Melbourne is one of our favourite cities to visit and explore as it has a bounty of incredible sites. Expand that to day trips from Melbourne and you can never get bored exploring this place. Our recent explorations took us to Maldon in Victoria’s goldfields. Yes, Maldon with kids is quite an adventure to enjoy!
Day Trips from Melbourne : Maldon with Kids
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Maldon is located around 140 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. Retaining an authentic gold-mining era feel, this little town sits snuggly on the slopes of Mt. Tarrengower. It’s so unique that it was declared Australia’s First Notable Town in 1966 by the National Trust of Australia. Surely that makes it a bucket list destination to visit with kids – a perfect day trip from Melbourne.
We spent a whole day exploring this beautiful township and found a plethora of spots to explore with your family that we think you might enjoy.
Carman’s Tunnel
Carman’s Tunnel was commenced around 1882 by the Great International Quartz Mining Company, as an attempt to drive a tunnel right through Mt Tarrangower. By the end of 1884 the tunnel was abandoned. At this stage it had reached a length of 600 metres.
For those interested in a little history, Carman’s Tunnel provides an insight into the mining techniques used during the 1880s. The Maldon Progress Association thought that this would be great for the public and opened the mine to tours in 1964 and continues to be in operation today.
Dry, clean and easily accessible for all ages, Carman’s Tunnel reaches around 570metres of accessible pathway for both foot and wheelchair users.
North British Mine and Quartz Kilns
Another site for those interested in the rich gold mining history of the area is the North British Mine and Quartz Kilns. Boasting a lovely picnic area and bathrooms, visitors can enjoy two walking tracks which lead through the different ruins of the North British Mine ending at the Quartz Kilns.
You can read about the archeology of this area here.
Mt Tarrengower Lookout Tower
Constructed in 1923, the Mt Tarrengower Lookout Tower is one of Maldon’s most distinctive landmarks. The poppet head (the frame at the top of a mineshaft) was purchased from the Comet Mine in Bendigo with the intention of creating an attraction to bring visitors to the town.
Mt Tarrengower Lookout Tower has three levels. Visitors to the site can climb up the first two levels to take in the view. The topmost level is closed off and used as a fire lookout.
Make sure you read the signs at the bottom that provide information about the history of Maldon.
Union Hill Gold Mine Lookout
Maldon continues to host an active mine, the Union Hill Gold Mine, which began operations on this site in 1994. This lookout provides a view over the current mine operations.
Maldon Folk Festival
While the Maldon Folk Festival was cancelled for the first time in its forty-year history in 2020, it is hoped that the festival can continue in the coming year. Perfect for all age groups, the Maldon Folk festival boasts quality folk, bluegrass, a little jazz, and a little blues music, and dance and interactive workshops at affordable prices.
Head to www.maldonfolkfestival.com for the latest news
Victorian Goldfields Railway – Historic Maldon Railway Station
The Victorian Goldfields Railway links the historic gold mining towns of Castlemaine and Maldon via the authentic steam heritage train.
The steam train usually runs on Sundays and Wednesdays and some holiday Saturdays with visitors able to choose from one of two return trips :from Maldon to Castlemaine OR one return trip from Castlemaine to Maldon.
Top tip: if you would love to enjoy a day of trains, take the 12.00 from Castlemain which will give you two hours to have lunch and explore Maldon by foot before returning to Castlemain in the late afternoon.
Head to www.vgr.com.au for more information.
Maldon’s Vintage Machinery Museum
Run by local members and free to visitors, Maldon’s Vintage Machinery Museum provides the opportunity to glimpse a whole range of agricultural machinery, from crosscut saws and artefacts and all sorts of Engines, threshers, ploughs, harrows, sorters, tillers, Sheep Equipment and hay Equipment.
Head to maldonmachinery.com.au to learn more
Maldon Market
Held on the second Sunday of each month, the Maldon Market is both a growers and a makers market.
Head to Fountain Street, Maldon, from 9.00 am until 2.00 pm.
Beehive Old Wares and Collectables
If you love looking through old things in the search for treasures you will love the Beehive Old Wares and Collectables, one of the many antique and curiosity shops in Maldon. I don’t think you can visit this township without having a little browse.
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Other spots to visit in Victoria:
Enjoy our ultimate guide to Melbourne with kids.
Take a trip to Phillip Island. Make sure to book your Penguin Parade visit in advance (don’t miss our Guide to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade).
Head to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs with the kids – this was one of our TOP experiences on our Victorian road trip. Check out the farm gates on the way and enjoy a little strawberry picking.
Find out what activities are heading to Melbourne for the school holidays.
Visit the Pioneer Settlement in Swan Hill or explore the Gold Rush at Sovereign Hill.
Find things to do in Mildura. Or take a paddle steamer adventure at Echuca.
Take a trip down the Great Ocean Road with kids.
