Nature Lab
Nature Lab is a beautiful wildlife property and studio hosting art workshops and events. Owner Sally Anderson enjoys painting the landscape, 'Plein Air' style, approaching the scenery directly from the outdoors and not in the studio. She holds classes for those interested in bush painting or just sitting observing and drawing the beauty of the silent tree in absolute peace. Her passion is infectious, and she has attracted some acclaimed artists to teach her visitors: Kerry Punton, Catherine Tait, and Mark Dober, to name a few. Find out more about workshops by contacting Nature Lab directly.
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Much Ado Maldon opened a decade ago, inspired by the William Morris quote, 'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.' Now under new ownership, this philosophy still beats strongly at this iconic Maldon homewares and general store, where you will find classic, superbly crafted products for the home, garden and table.
The Victorian Goldfields Steam Railway offers a nostalgic journey between Castlemaine and Maldon. It's a fun activity, enabling you to enjoy the passing countryside and experience an authentic steam-era ride. In the family compartment, you can open the windows, listen to the whistle, and feel the wind in your hair. For a touch of sophistication, travel in the first-class art deco and Edwardian parlour carriages, and sip a beverage at the licensed bar, then sink into a cosy lounge chair. If you would like an extra memorable experience, you can go behind the scenes to ride with the driver, book into their monthly Ales on Rails event, or join a school holiday trip. Visit their website for all the details.
When you arrive in Maldon, Tres Doux Tres Beau is where you will come across one of those beautiful, eclectic shops which keep you browsing for longer than you intended. Owner, Peggsie Petersen, describes her business as a 'place to have fun and enjoy the fruits of Maldon'. You can shop for comfort with free-flowing, easy to wear garments as well as a range of bespoke pieces, including cuffs, headpieces and jewellery. The latest addition is the Duchess of Walmerrange, locally designed and made by Sally Anderson. And the fabrics say it all - antique silk velvets, for example. The loungewear range is very tactile, and exude warmth and luxury with playful and colourful fabrics. You'll also find Zephyr, another quality label: simple, well-cut, elegant daywear in cotton, linen, and velvet.
The 30m high Beehive Mine Chimney is an iconic part of the Maldon skyline. Completed in 1863, it's the only chimney of its age and size remaining in Victoria. Visitors can stroll through the Beehive Gold Company mine site and take a close look at the chimney and a fenced mine shaft. Alongside the chimney are fascinating brick and stone remains for the boilers and steam engine that once powered the mine.
Australian artist Catherine Abel seduces our imagination with her skilfully rendered still life and figurative oil paintings. Her influences come from a combination of the academic disciplines taught during the Renaissance and the stylised motifs and geometric shapes of the Art Deco era, resulting in a unique, creative expression. “Rendering beauty through the clarity of detail and the study of light is paramount to my work. I'm passionate about art history, and how aesthetics can enhance our lives and uplift our emotions.”
If you're looking for the centre of Victoria, you're not too far off it when you visit Mount Tarrengower. Tarrengower is thought to be an Aboriginal word meaning 'big rough hill'. The birth of the mountain belongs to a volcanic period in the geological history of central Victoria - made from ‘hornfels’, a metamorphic rock which has been heated and hardened by volcanic action.
Tobin 54 is located right in the middle of town. You're within walking distance of the main street, VGR train station, beehive mine, museum, galleries and more. Equipped with a queen-size bed, log fire, kitchenette, dining table, lounge and recently renovated shiny new bathroom. You probably won't want to cook, as you will smell the brekkie being conjured up at the Café Maldon next door, but owner Peggsie can provide you with a continental breakfast selection if you wish to snuggle down with a book or newspaper.
