For reasons of lifestyle, are you considering relocating to a region? Did you know that Victoria’s Castlemaine is a desirable place to live? I’ve written before about the way of life in Castlemaine. It boasts friendly people, wonderful places to visit, and historic streetscapes, among many other things.
A massive inflow of immigrants occurred after the 1851 finding of gold in the Castlemaine region. According to reports, this area was home to the richest shallow alluvial goldfield in the world between 1851 and 1854. Today, things are a little different in this well-known lifestyle destination. But. What’s it like
There was an estimated 40-60,000 people on the Castlemaine Diggings in 1852.
Looking ahead, the Geelong Advertiser, in October 1852, made the prediction regarding the gold being exhausted: ‘it is ‘unlikely that these towns will be deserted, for even when the gold is done, the population will find other means of employment’.
These days the area is a vibrant community. It’s a popular lifestyle location.
It is also home to an active arts and culture community, including the Castlemaine State Festival (literature, visual and live art, dance, film, theatre….) a Jazz Festival, a Garden Festival – the list goes on.
Kerry Anderson, author (Entrepreneurship: It’s Everybody’s Business and Australian Rural Entrepreneurs): ‘I love the heritage and the bush which is only a few minutes away from the CBD, not to mention beautiful botanical gardens for those wanting a more easy walk’.
Lifestyle Activities
For motoring enthusiasts, Castlemaine is home to the Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre: ‘education, leisure and entertainment’.
Castlemaine also has walking and running groups, tennis, netball, basketball, football, swimming, tracks and trails to explore – to name just a few activities. There’s a 17.7 kilometre trail between Castlemaine and Maldon. It runs beside the historic railway and is also popular with cyclists.
Increasingly, Castlemaine is becoming a popular destination with foodies. From quality cafes, restaurants, hotels and bars to a cheese making school – there is a vibe about the food scene.
Lifestyle: Numbers
With the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census information released, it’s time to revisit Castlemaine.
The 2021 Census showed an increase in population.
Previously the population, in 2016, was recorded as 6,757.
In the 2021 Census the population is listed as 10,577.
The median age is still 50 years.
Bendigo is around 34 kilometres away, Melbourne is about an hour and a half away.
The mean maximum temperature is 19.9C. The mean minimum temperature is 7.8C
Run Rabbit Run!
Recently I attended a Start Up Central Vic event.
The speaker was local business owner Peter Bottomley, an owner of the ‘Run Rabbit Run’ cafe (24 Hargraves St, Castlemaine).
His family has been in the area ‘for over 160 years’.
He previously worked for a Bank in Australia and was also transferred overseas.
From Banking To Barista
On his return to Australia, he had a career change. He bought the ‘Rabbit’ cafe, as it is affectionately known locally, around six years ago.
His daughter, Alice, also works in the business, having been trained as a chef in Scotland.
Everything at the ‘Rabbit’ cafe is made on the premises.
It was quite a change from banking!
Peter said the hardest thing, initially, were the issues around staffing.
Knowing when the cafe would be busy for example, was a problem he overcame.
Covid challenged the dynamic duo’s business. They prepared a lot of takeaway and also delivered meals.
Peter’s wife, Julie, relocated her vintage and gift shop to the cafe.
MKR
However, you may remember Peter and Alice from the t.v. series, ‘My Kitchen Rules’.
Peter said the experience was a lot of fun. They enjoyed meeting the other contestants and crew.
And. It was a huge surprise to find Nigella Lawson on their doorstep one night!
Where to next?’, I asked Peter.
Well, maybe not the t.v. series ‘Goggle Box’ or ‘Travel Guides’, he replied with a laugh.
For the moment this central Victoria town has the lifestyle and community many people yearn for.
Castlemaine: it’s the lifestyle!
*Cover Photo and Photo at top is of a scene in Castlemaine, from Melody Ayres-Griffiths
Jill Weeks has been an educator and author for many years. She is the author of 21 Ways To Retire, which gives insights into how 21 Australians from different backgrounds adjusted to retirement. She is also the co-author with her husband, Owen, of several editions of Where To Retire In Australia and one of Retire Bizzi.