Clunes was the site of Victoria's first gold strike. It is located in a steep valley surrounded by rounded hills, which are actually extinct volcanoes. Evidence of those boomtown gold mining days remain in the picturesque streets and beautifully preserved architecture of this charming little town which is considered the best collection of 19th Century buildings in Australia. A leisurely 40-minute drive from Daylesford, 30- minutes north of Ballarat or 75 minutes from West Gate Bridge seems fleeting to travel back in time over 150 years. Clunes hosts the annual 'Clunes Booktown Festival' which sees more than 60 booksellers, millions of books and 15,000 visitors and has become the largest collection of books in any regional centre of Australia. Clunes and the surrounding region have plenty to offer with Gold prospecting, bushwalking, rock climbing and hiking options, especially at Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve. Many scenes for films and tv shows have also been filmed in Clunes, such as; Mad Max, Ned Kelly, The Mole etc. Clunes also has a local football club in the Central Highlands Football League and has a golf course. Public transport is also available with Clunes Railway Station apart of the Mildura Line.
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Education
- Clunes Primary School
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Parks
- Clunes Bushland Reserve
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Recreation
- Clunes Golf Club
- Clunes Pool