Feast and sip your way around The Mill Castlemaine this summer, 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.
A number of businesses are open during that traditionally tricky time between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, so check our quick guide to make planning a breeze.
EAT
Das Kaffeehaus (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day only)
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 (closed Christmas Day only)
Not only can you get a frosty brew at the Taproom, they offer delicious house-made pizzas and share platters 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 Tuesday to Sunday (and public holidays) from 12 noon. Closing varies from 8pm mid-week and Sundays to later on Fridays and Saturdays. Again, to be sure, call first.
Boomtown Winemakers
More than a place to taste locally produced wine, Boomtown serves food on Fridays (lunch from 12 noon and dinner from 5pm), and Saturdays (lunch from 12 noon) with chef Shaun Thatcher at the helm. They also offer snacks on Sundays. Good time share plates shaped by our 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 Saturday).
It’s always worth checking their socials as they occasionally close for private functions. It’s also a great way to check the weekly menu and book your table.
Icecream Republic (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day only)
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 (apart from the closure above) 12 noon to 5pm.
Long Paddock Cheese (closing 3pm on Sunday 24 December and 31 December)
Selling a range of fresh dairy products (milk, yoghurt, butter, creme fraiche, buttermilk) and delicious cheeses, all handmade from organic cow’s milk.
OPEN Wednesday to Sunday 9.30am to 4.30pm from 27 December until Sunday 21 January.
Sprout Bakery (closed from 24 December, reopening Friday 5 January)
Offering ready to eat sourdough breads, pastries, toasties and more for take away.
Pull up some grass or a bench seat on site, or head across the road to the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens to enjoy your bounty.
OPEN Wednesday to Saturday (apart from the closure above). Best to check hours here.
DRINK
Das Kaffeehaus (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day only)
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 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 (closed Christmas Day only)
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.
OPEN Tuesday to Sunday (and public holidays) from 12 noon. Closing varies from 8pm mid-week and Sundays to later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Boomtown Winemakers
This cellar door sits on the winery floor – 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. A deeper conversation around farming and winemaking, place and season.
OPEN Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm for tastings and bottle sales.
Frankie Espresso (closed Christmas Day only)
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 Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9am to 5pm
SHOP
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 10am to 5pm right throughout the holiday season (except for Christmas Day), this haven of wonderfulness is a great way to while away the hours come rain, hail or shine.
