Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Railway Hotel Castlemaine

65 Gingell St, Castlemaine VIC 3450, Australia

Recommended by 53 people

Updated

Find Railway Hotel Castlemaine

65 Gingell St, Castlemaine VIC 3450, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 5472 1250
HoursMonday: 3:00 – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 3:00 – 8:30 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 3:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 3:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Railway Hotel Castlemaine

Across from the train station, this goldfields pub delivers serious bistro cooking over live coals. Steaks and pork cutlets char in plain sight behind the counter, while log fires cut through crisp regional nights across cozy timber-lined rooms. Regulars track the rotating blackboard for creative plates like sweet potato gnocchi and slow-cooked lamb ragu alongside honest parmas and hand-cut chips. The taps rotate regional pours—from crisp ciders to hearty stouts—carried through to a leafy, dog-friendly beer garden. Tables fill quickly on weekends, especially when the kitchen dishes out warm sticky date pudding and berry Eton mess.

  • Char-grilled open kitchen: Steaks, pork cuts, and skewers cook over charcoal in direct view of the dining floor.
  • Rotating blackboard specials: A daily specials board features inventive fusion dishes alongside classic chicken parmas and ragu pasta.
  • Heritage hearths and beer garden: Active hearths, heritage woodwork, and an expansive dog-friendly beer garden offer room in all seasons.
RestaurantRestaurantBar

What's On at Railway Hotel Castlemaine

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Railway Hotel Castlemaine

Distinctive reasons travellers and locals choose Railway Hotel Castlemaine

  • Rotating Blackboard Specials

    The kitchen complements classic counter favourites with an evolving blackboard specials selection that features inventive dishes and Asian-fusion flavours.

    Always a bit of asian fusion on the blackboard.

    Jeff Owens

  • Restaurant-Calibre Bistro Fare

    Guests enjoy attentive table service and bistro-standard plates that go far beyond standard counter meal expectations with generous, flavourful recipes.

    Food was fantastic menu has all the pub classics (parma, fish n chips etc) along with great variety of quality restaurant menu items.

    Matt

  • Spacious Beer Garden for Groups

    An expansive outdoor beer garden comfortably accommodates large touring parties, cycling teams, and community gatherings without missing a beat.

    between 20 to 50 people and we sit in the beer garden which is amazing by the way.. they stay open and cook for all of us

    Sharon Denham

  • Dog-Friendly Outdoor Dining

    The relaxed courtyard seating provides an open, welcoming setting where patrons can dine outdoors alongside their canine companions.

    We were allowed to bring our dog into the beer garden with us, which was cool

    teariki tuaine

  • Fireside Heritage Warmth

    Preserved goldfields-era architecture and active wood fires create a snug, atmospheric haven for cold regional Victoria evenings.

    The perfect olde world venue for a cold winter's night.

    Julia Thompson

  • Dependable Regional Dining Stop

    When competing regional dining establishments are shuttered during off-peak times, the pub reliably welcomes hungry visitors with prompt meal service.

    The day we went for dinner it was the only place open in Castlemaine and they were super busy!

    Sean Sansoni

Pub classics and creative blackboard mains crafted with care

  • Chicken parma

    The parma was classic pub perfection – cheesy, saucy, and satisfying.

    ANAR Consultations

  • Fish and chips

    stuck with a favourite of fish and chips which didn't disappoint.

    Julia Thompson

  • Pork cutlet

    The pork cutlet was juicy and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – one of the best we’ve had in a long time.

    ANAR Consultations

  • Sweet potato gnocchi

    I had the best gnocchi I have ever eaten. I’m not a massive gnocchi fan but was keen to try a sweet potato gnocchi with broccoli and tomato sauce. Absolutely outstanding.

    Mary Scott

Other favorites

Starters, sides, and house-made desserts to complement your feast

  • Sticky date pudding

    Sticky date pudding for dessert which was a very generous serving.

    Matt

  • Hand cut chips

    The hand cut chips yum but a little oil

    CC Y

  • Garlic flat bread

    The kids enjoyed the flat garlic bread.

    Dean “Deano” Helmers

  • Chocolate brownie

    for me was the chocolate brownie served with icecream...to die for

    teariki tuaine

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book a table in advance?

Reservations are accepted and strongly encouraged, particularly on busy weeknights and weekends. While staff try to accommodate walk-ins when possible, dining rooms often pack out quickly.

Is the beer garden dog-friendly?

Yes, pets are welcome to join diners in the spacious outdoor beer garden.

Where is the best place to park?

Ample parking is available directly across the road opposite the pub, including space accommodating larger vehicles.

Are blackboard specials and vegetarian options available?

Yes, alongside standard pub classics, the kitchen features a rotating blackboard specials board with seasonal dishes and vegetarian selections. Arriving earlier during dinner service ensures you don't miss out on popular chalkboard items before they sell out.

Explore more places in Melbourne

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.

Browse all Melbourne venues