An amble through Victoria’s Goldfields region.

Day 8 Wednesday 15/10/2025 Maldon, sunny, warm 5 – 24

We farewell Cousin Bert, who must head home for his own medical stuff. It’s a warm sunny morning and we wander about looking at the state of the caravan park. Dishevelled old cabins, dangerous sloping footpaths, unrecognisable camp sites and no staff to be seen. We had received a phone call last Sunday and were given our site numbers and told to park anywhere if we weren’t happy with what was allocated. Our cabin crew were told where to find their keys. How odd is that? At least the funny old bathrooms are clean.

I’m still feeling a bit ginger, so Woody and I take the car the few blocks down to the main street. We never tire of this heritage listed town. Deep stone lined gutters have small pedestrian bridges across them. Most of the commercial buildings have a long history having been built in the heyday of the 1851 gold rush. The houses are a delightful mix from many eras, but predominantly 19^th century cottages and grand larger homes. The one thing they all have in common though is beautiful gardens.

A bunch of us drive up to the top of Mt Tarrengower, the hill above the town. The keen ones climb the lookout and fire watching tower that once saw duty as a mine poppet head. It was hauled up here by the locals in pieces using horses, then rebuilt.

Back at the park I notice what looks to be a derelict, police lock-up over the back fence. Leaning on a pole to sketch it I get bitten by ants and mozzies until I give up. Chatting in the sun seems a better prospect until a police car drives up. The officer gets out, wearing full equipment and asks what we’re doing here! Stunned, we reply that we paid online. He tells us that the park has been closed as it doesn’t meet the required standards and someone has reported that they’ve seen people in here. Bugger! That’s a first for us. We must look ok, as the police officer leaves to get an update on ‘the situation’.

“Nice body” says the Bridesmaid. Huh? The Trivia Queen and I couldn’t take our eyes off his taser.

Late in the day and still chuckling over ‘our situation’, we pile into a couple of cars and head for the Maldon Hotel down on the main street. Boy, they’ve sparked this place up since we were last here, was that really 20 years ago? Anyway, the meal is delightful. Woody chows through a good old fashioned mixed grill and I can vouch for the roasted barramundi and pumpkin (soft and squishy and soothing).

Accom: $40.00