Clunes.

The town that triggered Victoria’s gold rush boom, Clunes with its heritage village, lush landscape and country hospitality, is a tourism hub and a history buffs dream. Nineteenth-century architecture stands proud, shopfronts champion farmgate produce and handmade goods, and gold mining souvenirs are bountiful. 

North of Ballarat, Clunes village has wide roads with beautifully maintained heritage buildings. Fraser Street is iconic, having featured in many a film, television series and advertisement. Holidaymakers are charmed by homegrown hospitality, and fresh produce is served at local restaurants and cafés. Small businesses fill the shopfronts, Clunes Farmers Market is a must, and once a year, literary lovers descend on the town for the annual Booktown festival.

To add to it all is the thriving local community, which is anchored by a love for the heritage significance of the town and the local sporting teams - AFL, netball, basketball and cricket. 

Away from the main thoroughfares cottages and homesteads line the leafy and peaceful streets. Many are home to locals while others have been transformed into bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels. Further afield, farmland, meadows and wildflowers add to the charm, and surrounding nature reserves are a veritable playground for hikers and rock climbers. Taking it all in is Esmond Park with its stunning views over the valley.