(Updated December 2025)
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.
(Hours and dates correct at time of listing)
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 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 7 days a week from 15th December to 12th January.
Closing time varies from 8pm mid-week and Sundays to later on Fridays and Saturdays. Again, to be sure, call first.
Bring in the new year with the Hot Variety 4 NYE Party. One ticket, 3 venues, 3 parties. Tickets here.
Boomtown Winemakers (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day )
More than a place to taste locally produced wine, Boomtown features a stunning cellar bar and bistro. Boomtown serves dinner on Fridays and Saturdays from 5.30pm, and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays 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).
Also OPEN New Year’s Eve from 1pm , with a banging ticketed NYE event from 8pm.
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 during the school holidays (apart from the closure above) 12 noon to 5pm.
Long Paddock Cheese (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)
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 (apart from extra days, below – and closures above) 9.30am to 4.30pm
OPEN Monday 22nd to Wednesday 24th December & Monday 29th to Wednesday 31st December (closing at 1.00pm Christmas Eve and NYE)
Sprout Bakery (closed from 25 December, reopening Wednesday 7 January)
Oakwood Smallgoods (closed from 25 December, reopening Thursday 22 January)
Cabosse & Feve Chocolates (closed, reopening Thursday 22 January)
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 from 12 noon 7 days a week from 15th December to 12th January. Closing varies from 8pm mid-week and Sundays to later on Fridays and Saturdays. Bring in the new year with the Hot Variety 4 NYE Party. One ticket, 3 venues, 3 parties. Tickets here
Boomtown Winemakers (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day)
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, 11am to 5pm for tastings and bottle sales.
Also OPEN New Year’s Eve from 1pm , with a banging ticketed NYE event from 8pm.
Frankie Espresso (closed Christmas Day)
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 Boxing Day and New Year’s Day 9am to 2pm.
Regular hours Saturday and Sunday 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.
