Hanging Rock is located approximately 27 Km from Malmsbury. It is easily accessed from the Calder Freeway. The Rock itself is a small steep sided volcano known as a mamelon which formed six million years ago over a vent in the earth. It’s also the loction of Australia's First International Hit Movie Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975).
The township of Daylesford is located approximately 29 Km from Malmsbury within a region that contains Australia's largest concentration of natural mineral springs.
Many grand and historical buildings are well preserved in Daylesford, dating back to the town's former gold mining days in the 1800s. The town is surrounded by scenic hills, forests and numerous lakes, the largest and most popular being Lake Daylesford, situated adjacent to the town's commercial centre. Lake Daylesford is surrounded by an attractive reserve, particularly colourful in autumn, and includes a number of walking tracks, mineral springs, jetties, BBQs and picnic areas. Other attractions within the town include the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens and lookout tower, the Convent Gallery, and the railway museum
Castlemaine is a former gold mining town, located between the cities of Ballarat and Bendigo.
Approximately 24 Km from Malmsbury
Situated in a valley at the junction of three creeks, Castlemaine boasts a thriving agricultural and tourism industry. Visitors are drawn to the town for its historical streetscapes, the Botanical Gardens which date back to 1860, the Old Castlemaine Gaol, a number of galleries and museums, and the historic gold mines and diggings in the area.
Located in Victoria's Goldfields region, Maldon is a quaint goldmining town that looks like it still belongs to the 19th century Approximately 40 Km from Malmsbury.
The National Trust declared Maldon Australia's first "notable town" in 1966 because of its well-preserved 19th century buildings. Visitors to the town find broad footpaths shaded by corrugated iron verandas, buildings and cottages made from local stone, old-fashioned shop fronts and deep stone gutters. High Street is cool and verdant in summer with its swathe of deciduous European trees that strike brilliant colours in autumn.
Bendigo is a rich and prosperous heritage dating back to the days when gold was discovered in the area in the 1850s. Since then, Bendigo has been the second highest producing goldfield in Australia Approximately 50Km from Malmsbury..
Bendigo's rich gold history has produced a city of unparalleled opulence and grandeur. Stunning architecture, manicured gardens and the Alexandra Fountain at the entrance to the city centre are all symbolic of Bendigo. The city is situated in a fertile valley, surrounded by a number of hilly suburbs featuring wide tree-lined streets, bushland, and a several large reserves, creating a pleasant and green environment for residents and visitors.
News that the Ballarat region was home to the richest alluvial goldfield in the world resulted in a population explosion as people came from all over the world seeking fortune. By 1855, Ballarat had grown to a city with a population of 100,000 people. Impressive buildings sprung up, Eureka Centre which is located close to the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade Rebellion where miners and officials engaged in a bloody battle over miner's rights.