Half-way between Ballarat and Maryborough is the historic township of Clunes.

Clunes was the site of Victoria's first gold strike in 1851 which led to a gold rush which swept through central Victoria, resulting in a massive population boost for the state and great wealth for many. In its heyday Clunes was the fifth largest town in the colony. These days, Clunes is an agricultural, pastoral and tourist township, nestled in a scenic valley.

Visitors to Clunes often say it is like stepping onto the set of a movie about life in the 1800s. Many of the original buildings in Clunes have been preserved from those gold rush days. Fraser Street is lined with 19th century buildings and shop fronts including the National Hotel (1862), Club Hotel (1870) and Union Bank (1865).

For a glimpse at history through the looking glass, visit the Clunes Bottle Museum, located in a 1870s schoolhouse. See displays of over 6,000 rare and unusual bottles dating back to the gold rush.