The rock hard candy linked to Victoria’s 1850s gold rush will no longer be produced after 165 years.

Castlemaine Rock manufacturers will close the business after production costs became too much.

Ross Greenwood treasured the treats back when he lived in Victoria, describing them as “just fabulous, and tasty like no other”.

Fifth generation confectioner Peter Barnes says sales had been falling over the last two years.

He tells Ross the cost of the tins is the main problem.

“It just got to the point that I just couldn’t afford them anymore.”

Peter says his great great grandfather started the company.

“[He] came out from England and went straight onto the gold fields around the Castlemaine area.

“He started selling lollies to the miners.”

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