The Mill Castlemaine

The Mill Castlemaine is a vibrant shopping, food and arts precinct housed in a beautifully repurposed historic woollen mill. Located opposite Castlemaine Botanic Gardens, the site is home to more than 40 small businesses, including artisan food producers, cafes, galleries, craft studios and vintage shops.

Originally established as the Castlemaine Woollen Company in 1875, the extensive industrial complex has been transformed into an exciting destination where visitors can explore the old buildings, sample local produce, discover unusual collectables and watch creative makers at work.

Things to See and Do:

Explore the enormous Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar, packed with vintage, antique, second-hand, handmade and upcycled treasures
Browse shops selling locally made products, clothing, ceramics and other artisan creations
Visit working artists' studios and galleries
Discover the historic woollen mill buildings and industrial architecture
Enjoy coffee, chocolate, artisan cheese, ice cream and freshly baked bread
Sample local wines at Boomtown Winemakers
Explore the food and drink precinct, including the onsite brewery
Discover workshops and creative classes offered by individual businesses
Browse the site for unusual gifts, collectables and locally produced goods

Food and Drink:

The Mill is particularly well known for its collection of artisan food businesses. These include:

Das Kaffeehaus and Coffee Basics - Viennese-style cafe and coffee roastery
Cabosse & Feve Chocolates - artisan chocolates
Icecream Republic - ice cream, gelato and sorbet
Long Paddock Cheese - artisan cheese producer
Sprout Family Bakery - sourdough bread and baked goods
Oakwood Smallgoods - locally produced smallgoods
Boomtown Winemakers - wine tastings and dining
Shedshaker Brewing - craft brewery and taproom
Frankie Espresso - coffee

Individual businesses operate independently, so not every venue will be open at the same time.

Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar:

One of the main attractions is the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar, an extensive indoor marketplace filled with stalls selling vintage furniture, retro clothing, homewares, collectables, records, books, antiques and unusual second-hand treasures.

It's an interesting place to wander, with something unexpected around almost every corner.

Art and Creativity:

The Mill is also home to working artists, galleries and creative studios.

Visitors can discover ceramics, visual art, locally made products and other creative work. Some businesses offer workshops and classes, although availability varies.

History of The Mill:

The Castlemaine Woollen Company was established in 1875 and became an important local employer, producing woollen products including blankets and tartans.

Over the following century, the factory underwent numerous changes, including rebuilding after several fires.

During the Second World War, the mill produced blankets for military horses.

Manufacturing eventually ceased in 2013, and the property was sold in 2014. Its subsequent transformation has preserved much of the industrial character while introducing a diverse community of makers and small businesses.

Facilities:

Multiple cafes and food outlets
Indoor vintage shopping precinct
Art galleries and studios
Toilets at several locations
Accessible toilets
Car parking
Accessible parking
Coach parking
Outdoor undercover eating areas
Sealed pedestrian paths connecting the main precincts
Wheelchair access to many businesses
Dogs permitted on leads in outdoor areas

Dogs are not permitted inside businesses, except for assistance dogs. Some historic buildings have steps, although alternative accessible routes are available to many areas.

Visiting with Kids:

The Mill is primarily a shopping, food and creative precinct rather than a dedicated children's attraction. However, families can enjoy exploring the vintage bazaar, discovering interesting objects and stopping for ice cream or something to eat.

For a longer family outing, combine your visit with the nearby Castlemaine Botanic Gardens Play Space, located opposite The Mill.

Opening Hours:

The Mill Castlemaine precinct is open seven days a week, including public holidays.

Some businesses open daily, including:

Das Kaffeehaus - 8am to 4pm (9am opening on public holidays)
Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar - 10am to 5pm

Other businesses have different trading days and hours.

See current opening hours for individual businesses.

Cost:

Entry to The Mill Castlemaine precinct is free.

Purchases, food and drinks, workshops and selected activities have individual charges.

See the official website for business information and current details.

Location

1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine 3450 View Map

✆ 1300 985 001

Web Links

→ millcastlemaine.com.au

→ The Mill Castlemaine on Facebook