Maldon

While the Christus Rex Pilgrimage no longer passes directly through Maldon, the pilgrimage buses travel this scenic route each year, offering pilgrims a glimpse of one of Victoria’s most beautifully preserved gold rush towns. For those with time to explore after the pilgrimage—or on a future visit—Maldon is well worth the detour.

Once a thriving centre during the height of the goldfields, Maldon has retained its 19th-century charm with remarkable authenticity. From the wrought iron shopfronts and stone cottages to the vintage streetscapes and historic railway, it is a town that feels untouched by time. In 1966, Maldon was officially declared Australia’s first “notable town” by the National Trust.

Pilgrims who remember the earlier years of Christus Rex will recall walking through Maldon and resting in its shaded parks. Though the walking route has since changed, the town’s legacy remains a fond part of our history. Today, it offers visitors antique stores, tearooms, historic walks, and a striking hilltop vista from the old poppet head lookout.

If you’re staying on in the region after the Pilgrimage—or planning a visit later in the year—consider taking a quiet drive back through Maldon. It’s a fitting place to reflect, meander, and enjoy the heritage that still speaks of faith, endurance, and the richness of rural Catholic life in Victoria.