Castlemaine is a popular tourist destination in central Victoria, known for its gold rush history, art museums and theatres, botanical gardens, and an impressive dining experience.
The town has modern accommodation options with all the amenities needed for work and relaxation. If you are considering a workcation in Castlemaine, this guide discusses all you need to know before packing your travel bags.
What is Workcation?
Workcation is a remote working arrangement derived from two phrases: work and vacation. It simply means working while on a vacation. Unlike staycation, where you work while staying at home or a place not far from home, workation mostly refers to working while travelling away from home and without taking paid time off (PTO).
Essential Tips to Balance Work & ation
Working while travelling sounds fun and easy, but there are some tips to consider to get the most out of this work-vacation hybrid. Here’s what to remember as you plan your workation in Castlemaine.
Finalise Your Demanding Projects First
While on a workcation, a rule of thumb is to prioritise demanding projects or tasks first since these require uninterrupted time and deep focus.
This means you must evaluate your assignments regularly to see what needs to be prioritised and what can be pushed further in your schedule. One benefit of finishing the most demanding projects first is that you can carry on the same momentum to the remaining tasks, boosting your productivity overall.
Prepare Ahead All of Your Working Tools
Working remotely comes with flexibility, but this doesn’t always mean being in a comfortable and convenient working environment. This is why you must gather all the tools you need to work efficiently, such as a reliable laptop, power bank, noise-cancelling headphones, backup internet devices, etc.
Be Proactive in Communication
When you are away from your usual workspace, communication is one factor you should keep at the forefront of your mind. Before going on your workcation, establish a communication plan detailing how to stay in touch with colleagues, immediate managers, or clients. You should also make this communication plan public, especially with those you must communicate with regularly. Email, Slack, Trello, and AirTable are efficient in the remote workplace since they help maintain consistent and transparent communication.
Choose a Comfortable Workplace with High-Speed Connectivity
A reliable internet connection is non-negotiable when working remotely, especially if you are expected to make video calls or upload or download huge files. To avoid stress and frustration during your workcation, choose a workplace that is known and has been proven to offer high-speed connectivity. If you are unsure, contact the accommodation provider for speed tests or ask more about their network infrastructure and the lowest and highest internet speeds to expect. Indicators of good connectivity include access to fibre-optic internet, Starlink internet, or other business-grade Wi-Fi.
Must-Visit Spots in Castlemaine During Your Workcation
Now that you know how to make the most of your workcation, here are some the best cafés in Castlemaine with the best working environment:
Work-Friendly Cafés in Castlemaine That You Shouldn’t Miss
Coffee Basics Das Kaffeehaus
This café is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It serves breakfast, brunch, mini, and main dishes. Popular food includes traditional Australian cuisine, sandwiches, rolls, bagels, and signature roasted coffee.
- Location: The Mill, 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine.
- Price per person: $20 – $40
- Recommended dishes: Apple Strudel, Coffee.
- Amenities: Free parking lot
Togs Place
Togs Place is a popular breakfast and lunch joint open daily from 8.30 am to 4 pm. The breakfast menu includes freshly cooked eggs, a variety of toast croissants and muffins, bacon, etc. Lunch is served from 11.30 am and comprises a weekly changing menu that is seasonally produced, emphasising locally sourced ingredients.
- Location: 58 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine.
- Price per person: $20 – $40
- Recommended dishes: Apple Strudel, Coffee.
- Amenities: Vegan and gluten-free options are available, kid-friendliness is guaranteed.
Saint Florian
Located in the heart of Castlemaine, Saint Florian is a small coffee shop among locals and visitors. Located in Castlemaine’s historic Fire Station, the cafe offers a few bar seats for walk-ins, plus the outdoors is open for snacks made from local produce and drinks during sunny days.
- Location: 26A Templeton St, Castlemaine, AU-VIC 3450.
- Price per person: $1 – $20
- Recommended treats: Peach crumpler, lamb roll.
- Amenities: Vegan options are available, free parking.
Top Attractions in Castlemaine to Unwind Your Mind
Castlemaine Art Museum
Don’t bury yourself in too much pressure, since there are a lot of things to do in Castlemaine! The first must-visit attraction in Castlemaine is Castlemaine Art Museum. This famous museum houses a unique collection of historical artefacts and Australian artworks. Regular events are hosted in the museum, so you can check the CAM website for any upcoming events. The museum is open from Thursday to Saturday (11 am—4 pm) and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm.
- Location: 14 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine VIC 3450, Australia
- Operating hours: Thursday – Sunday: 12 AM – 4 PM, Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM (closed on other days)
- Free Entry.
- Entrance Fee:
- $12 Adult
- $10 Concession
- $5 children (under 5yrs free)
- $30 Family
Buda Historic Home & Garden
Buda is a historic villa house that was home to Ernest Leviny. This home is now a museum featuring a collection of artworks, furniture and personal belongings. The garden features a grape pergola, a tennis pavilion and a bird aviary. Depending on the Castlemaine weather, you can plan for a picnic experience or just explore the home and all it offers.
- Location: 42 Hunter St, Castlemaine VIC 3450, Australia
- Operating hours: Everyday 12 PM – 4 PM
- Entrance Fee:
- $12 Adult
- $10 Concession
- $5 children (under 5yrs free)
- $30 Family
Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition
If you love history lessons, culture, and everything ancient, you will love it here. This interactive space is an ideal place to learn about the history of the land’s early inhabitants, the Dja Dja Wurrung people. The exhibition runs daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Christmas.
- Location: 44 Mostyn St, Castlemaine VIC 3450, Australia
- Operating hours: Everyday 9 AM – 5 PM (except Christmas day)
- Free Admission.
Choosing the Perfect Work-Friendly Accommodation in Castlemaine
When choosing accommodation for your workation in Castlemaine, you want to consider all the factors discussed above, including but not limited to reliable Wi-Fi, quiet workspaces, and proximity to local amenities.
Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation has many accommodations that blend modern convenience and peaceful surroundings, perfect for focused work and relaxation. Contact us today to check the best accommodation options before travelling to this region of Central Victoria.
