Porcupine Village eyes official opening

A CENTRAL Victorian tourist hotspot is almost ready to re-open to the public.

Porcupine Village started operating as a historic mining town in 1993, with some 40 buildings including a pub, bowling alley, general store, blacksmith’s workshop and undertaker’s office, all located on 15 acres of land at Maldon.

But for the last 10 years, the site has been a shell of its former self after its old owners locked all the doors, disinterested in tourism.

In November 2020, businessman Frank Hutchinson purchased the site for $1.7 million, and hired Doug and Deborah Baird as caretakers.

“We were lucky that most of the buildings were intact when we got here, we’ve had to repair a few of them, but the bones were already here,” Mr Baird said.

The “bones” also included 1850s furniture, tools, signage and other remnants which will remain in the village.

Ms Baird said the couple’s vision is for families and children to learn about the history of Central Victoria and the importance of mining during the 1800s.

Visitors will be able to dress up in colonial-style clothes for photos, have a drink in a fully licensed bar, and wander in an out of the historic buildings.

But while the village offers a step back in time, the site will also boast luxury motels, a function marquee, “glamping” tents”, a caravan park, petting zoo, wildlife park, and restaurant, all new to the location.

“The locals have got two great pubs in Maldon, but there’s no restaurant,” Mr Baird said. “People don’t have an option for a restaurant meal in Maldon, so they’re looking forward to having another option.

“The main question I’m always asked is when are we opening,” Ms Baird said. “We can’t put a timeline on that at the moment, but we hope it’s in the not-too-distant future.”

Ms Baird said that wherever possible local staff are hired, and the village will have about 30 employees working each day.

“We have employed quite a few restaurant staff even though we’re not open yet, but they were all very keen to come on board and live the dream with us,” she said.

The pair said having an attraction like Porcupine Village will be huge for tourism at Maldon and visitors will be encouraged to check out all of Central Victoria during their stay.

As for transport, Mr Baird said you’ll be able to catch a steam train from Castlemaine to Maldon, with a horse-drawn carriage waiting to take you back to the 1850s.