General News
7 July, 2026
Teddies head to Maldon
This weekend, hundreds of teddy bears will take over Maldon for a magical winter adventure.
One of Victoria’s most picturesque gold rush villages will transform into a storybook wonderland as teddy bears, and the people who love them, descend upon Maldon for a heartwarming day of family joy.
The inaugural Great Maldon Teddy Bear Adventure is inviting families from near and far to step into an enchanting midwinter celebration where teddy bears become treasured travelling companions and imagination takes centre stage.
Held throughout the historic village of Maldon, this free community event will feature an indoor enchanted forest, bear themed village adventures, a teddy bear parade, live music, story telling, art workshops, and even a Teddy Bear hospital for bears in need of repair.
Maldon Progress Hall will be transformed into an indoor forest, a place where families can gather with picnics and blankets.
Across Maldon’s celebrated heritage streetscape, shop windows will come alive with spectacular teddy bear displays as traders join in the fun.
Families will be invited to follow a clue filled Teddy Bear Trail through the village, discovering surprises along the way.
Families can also settle in for a free screening of Paddington 2 thanks to Maldon Golden Movies.
Event organisers said the experience reconnects generations of bear lovers and brings warmth to winter.
“After a challenging summer for many neighbouring communities, we wanted to create something that feels genuinely magical. A day that encourages families to slow down, reconnect, laugh and make beautiful memories together,” they said.
“Teddy bears are universal. Nearly everyone remembers a treasured childhood bear or beloved fluffy toy. This event taps into that nostalgia while creating something utterly enchanting for today’s children.”
For visitors wanting the full storybook experience, the historic Victorian Goldfields Railway will run a special Teddy Bear Express steam train departing from Castlemaine Station at 10.45 am and 2 pm.
The inaugural Great Maldon Teddy Bear Adventure will take place on Saturday, July 11 from
10 am to 4 pm.