About Clunes
Information
Clunes was the site of Victoria's first gold strike. It is located in a hidden valley surrounded by rounded hills which are actually extinct volcanoes (they can best be seen 3 km south along the road to Ballarat).
Knowledge
Learn more about Clunes - read our Wikipedia entry here
Did you know? 'Back to Booktown' was voted #56 most popular destination in the 2008 RACV - Victoria 101 Must Do's contest!
Clunes has luckily not been affected by the devastating 2009 bush fires. Enjoy 'Back to Booktown' or discover the beautiful surrounds, for example: Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve.
Victoria's First gold town
Clunes is located 36 km north of Ballarat (30 minutes by car), and 142 km north-west of Melbourne (90 minutes by car).
It is a vibrant town of approximately 1000 people who collaborate to achieve the best of small town living. There are a number of active sporting groups and many facilities including a swimming pool, ovals, petanque piste, netball/basketball courts, tennis and badmington courts as well as a golf course.
Education is an important aspect of Clunes' development with a primary school, regional campus of Wesley College, an arts education centre, an adult learning centre at the Clunes Neighbourhood House and a public library.
There is a strong connection with our rural community celebrated in the major annual Agricultural Show which has been running for over 140 years. The Show occurs on the third Saturday of November.
The town is located in an expanding and award winning wine growing area. There are three wineries in close proximity to the town.
Clunes is serviced by mains water and sewerage. It is connected to broadband communications. Buses link the town to various rural centres and Ballarat rail system.
Tourism is important to the town and Clunes is a growing location for weekends away offering the charm of a bygone era with today's facilities.