Let’s start our journey at Wiltshire House. This is one of Maldon Getaway’s premium places to stay. It is brand spanking new, having only been available for three months. The owners have given it a five-star refurb with high levels of attention to detail. One of the beautiful things about this property is the proximity to the historic railway station. It backs onto the nearby platform where the Victorian Goldfields Railway departs on Wednesday and Sunday. The property has two internal bathrooms, but you need to experience the outdoor toilet. 1860s newspapers line the walls, providing some light reading while you pass the time.

“I’ll always recommend our guests call into Portia & Co because I know they will love it and rave about it. Rebecca has filled the beautiful space with over 80 Australian artists, makers, and designers, from Maldon and further afield. It’s a great spot for gifts, and you’ll want to spend hours browsing through the jewellery, art and even items for your home. I also work with Rebecca on a ‘Graze Away’ experience. We give our guests a map and a picnic basket and they collect goodies along the way. Portia & Co is the first stop, and they may end up in the Oak Forest at Harcourt or return to their accommodation.” – Jamie Heffernan, Maldon Getaways

“Maldon attracts women of all ages, united by their love of beautiful things. A floral arranging workshop is a perfect way to spend some time together with your friends. Winter Creek Flowers epitomises the delights you can find here. Owner Kate is calm and encouraging and she brings out the best in people. Locally sourced sustainable flowers are used, including lavender from Kate’s farm. Due to popularity, many of her workshops are booked out well in advance, but if you miss out, you can still buy wreaths and arrangements at her shop or on her website.” – Rebecca Haack, Portia & Co

“I’m forever amazed by the quality of Edge Galleries’ exhibitions, and they’re not your norm; they are thought-provoking and ever-changing. Owners Simon and Brad bring exposure and awareness to incredibly talented artists. Their passion for what they do can be seen in the calibre of work and how they encourage interaction and a deeper connection with their exhibitions. On a personal level, I have valued their friendship. Simon and Brad are generous with their knowledge and I love the way they care for our community.” – Kate Edwards, Winter Creek Flowers

“Acorn Wood is a small shop filled to the brim with treasures. Owner Fiona has a spectacular talent for finding quality goods, and they’re presented in a way that you can imagine them in your home. It’s hard to believe that they are second hand or repurposed. Fiona has been a curator for galleries, including the Tate in London, and you can see this in the way every piece is selected with care. You’ll need to spend an hour or so admiring and fossicking, and you’ll be delighted by the experience and with what you find.” – Brad Hooper, Edge Galleries

“When you walk through the door, you feel like you are entering another world and time. There is a softness about the store that you see in the fabrics, folds of the draperies in the window, and the unique mix of vintage décor, blended with handcrafted items. Très Doux Très Beau specialises in clothes with beautiful, soft, sophisticated fabrics. Some are by local makers, and feature linen, silk and velvet. The décor, and clothes, are a reflection of the owner’s love of beautiful things and French Salon style and culture.  Situated in one of Maldon’s restored historic shops, Très Doux Très Beau is a must-visit boutique when you are in Maldon.” – Fiona Christie, Acorn Wood