April A-Z Challenge: C is for Castlemaine
I am back again for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge so have made the commitment to blog every day in April except the Sundays. Some bloggers choose a theme, and others do random posts. For me, a theme works better, so them I’ve chosen for 2016 is Towns in Victoria. I will be choosing towns with a relevance to my family history, where possible.
C is for Castlemaine, which is in Central Victoria. Castlemaine came into existence in 1851 when the goldrush boomed in Victoria. It is situated right in the middle of the goldrush area.
The Pennyweight Childrens’s Cemetery was created at Castlemaine in 1852 for the burial of the many children who perished on the goldfields. It is located within the Castlemaine Diggings National Park.
To wander around the cemetery, and read the headstones gives an understanding of the harshness of life on the goldfields in the 19th Century. The cemetery and it’s bush surrounds is very beautiful but also very, very, sad.
Today the population of Castlemaine is about 6700. It has grown in recent years as public transport has improved, and workers from Melbourne have been able to relocate there for the peaceful country life, but are able to commute to Melbourne to work. The distance from Melbourne is about 120 kilometres.
Castlemaine today
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Tracking Down The Family 
I have always wanted to visit Australia. Thanks for telling me about Castlemaine, it sounds very interesting. My C post is up http://atcad.blogspot.com/2016/04/cuddling-cats-atozchallenge.html
Thanks. I will visit tonight
I have only been to Castlemaine to visit a Great Aunt…………but unfortunately have not stopped to take a tourist view! I was unaware of the children’s cemetery but think I would enjoy that (only a family historian would say that!)
Yes Sharon I do love a cemetery visit
Such lovely photos! I have been dying to visit Australia for many years, and this makes me want to visit even more!
A cemetery dedicated to children provokes an entirely different level of sadness.
~Visiting from AtoZ
Wendy at Jollett Etc.
120 kilometers is quite a haul for a commute! Must really be worth the travel time.
Sounds like a place with an interesting history!
Loved the name of the cemetery. Looks like a quaint town to visit. I’ve never been to Australia, but it looks just older towns here. thanks for sharing.
Having a cemetery just for children seems so sad and certainly makes you think of the hardships people had to endure in the past. An interesting read 🙂
Pempi
A Stormy’s Sidekick
Special Teaching at Pempi’s Palace
Pennyweight Flat…love those old goldfield’s names.