, from midday until close.
Menu varies, so call 0487 860060 to book a table indoors or out or to check what’s on offer.
OPEN from 12 noon right across the Easter weekend.
Closing time varies from 8pm mid-week and Sundays to later on Fridays and Saturdays. Again, to be sure, call first.
Boomtown Winemakers (open Thursday to Sunday, closed Monday)
More than a place to taste locally produced wine, Boomtown features a stunning cellar bar and bistro. Boomtown serves dinner on Friday and Saturday from 5.30pm, and lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon. Click here for menu and bookings.
They also offer tastings and snacks Thursday to Sunday 11am to 5pm. Good time share plates shaped by local growers and inspired by the food traditions of the northern Mediterranean. Tuscany with a touch of Provence.
OPEN Thursday to Sunday from 11am-5pm (until late on Friday and Saturday).
It’s always worth checking their socials as well.
Icecream Republic (open every day over Easter)
Small batch, all natural ice-creamery and gelateria from a scoopery window under the food hall verandah.
With an extensive repertoire from vegan to the full cow ‘n cream, they provide deliciousness in abundance.
Open for scoops, sundaes, shakes and take home containers.
OPEN every day during Easter and the Victorian school holidays – 12 noon to 5pm.
Long Paddock Cheese (open Thursday to Sunday, closed Monday)
Selling a range of fresh dairy products (milk, yoghurt, butter, creme fraiche, buttermilk) and delicious award-winning cheeses, all handmade from organic cow’s milk.
OPEN Thursday to Sunday – 9.30am to 4.30pm
Sprout Bakery (closed Good Friday, open Easter Saturday, closed Easter Sunday and Monday)
Selling a range of sourdough baked goods – think breads, fruit pies and more (subject to availability).
AND Hot Cross Buns.
Not just any old HCBs – these ones are super delicious and are blessed by local clergy in the annual Easter ceremony.
OPEN Easter Saturday – 10.00am until sold out
Oakwood Smallgoods (closed Good Friday, open Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday)
Selling a range of traditional European smallgoods and charcuterie, created using carefully sourced ingredients and time honoured techniques. Tasty morsels for your sharing platters and so much more.
OPEN Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday – 9.00am to 4.00pm
DRINK
Das Kaffeehaus (open every day over Easter)
Let their baristas entice you with freshly roasted coffee, sip on the local and Austrian beers and wines, enjoy iced beverages of the non-alcoholic and alcoholic variety. Prost!
OPEN 9.00am to 4.00pm on public holidays, 8.00am to 4.00pm all other days. No bookings, but extensive indoor and outdoor seating options.
Shedshaker Brewing Co. Taproom (open every day over Easter)
Visit Shedshaker Brewing and see and taste for yourself how small batch craft beers are made. The brewery produces a wide range of ales, lagers and speciality beers, all of which you can enjoy in their Taproom or outdoors in their beer garden. Also on offer are locally made wines, ciders and soft drinks.
Check their website for free and ticketed live music events happening across the Easter weekend. Our hot tip is Skyscraper Stan, performing on Easter Sunday from 5.00pm – free entry!
OPEN from 12 noon daily. Closing varies from 8.00pm mid-week and Sundays to later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Boomtown Winemakers (open Thursday to Sunday, closed Monday)
This cellar door is situated in an immersive space, surrounded by the tools of the trade, Boomtown enables visitors to have more of a connection to the process of wine making rather than just the product on the shelf. They invite a deeper conversation around farming and winemaking, place and season.
OPEN Thursday to Sunday, 11.00am to 5.00pm for tastings and bottle sales.
Frankie Espresso (open every day over Easter)
For coffee (or a snack) on the go, drop by the Frankie Espresso coffee cube at the front of the vintage precinct in the main factory at The Mill Castlemaine. It’s a great way to get caffienated before, during or after exploring the rest of the site.
OPEN Good Friday 9.00am to 2.00pm, Easter Saturday & Sunday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Easter Monday 9.00am to 2.00pm
SHOP
Cabosse & Feve Chocolates (open Good Friday and Easter Saturday, closed Easter Sunday and Monday, reopening Friday 10 April)
The GO TO place for high quality, handcrafted chocolate products using ethically sourced ingredients.
This year’s Easter range includes over 20 different products but you’ll need to hop to it so you don’t miss out.
OPEN Good Friday and Easter Saturday – 10.00am to 4.30pm
Browse for collectables, curios, furniture, fashion, vintage vinyl, books, bottles and hand made cleverness at the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar.
OPEN 7 days a week from 10.00am to 5.00pm, including right throughout Easter, this haven of wonderfulness is a great way to while away the hours come rain, hail or shine.
PERUSE
Studio MA56 (open every day over Easter)
A ‘fairy bread” assortment of quirky, surreal, real and imagined.
Illustrations, prints, works on paper and more.
OPEN Good Friday to Easter Monday, 10.30am to 3.00pm(ish).
Drying Shed Artist Space (open every day over Easter)
A vibrant, creative space where studios and displays show and eclectic mix of techniques and mediums that will appeal to a broad adience.
OPEN Good Friday to Easter Monday, 10.30am to 3.00pm(ish).
Artpuff Studio (open every day over Easter)
A groovy little showing space with beautifully curated exhibitions.
Now on: Storytellers – a group exhibition of eleven sculpture and ceramic artists.
OPEN Thursday to Easter Sunday, 11.00 am to 5.00pm & Monday 11.00am to 3.00pm.
