Clunes
Clunes, an Australian film favourite celebrated as Australia's most original 19th century town, Clunes is a 30-minute drive north-west of Ballarat. This wonderfully preserved gold mining town - Clunes boasts more than 50 buildings of historical significance - has been used in many Australian films, including Mad Max and, more recently, Ned Kelly.
Stroll along the broad main street with its old,picturesque shops featuring wide verandas, visit the interesting museum, and view the remains of the huge Port Phillip Mine.
Clunes is also home to a wonderful, annual Booktown event, a celebration of books. The event includes book sellers and writers and is fun for those that just enjoy a good book.
Did you know?
From the 1850s through to 1893, when gold mining eventually came to an end, Clunes was an important gold production location in Victoria. During this period gold in excess of 1.2 million oz was produced at Clunes. Surrounded by grassland, meadows and pastures the town has preserved many of its elegant historic buildings until today. Clunes is recognised as one of the architecturally most intact gold towns in Victoria.