Victoria location profile
Clunes VIC 3370
Clunes is a historic goldrush town with one of Victoria’s best-preserved 19th‑century streetscapes, set amid rolling Central Highlands farmland. It’s known for its quiet, community-minded lifestyle and the annual Clunes Booktown festival that draws visitors from across the state.
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Why families consider Clunes
A close-knit rural community with a mix of families, retirees and creatives, plus Ballarat commuters. Heritage charm, slower pace and village-style living appeal to buyers seeking affordability and space.
Amenities & services
- Local supermarket and general stores on Fraser Street
- Clunes Health (Central Highlands Rural Health) and GP services
- Clunes Pharmacy
- Cafes, bakeries and historic pubs on Fraser Street
- Post office and basic banking agencies
- Clunes Primary School
- Visitor information and community hub at The Warehouse – Clunes
- The Warehouse – Clunes Library (36 Fraser St, Clunes)
- Creswick Library (68 Albert St, Creswick)
Transport & connectivity
- Clunes railway station (V/Line Maryborough line) with services to Ballarat, Melbourne (Southern Cross) and Maryborough
- V/Line coach connections to Ballarat, Creswick and Maryborough
- C291 Creswick–Clunes Road, C287 Ballarat–Maryborough Road, and nearby B220 Sunraysia Highway
Lifestyle & recreation
- Clunes Showgrounds & Recreation Reserve (football/netball, cricket, events)
- Clunes Golf Club
- Clunes Bowling Club
- Walking and cycling around historic township and Creswick Creek
- Annual Clunes Booktown Festival and community events
- The Warehouse – Clunes (museum/exhibitions)
- Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve
- Clunes Recreation Reserve
- Collins Place
- Creswick Creek corridor and local walking tracks
Education context
Limited local options (preschool/kindergarten and family day care); more long‑day care and early learning available in Creswick, Maryborough and Ballarat.
- Federation University Australia – Mt Helen Campus (Ballarat)
- Federation University – SMB Campus (Ballarat CBD)
- Australian Catholic University – Ballarat Campus (Aquinas)
- University of Melbourne – Creswick Campus (School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences)