Resort VillagesBIG4 Castlemaine Gardens
BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Overview
So I’ve stayed at BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens a few times now, and honestly, it’s one of those places that just gets better the more you understand what Castlemaine is all about. The location on Doran Avenue is actually perfect – you’re close enough to walk into town for a proper coffee at the local cafes, but far enough out that you wake up to kookaburras instead of traffic noise. And trust me, after a few days in Melbourne, that’s exactly what you need.
What really struck me about this place is how they’ve managed to feel like a proper holiday park without being tacky about it. The gardens are genuinely beautiful – not just the name, you know? There are these massive old gums that provide real shade (crucial in summer), and the whole setup feels more like a well-planned neighborhood than a tourist trap. The facilities are solid too – the camp kitchen actually has decent knives and working hotplates, which anyone who’s stayed at budget accommodation will appreciate. I mean, you can tell they’ve thought about what people actually need rather than just ticking boxes. The amenities blocks are clean and there’s usually hot water, though I’d avoid the morning rush if you’re particular about your shower experience.
Here’s the thing about Castlemaine though – it’s not just a stopover spot, it’s actually worth exploring. You’re basically in the heart of goldfields country, so there’s proper history everywhere, plus some surprisingly good food and antique shopping if that’s your thing. The staff at BIG4 know this area inside out, and they’ll point you toward the decent pubs and the walking tracks that aren’t overrun with tour groups. During autumn, honestly, this whole region is stunning – all those European trees the miners planted turn incredible colors, and the morning light hits the hills just right. The park tends to fill up during school holidays and on long weekends (book ahead), but mid-week you’ll often have your pick of spots. Parking is never an issue, which sounds boring but is actually a relief when you’ve driven up from the city with a car full of gear and just want to settle in without circling around looking for a space.
Hotel Highlights
Reviews
Staff: 9.2
Comfort: 8.9
Location: 9.1
Free Wifi: 5.4
Facilities: 8.6
Cleanliness: 9.1
Value for money: 8.1
Ann from Australia (November 19, 2024)
Extremely efficient, accommodating of our needs and exceptionally clean cabin.
Grounds are delightful and so beautifully situated near Botanic Gardens and venues
Lea from Australia (February 3, 2025)
The Villa was very nice. Great size, very clean, had everything you needed. Like that it had ironing board & hairdryer. Great location. What could be improved: Kids were a bit disappointed that the park didn't have many of the extra's they look forward to at a Big 4. ie. jumping pillow, pool or good games room. Unfortunately there were a lot of...
Quiet1_au from Australia (January 26, 2025)
Although small we enjoyed our private cabin accomodation for the night we stayed with it's little ensuite vs the other shared facilities options. It was quiet, convenient with a nice walk in the adjoining botanic gardens to The Mill (ShedShakers Taproom highly recommended). Seats with table out the back was a pleasant spot to sit, relax and some...
Stella from Australia (November 21, 2024)
First time in a cabin at a caravan park. Very clean site. Staff are very professional, helpful and friendly. Location was excellent for our needs. Quiet at night. A bonus is being next door to the Botanic Gardens, and hearing the beautiful whistle of the old steam train going by. It's a good way of meeting other people. Would have no...
Ann from Australia (July 22, 2024)
Convience to where we wanted to visit.
It was well heated for this winter viait
What could be improved: Having ro go out to the bathroom
The lock on the door was a bit difficult to operate
Neville from Australia (July 21, 2024)
Convenient location. Comfortable with all necessary facilities. Good communication prior to arriving which made access to the accommodation hassle free.
What could be improved: Nothing really.
Georgia from Australia (July 17, 2024)
I love that I always feel welcome - map provided for late check in, follow up to see I got in ok, heater already on for my arrival etc. Great location. Very clean. Very comfy beds. I love your park. What could be improved: I couldn't find the password for the WiFi. My door lock (bungalow #14) was temperamental to get to work. The fridge froze the...
Lynn from Australia (July 4, 2024)
The beautiful location, right next to the botanical gardens.
What could be improved: Nothing.
Mandy from Australia (March 22, 2024)
Breakfast was great. We appreciated getting a compliment breakfast ..
What could be improved: N/A
Christian from Australia (February 28, 2024)
Friendly staff, good communication re what was happening at the caravan park.
What could be improved: Faulty basin tap (cold water) plus problem with microwave.
Surroundings
What's nearby:
- Newstead Park: 17 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Boomtown Wine: 300 m
- Restaurant New China Restaurant: 600 m
- Restaurant Cabosse & Feve Chocolates: 300 m
Natural Beauty:
- Lake Expedition Pass Reservoir: 8 km
Public transit:
- Train Muckleford: 8 km
- Train Castlemaine: 1.2 km
Closest Airports:
- Bendigo Airport: 42 km
BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Rooms
- Estimated price from: $113. Studio with Shared Bathroom with 1 full bed and 1 bunk bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $132. Double Family Studio with 1 full bed and 2 bunk beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $133. Queen Family Studio with 1 full bed, 1 bunk bed and 1 queen bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $133. Double Studio with 1 full bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $133. Queen Family Studio with 1 full bed, 1 bunk bed and 1 queen bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $289. Three-Bedroom Villa with 2 × 1 queen bed and 4 bunk beds for Max. people: 8
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
General:
- Shared lounge/T V area
- Electric blankets
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Smoke-free property
- Heating
- Private entrance
- Car rental
- Fan
- Family rooms
- Ironing facilities
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Iron
Kitchen:
- Shared kitchen
- Dining table
- Toaster
- Stovetop
- Kitchenware
- Electric kettle
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Bathroom:
- Towels
- Free toiletries
Outdoors:
- Outdoor fireplace
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- BBQ facilities
- Garden
Activities:
- Bingo Off-site
- Aerobics Additional charge Off-site
- Archery Additional charge Off-site
- Live music/Performance Additional charge Off-site
- Temporary art galleries Off-site
- Kids' club
- Horseback riding Off-site
- Cycling Off-site
- Hiking Off-site
- Canoeing Off-site
- Game room
- Fishing Off-site
- Golf course (within 2 miles) Additional charge
- Tennis court Additional charge Off-site
Living Area:
- Dining area
- Sitting area
Accessibility:
- Lowered sink
- Raised toilet
- Toilet with grab rails
- Wheelchair accessible
- Entire unit located on ground floor
Room Amenities:
- Socket near the bed
Languages Spoken:
- English
Cleaning Services:
- Laundry Additional charge
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- DVD player
- Radio
- TV
Business Facilities:
- Meeting/Banquet facilities
Front Desk Services:
- Invoice provided
- Private check-in/out
- Baggage storage
- Express check-in/out
Great for your stay:
- Air conditioning
- Parking
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
- Flat-screen TV
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Picnic area
- Facilities for disabled guests
Entertainment & Family Services:
- Outdoor play equipment for kids
- Indoor play area
- Board games/Puzzles
- Books, DVDs or music for children
- Board games/puzzles
House Rules at BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out:
- From 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Age restriction:
- The minimum age for check-in is 18
Children & Beds:
- Children of all ages are welcome.
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Check what conditions apply to each option when making your selection.
BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Location
1Doran Avenue, 3450 Castlemaine, Australia
