Castlemaine Coffee Cruise

07/09/2026

Hello Cruisers.

September’s Coffee Cruise, on the 20th, will be a little different in that we’re heading out to the Smeaton Hotel for a spot of lunch.

Because space in what is Victoria’s oldest weatherboard pub is limited, we need to let them know how many of us are coming. If you are joining us for lunch, please let me know via a message on this page or text me on 0408 937 029. The hotel’s menu is on their page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093272907612.

I need to know numbers by the 15th.

Meet a little later than the norm at around 10:30 in the rear carpark at Autoplex at 35 Etty St, Castlemaine, for registration and a chat. We’ll head off at around 11:00 for our cruise Smeaton.

Remember, all are welcome - street rods, customs, restored, street machines, muscle cars, chrome bumpers, motorcycles, trucks, classics . . . .

17/08/2026

Terrific day for a cruise to Autoplex for a mini show and shine and what was an excellent Annual General Meeting. We then followed up with a BBQ lunch under brilliant sunshine. Just a really great day.

04/08/2026

Our Coffee Cruise on August 16th is taking a departure from the norm.

This month, our cruise coincides with the Autoplex AGM where CSAF Members and interested members of the community are invited to drive their pride and joy in for a Show ‘n Shine.

Parking is in the rear carpark at Autoplex, 35 Etty St, Castlemaine.

There will be a coffee van on site at around 9:00 am and Autoplex will be open for viewing.

The AGM will start at 10:00 am and everyone is welcome to attend. Special guest speakers, the Lightning Queens, will share their experience of driving the recent Sh*tbox Rally to raise funds for cancer.

A BBQ lunch will be available from 11:30 am (a $5 donation is appreciated to help cover costs)

Please RSVP to assist with catering numbers to: [email protected]

Refer also https://autoplex.au/agm/

20/07/2026

I thought I was on my own for this one until a few turned up. Probably stayed in their warms beds a few moments longer on what was a really brisk morning. As is typical in these parts, a frosty morning is usually followed by a beautiful day, and that it was.

A dozen or so cars went on a relatively short cruise, taking a scenic route to Harcourt via Elphinstone.

We arrived at the Victorian Miniature Railway site after 25 minutes or so and were marshalled into our specially reserved parking area in what was a very full carpark. Many thanks, VMR.

A coffee or a hot chocolate on arrival suited many, with a big take up of a BBQ’d sausage for others.

The grounds were teeming with people and at least four or five trains were running, both steam and petrol/diesel. This is such a popular place, with visitors from Bendigo, Ballarat, Melbourne and much further.

An excellent day.

11/07/2026

Hello Cruisers

Well, we’re back again, with our cruise on July 19th.

This month, we’re are going to re-visit Harcourt Miniature Railway.

We visited VMR way back in October last year for what was an excellent guided tour before the railway officially opened. So, now it’s time to head back with it officially open and “ride” the trains.

Meet around 09:30 in the rear carpark at Autoplex at 35 Etty St, Castlemaine, for registration and a chat. We’ll head off at around 10:30 for a local cruise to the VMR in Harcourt.

Please note that the driveway and carpark are unsealed.

Remember, all are welcome - street rods, customs, restored, street machines, muscle cars, chrome bumpers, motorcycles, trucks, classics . . . .

25/06/2026

12/06/2026

Sorry folks.

This month's Coffee Cruise has been cancelled.

05/06/2026

Looking forward to when the Midstate Mopars cruise from Bendigo arrives at Autoplex at about 2:00 pm on Saturday. Reckon it's going to be pretty special!

19/05/2026

Well, what a good day we had.

For all the gloom we anticipated with the wet weather, it never really eventuated.

There was excellent coffee on arrival at Autoplex, with the complex being opened up. A General Meeting was held in the warm inside allowing those interested to hear our plans to redevelop the site into a Museum and Interpretation Centre as well as other activities. It was also an opportunity to answer any questions and listen to suggestions.

Then, off on what was a really pleasant cruise via Guildford and Strangways to Newstead, where a good choice of food and drinks was on offer.

Personally, I found the pub a very good selection.

Yep, excellent day.

15/05/2026

The weather’s looking a bit rough for Sunday, but we are still going ahead.

The complex will be open and we’ll have a coffee van on site.

The meeting is indoors and we’ll have the heaters going. Perfect for finding out about what we are doing at Autoplex.

Not a long cruise this month, but some good tucker and coffee for those coming along.

More details below.