Hire the school
Two halls, a commercial kitchen and the Frank Tate gallery, by the room or for sole occupancy.
How to enquire →A historic school, a living community hub
Halls, kitchen and gallery for hire in the peaceful hamlet of Fryerstown — 90 minutes from Melbourne, 35 from Daylesford, 45 from Bendigo.
About the school
Fryerstown School No. 252, opened in 1915, is a recently refurbished community-run facility situated just south of Castlemaine in central Victoria. No longer part of the state schools system, the facility is now used for social, educational and artistic activities, workshops, functions and events.
Set in naturalistic surrounds, the school is a charming and historic venue located in the heart of the goldfields. Its philosophy is based on bringing people together through education, the preparation and sharing of nutritious foods, and the arts — regardless of age, culture, social class and ability.
The school features two large rooms suitable for a variety of uses, a commercial kitchen, the Frank Tate art gallery, plus indoor and outdoor performance spaces and modern amenities with facilities for disabled persons. It is available for hire by individuals and groups to run workshops, wellness retreats, exhibitions, performances and other functions such as weddings, birthday parties, reunions and school camps.
The school’s proximity to the Goldfields Track, a walking and mountain-bike trail connecting Ballarat and Bendigo, makes it an ideal base for exploring the flora, fauna and features of the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. Guided walking tours of historic Fryerstown can also be arranged.
Plan your visit
Camping
Ten sites in the grounds at the rear of the school — an ideal overnight stop on the Goldfields Track.
Rates and facilities →History
From a tent in 1853 to State School No. 252 — and the community rescue that followed.
Read the story →Hire the school
The school can be hired by the room or as sole occupancy, and camping can be added for groups staying over. For availability and bookings, email the committee — tell us the date, the type of event and roughly how many people, and we’ll get back to you.
