Newstead

Overview

Newstead lies 16 kilometres south-east of the thriving town of the famous old gold town of Castlemaine. Newstead is a thriving town on the Loddon River with a strong sense of community. This is no sleepy country town. Today you can find a cosy café, butcher, bakery, wineries, a community art gallery and transaction centre, two local hotels, nursery, antique store, a swimming pool and as well as a mix of historic and contemporary homes.

History

The original Newstead, on the south bank of the Loddon River, was surveyed in 1847, but was never developed. The early site is now covered by the Cairn Curran Reservoir. The present day town was established approximately five kilometres upstream and proclaimed in 1856. A strategically located punt across the Loddon River made Newstead an important staging post for miners making their way from both Ballarat and Adelaide to the Mount Alexander diggings during the gold rush.

Places of interest

Historic streetscape
Newstead Recreation Reserve
Wineries
Plaistow Historic Home and Garden

Accommodation

Accommodation options in the region are many and varied with choices for most budget/comfortable motels, boutique hotels, historic homesteads, warm and hospitable Bed and Breakfasts, fully appointed cottages and conveniently located camping and caravan grounds.

For all accommodation enquiries in the Mount Alexander Shire please ring the Free Booking Service number 1800 171 888.

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