Clunes

Visit one of the most original and intact gold towns in Australia – Clunes. The town is nestled in a scenic valley 25 minutes north of Ballarat.

Historic gold rush
Relive the discovery of gold in the area in 1851, signalling the beginning of the gold rush in Victoria. In its heyday Clunes was the fifth largest town in the colony. 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 6,000 rare and unusual bottles dating back to the gold rush.

Lights, camera, action
Follow in the footsteps of film stars to the location for many films, television series and commercials including Ned Kelly (2002) and Mad Max. Wander the charming village, with cafés, galleries, wineries and shops offering antiques and collectibles. Meet local artists, authors, historians and photographers or if you're into reading, don't miss Back to Booktown held early May each year.