Palm House is a charming Victorian home built in the Goldrush of the 1860’s, set in an extensive garden.
The house is located on the High Street within the historic precinct of National Trust classified Maldon, Victoria’s first notable town. Maldon is in the goldfields region north-west of Melbourne. Historic Maldon’s cafés, restaurants, public houses and antique shops are situated a short stroll from the house.
Captain John Mechosk found alluvial gold in December 1853 in the Bryant Ranges, now known as Mt Tarrengower. This find was the beginning of the Goldrush in this area and within a few months the local population had swelled to 20,000. In 1856 the new settlement was named for the town of Maldon in Essex, England.
The railway line was opened in 1884 providing a regular service to Castlemaine. The Station and Yards continue to work to this day and you can take a nostalgic trip down the line.
Maldon was settled by miners from all the English and Irish counties, as well as the Germans, Swiss, Italians and Californians. Chinese mementos are still visible in town.
Maldon was declared a “Notable Town” in 1966 due to the historical significance of its mining relics and buildings. Today the township looks much as it did in the Goldrush days and it is like stepping into the pages of history to walk down it’s streets. Palm House, a traditional bed and breakfast, is a perfect base for exploring this interesting and diverse region
