Introduction: Clunes is a quaint and historic town in Victoria, Australia, is famed for its rich gold mining heritage and beautifully preserved architecture from the 19th century. As one of the earliest towns to experience the gold rush, Clunes offers visitors a fascinating step back in time, with heritage-listed buildings lining its main streets and remnants of old mining sites scattered throughout the area.
The town has a unique, vintage charm that makes it a favourite filming location for period movies and shows, adding to its appeal as a historic destination. A walk through Clunes feels like stepping into a bygone era, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Present Day: Clunes has blossomed into a cultural hub, hosting regular events and markets, including the highly popular Clunes Booktown Festival. This annual festival celebrates the town’s status as Australia’s first International Booktown, drawing book lovers from across the region to explore rare books, author talks, and literary events.
Best known for: Today Clunes is probably best known for the Booktown Festival, its historical architecture and maybe the Home of Bottles museum. For nature lovers Mt Beckworth beckons as a highlight of the region.
Distance to Melbourne: Clunes is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD so really only feasbile for day trips from Melbourne if you are an early riser.
Close proximity to regional towns: However for people living in regional destinations such as Bendigo (1h 12 mins) Ballarat (28 Minutes), Daylesford (30 minutes), Creswick (13 minutes) and Kyneton (1 hour) then visiting Clunes is a nice day trip especially worth visiting on market day.
Be realistic: Clunes is a very small town so when visiting please keep your expectations in check. Given the size of Clunes we highly recommend visiting when the Clunes Farmers and Makers Market is on otherwise you will almost certainly find your visit underwhelming.
Suggested Itinerary:
These are our top picks of things to do on a first time visit to Clunes.
- Visit on 2nd Sunday of month to enjoy the Clunes Farmers and Artist Market
- Walk the local shops. Clunes is small so it won't take too long.
- Visit the Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve for spectacular views of the countryside.
- Have lunch at @Fifty Two Cafe for urban chic in the country.
- Visit the Museum of Bottles for something unique, eccletic and surprisingly interesting.
- Visit the Clunes Museum and learn about the unique history of Clunes.
- Walk the Clunes Creek Walk for some relaxation, nature, history and seeing more of Clunes.
- Looking for more? Visit Creswick just 13 minutes drive from Clunes.
In More Detail:
We've outlined some of the best things to do in Clunes on a day trip. Clunes doesn't justify more than a day trip for most travellers unless you are visiting family and friends.
1. Clunes Farmers and Artist Market:
Clunes Farmers and Makers Market is a vibrant and community driven event that takes place on the 2nd Sunday of every month. This bustling market features stalls showcasing a wide variety of locally made goods, from fresh produce and artisanal foods to handmade crafts, clothing, and homewares.
With its strong emphasis on supporting local farmers, creators, and small businesses, the market offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy high-quality, sustainable products while connecting with the friendly community.
Incredibly there are probably 5 times more vendors at the market than stores in the town itself!
Clunes becomes the market or the market becomes Clunes? This market basically engulfs Clunes when it is on. The entire community and town of Clunes comes together as this market and this is what makes this market so special.
Best for: Lovely and very pretty atmosphere. Community spirit and vibe.
More Information on Clunes Farmers and Artist Market
2. Clunes Creek Walk:
The Clunes Creek Walk and scenic drive makes for an easy going walk and pleasant scenic drive.
History: Learn a bit of Clunes history as you enjoiy the scenery.
Best for: Taking in more of Clunes and stretching your legs.
More Information on Clunes Creek Walk
3. Home Of Bottles:
The Home of Bottles is a surprising delight! It's hard to imagine bottles being incredibly interesting but somehow this museum just delivers.
Definitely worth a visit here for something unique to Clunes and something that little different from what you encounter in general travel around Australia.
Best for: Something unique and surprisingly interesting.
More Information on Home Of Bottles
4. Clunes Museum:
Clunes Museum is one of the better regional town museums you are likely to visit.
Museums aren't everyones cup of tea but this is definitely worth the short pitstop.
Best for: Taking in some history.
More Information on Clunes Museum
5. @Fifty Two Cafe:
@Fifty Two Cafe is just a nice cafe experience.
Enjoy the great quality food with great presentation and flavours. Modern cuisine that adds a touch of class to Clunes. We love it!
Best for: Urban chic and modern sensibilities in the country.
More Information on @Fifty Two Cafe
6. Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve:
Complete a hike at Mt Beckworth Scenic Reserve and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding region.
As you drive towards Clunes Mt Beckworth looms large so walk to the summit and take in the glorious scenery.
Best for: Spectacular views.
More Information on Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve
7. Creswick:
Creswick is perfect if you are running out of things to do in Clunes. At only 13 minutes drive away take in all the sights of Creswick while you are here as well.
Best for: Farmers Market, St Georges Lake, Woollen Mill and Truffles. Need we say more!
In Conclusion:
Clunes is small in stature. It's a very small town so as we outlined earlier keep your expectations in check and try to visit on market day.
Enjoy the Clunes Farmers and Makers Market, Home of Bottles and Mt Beckworth Scenic Reserve. Have lunch at a local eatery and take a wander on the Clunes Creek walk.
If you have time on your hands make your way to Creswick and take in more of the region.
Visit Daylesford
Explore more of Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Daylesford.
More Information on Daylesford
Visit Macedon
Explore more of regional Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Macedon.
Visit Trentham
Keep exploring western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Trentham.
Visit Lancefield
Keep exploring western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Lancefield.
More Information on Lancefield
Explore Castlemaine
Explore country Victoria and the West. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Castlemaine.
More Information on Castlemaine
Visit Kyneton
Kyneton has a number of attractions including many wineries! Plan ahead for your next visit to Central and West Central Victoria.
Explore more of Victoria - Malmsbury
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Malmsbury.
Visit Colac
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring country Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Colac.
Visit Ballarat
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Ballarat.
Visit Taradale
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring country Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Taradale.
Visit Bacchus Marsh
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring country Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Bacchus Marsh.
More Information on Bacchus Marsh
Visit Clunes
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring country Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Clunes.
Explore Creswick
Explore country Victoria and the West. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Creswick.
Explore more of Victoria - Woodend
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Woodend.
