Clunes

Clunes, one of the most original and intact gold towns in Australia, is nestled in a scenic valley 25 minutes north of Ballarat. The discovery of gold in the area in 1851 signalled the beginning of the gold rush in Victoria, and in its heyday Clunes was the fifth largest town in the colony.

Today, Clunes is a charming village, home to artists, authors, historians and photographers and known for an intriguing range of accommodation, cafés, galleries, wineries and shops offering antiques and collectibles.

Take a walking tour and discover the charming architecture and history of the town including the former London Chartered Bank (1871) and Italianate Post Office (1878), which is now home to a second hand bookshop. The Clunes Visitor Information Centre housed in the 1870s schoolhouse also incorporates the Clunes Bottle Museum displaying over 6000 rare and unusual bottles dating back tot eh gold rush.

Clunes has been used as a location for many films, television series and commercials including Ned Kelly (2002) and Mad Max.

Head out of town to Mt Beckworth State Park, a lovely spot year-round for bird watching, bushwalking and picnicking, and particularly beautiful in spring when the wildflowers are out.

For book lovers, don't miss Back to Booktown. In early May each year Clunes welcomes booksellers and lovers of all things literary to this historic part of Victoria.

How to get there
Clunes is 148 kilometres north-west of Melbourne or about 90 minutes by car along the Western Freeway.