Melbourne to Castlemaine road trip: Best stops, distance & time

Melbourne to Castlemaine drive: Macedon to Woodend

There are more wineries around Woodend. But this town is better known as the gateway to Mount Macedon and the much-fabled Hanging Rock.

Movie fans will know Hanging Rock from the Peter Weir film, Picnic At Hanging Rock. The film was based on the novel of the same name by Joan Lindsay.

There are three walking trails at Hanging Rock. The Creek Walk is arguably prettiest, taking around 40 minutes for the 2.3km return walk. But it’s the Summit Walk that most come for. Getting to the top of Hanging Rock takes about 50 minutes along a 1.8km return track.

The best places to stay in Woodend

The best Woodend accommodation options are:

For overall quality: Northfield Boutique Apartments.
For style meets homeliness: Silverwood House.
For kangaroos grazing outside: Hanging Rock Views.

Melbourne to Castlemaine road trip: Woodend to Harcourt

Next along the Melbourne to Castlemaine drive is Kyneton, which has a pretty botanic gardens.

There are more wineries, and a couple of good walking trails. The 3.5km Campapse River Walk marries nature with information about the town’s heritage.

Top Kyneton accommodation choices

The best places to stay in Kyneton are:

For a solid, affordable motel: Central Highlands Motor Inn.
For a handsome 1890s villa: Isabella at Kyneton.
For a great location among the restaurants and shops: Blue Rosella on Piper.

The Calder Highway then bypasses Malmsbury, Taradale and Elphinstone.

Before branching off to Castlemaine, you might wish to explore the Mount Alexander Regional Park near Harcourt. You’ll get the best views from Dog Rocks and Langs Lookout.

Harcourt to Castlemaine

Otherwise, at Harcourt, you need to head south-west down the Midland Highway towards Castlemaine.

Things to do in Castlemaine include panning for gold at the Forrest Creek Historic Gold Diggings and mooching through the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens.

Top Castlemaine accommodation choices include the Big4 Castlemaine Gardens holiday park and well-rated Albion Motel.