Clunes
Clunes
Clunes is known as Australia's most original 19th
century town, boasting more than 50 buildings of historical
significance. Located an easy 30-minute drive north west of
Ballarat, film crews regularly flock to this wonderfully-preserved
old town and use its nineteenth century street façade as a backdrop
for TV and movies. Blessed with history, beauty, environment and
nature, Clunes is an idyllic destination for the weekend getaway,
or just a country drive day trip.
You'll feel like a movie extra yourself as you take a stroll
under the wide verandas that shade beautiful old shops along its
broad main street. Or lose track of time in the Clunes Museum or
gaze in wonder at the remains of the huge Port Phillip Mine, 35
kilometres north west of Ballarat.
You'll find dusty antique and collectable stores, boutique
vineyards and wineries, rustic bed & breakfasts and scenic
walks. Clunes has a thriving arts scene, with regular artists'
markets, two annual literary festivals and much more.
Back to Booktown
Back to Booktown, held each May, brings the world of literature to
Clunes. Thousands of booksellers, writers and speakers from all
over the nation and overseas flock to the historic town, where they
attend events, readings, book-signings and interviews. Back to
Booktown is staged right across the town, inside heritage bluestone
buildings, on the quartz streets, under charming old awnings and in
the shade of majestic European trees planted by the first
settlers.
Words in Winter
An annual August event, Words in Winter continues the
literary theme and celebrates words in all their forms. Good
reasons to be in Clunes include exhibitions, readings, poetry slam,
limerick and haiku competitions, and even musical events.