The discovery of gold in the area in 1851, signalled the beginning of the gold rush in Victoria. In its heydey, Clunes was the fifth largest town in the colony and remains, architecturally, one of the most intact gold towns in Victoria.
Pick up a self-guided walking tour map from The Warehouse and set off to discover the built and natural beauty of Clunes.
You will find interesting shops for fossicking and a variety of quality eateries for morning and afternoon tea or lunch. Stay overnight in one of the many local B&B’s and take in more of the local countryside. A hike to the top of Mount Beckworth is well worth the effort.
You may wish to time your visit to the Clunes Museum to coincide with another Clunes event such as:
- The Clunes Farmers’ Market and Clunes Makers’ Market are held on the second Sunday of every month
- Clunes Booktown Festival on the third weekend in March
- The Clunes Agricultural Show is one of the best and worth a visit with the family. Held on the third Saturday in November
Clunes is a place to practice the art of good living | Explore Aus | ABC Australia
Jun 16, 2020
“Dear Sirs,
Just letting you know what a very enjoyable time we had as visitors to Clunes today, despite the very cold and wet and misty weather.. We had a very nice luncheon at a small cafe, then visited the Museum. We found everybody so helpful and friendly, especially at the Museum.
As a UK migrant, who came to Australia in 1959, (and living in Ballarat at Sebastopol for about 35 years) I found it so very interesting to see all the furnishings of the early Miners and Settlers homes , so reminiscent of the furniture my Grandparents had back in Yorkshire UK, when I was a child.
I am now 81 years old and it brought back many memories of my own childhood back in UK. I come from a family of Coal Miners on my Mother’s side. Well done Clunes for a very interesting day out. I hope to be able to go back again in the warmer summer weather.
Sincerely,
Brenda M. Hodgson (Mrs)”