Castlemaine, Administrative center in Mount Alexander Shire, Australia
Castlemaine is a town in Mount Alexander Shire, Victoria, Australia, sitting at 311 meters elevation. It serves as the central administrative place for the region and includes schools, health services, and local markets.
The discovery of gold at Specimen Gully in 1851 turned the Forest Creek area into a rapidly growing settlement. By March 1852, 25,000 prospectors had arrived, laying the foundation for the present town.
The name honors Lord Castlemaine, a 19th-century Irish viscount whose legacy ties to early colonial times. Today the town shows a mix of gold rush era buildings and contemporary art galleries used by residents and visitors alike.
The town is accessible by main roads from Melbourne and surrounding settlements and offers accommodation and shopping options. Visitors find public toilets, parking spaces, and information centers in the town center.
The Theatre Royal from 1856 is the oldest continuously operating theatre on the Australian mainland. Its performances continue to bring together locals and visitors, showing the long tradition of local performing arts.
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