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Clunes Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Clunes Museum

Discover the story of a town built on gold at Clunes Museum, which is housed in the former warehouse (circa 1860) of contractors Nichol and Wallace. The beautifully curated and presented collection is an opportunity to step back in time and trace the history of this tightknit community in Central Victoria. Highlights include: The Gold Room: View artefacts related to natural history, the Dja Dja Warrung First People, and the discovery of gold. Sir John Longstaff Kitchen: See a kitchen typical of a 19th century miner's cottage. Laura Hudson Parlour: Learn about the domestic life of Laura Hudson (1848-1953) and see the contents of a typical miner's cottage parlour. Rivett Bland/Mayor's Room: Learn about the mining era and Clunes' local government over the decades. Entry to Clunes Museum is from Collins Place through the reception area of The Warehouse (Hepburn Shire Council Hub). A voluntary gold coin donation would be appreciated. Group tours can be arranged with prior notice. Check the Museum's website for the latest information on opening hours.

Clunes VIC

0.7 km away

The Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles Collection — Image credit: Hepburn Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles Collection

The Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles Collection consists of over six thousand historical bottles and other related objects dating from 1500 AD to the present. This hugely significant holding includes glass and ceramic vessels created for the storage of beer, wine and spirits, aerated waters, preserves, and condiments, along with pharmaceuticals. In 1868, Ernest Eberhard established a successful cordial and aerated water production facility in Clunes. Eberhard bottles can be viewed as part of the collection. Housed in the old South Clunes State School (which was, for over 45 years, the Clunes Interknit Mill), The Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles Collection is a must see for all visiting history buffs.

Clunes VIC

0.7 km away

Screenprint workshop in action — Image credit: Rogue Planet

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Rogue Planet Art Gallery

Rogue Planet is a screenprint studio, gallery and creative hub nestled inside a beautifully restored piece of Victorian goldfields history. The former Clunes School of Mines building dates to 1892, and still features original wall stencils and historic gold-smelting furnaces. It is one of only two schools of mines remaining in Victoria. Visitors can explore a welcoming gallery space showcasing the work of local and visiting artists. Original prints, paintings and handcrafted works are available to browse and buy. Monthly shows bring a rotating program of exhibitions, meaning there is always something new to see. Rogue Planet also runs hands-on workshops in screenprinting and other creative skills, suited to all experience levels. Talks and community events are held throughout the year. There is always something to discover. The building sits creekside in Clunes, one of the most architecturally intact gold rush towns in Victoria. The main street is lined with heritage buildings, independent shops and cafes, making Rogue Planet a natural stop on a day trip or weekend getaway. Whether visitors come to make, to browse or simply to soak up the atmosphere, Rogue Planet offers a genuine and unhurried creative experience in a remarkable historic setting.

Clunes VIC

0.7 km away

Lambley Nursery's Spectacular Dry Garden — Image credit: Lambley Nursery Pty Ltd

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Lambley Nursery and Gardens

Located in Ascot, a short drive from Ballarat in the central Victorian Goldfields, Lambley Nursery and Gardens is an inspiration to local and international visitors and a must-see for anyone interested in plants and gardening. The gardens, set around a bluestone farmhouse built in the 1860s, offer incredible beauty in every season. Lambley's Dry Climate Garden features a naturalistic design of frost-hardy plants requiring minimal watering and is world-renowned as a benchmark in dry climate and sustainable gardening. Other highlights include a driveway of standard Mt Fuji Cherry trees, flourishing perennial borders, and an ornamental pear walk underplanted with daffodils in spring and white Japanese windflowers in summer and autumn, a rose garden, vegetable garden, orchard, and borders where clipped formality combine with the colour of annual and perennial plantings such as tulips, poppies and salvias. Lambley is well-serviced by cafes and amenities in nearby towns Learmonth, Clunes and Creswick, however, visitors can picnic on the lawns or seating located throughout the garden. All gardens at Lambley are open except those signposted 'private'. Group tours of the gardens, including the private gardens, are available by appointment. Lambley Nursery is a leading online and phone order plant nursery, sending plants to all states in Australia except the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Ascot VIC

8.5 km away

Andersons Mill, Smeaton Historic Area

National Parks and Reserves

Andersons Mill, Smeaton Historic Area

In a postcard setting on the banks of Birch's Creek at Smeaton, Anderson's Mill stands as a powerful reminder of an industry that flourished after the gold rush of the 1850's. Standing today much like it was over 100 years ago, the five-storey bluestone building and its magnificent iron water wheel are still in place. Anderson's Mill is located in Smeaton, north of Creswick, in an area well known for it's fertile volcanic soils and goldmining past. Construction of the flour mill commenced in 1861 and it was operational within six months. The Oat section of the Mill was completed by the following harvest. Outbuildings such as the stables, grain store and bluestone office were added later as the operation expanded. The water wheel was developed from designs by John Smeaton and the patterns cast locally in Ballarat at Hunt and Opie's Victoria Foundry. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.

Smeaton VIC

15 km away

Visit Creswick Woollen Mills — Image credit: Creswick

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Creswick Woollen Mills - A Very Fine Yarn

Creswick Woollen Mills is an award-winning Australian family business and the last coloured woollen spinning mill in Australia located in Creswick, Victoria. Creswick specialises in luxurious, high quality, natural, sustainable fibres including alpaca, cashmere, merino wool and possum apparel, accessories and homewares. Visit Creswick Woollen Mills and experience a window in Australian history. ‘A Very Fine Yarn’, is a interactive exhibition that showcases the journey of natural fibres; from their natural source through to the manufacturing process an insight into the rich history of the Mill. Explore Creswick Farmyard and learn about the beauty behind natural fibres from the farm to the shop floor. Shop a wide variety of Australian-made products in rich natural fibres. There is ample free parking and easy access for coaches and caravans.

Creswick VIC

15 km away

Tuki

Agritourism

Tuki

Discover Tuki's unforgettable experiences as you soak up the breathtaking scenery and stunning location with uninterrupted views of the Daylesford Macedon region. Visit Tuki and catch a fish at their trout pond. Fishing has long been part of Tuki, and the spring-fed ponds remain a favourite for families and first-timers. Fishing is available seven days a week. While booking isn't required for fishing exclusively, admission and rod-hire fee applies. Visit their website for more information. You can also indulge in their Fish and Dine package, which pairs a two or three course lunch in the restaurant with the chance to cast a line and catch your own fish. Visit their website for pricing and bookings. Located in the Daylesford region and just 90 minutes from Melbourne, clear the calendar and take a short break. Whether this is a return visit or your first trip, you will create lasting memories at Tuki.

Smeaton VIC

16 km away

Calembeen Park

Natural Attractions

Calembeen Park

Calembeen Park is located just a short walk or drive west of the Creswick town centre. It boasts two beautiful lakes, which are home to plentiful birdlife and colourful waterlilies. It's a lovely spot to relax, walk, cycle, fish, row, picnic, and swim. Chinese miners mined here for shallow alluvial gold during the 1850s and 1860s, and the area developed into a semi-permanent Chinese settlement. By the early 1900s the mine workings had been abandoned, and in 1911 they were deemed as a suitable place to establish a swimming hole. Known by locals over the decades since as 'the pool', tyre magnate Sir Frank Beaurepaire once commented that Calembeen was Victoria's finest inland swimming basin. It hosted many swimming carnivals and attracted hundreds of visitors to the area. The restoration of the historic dive tower in recent years has seen renewed interest in the reserve as a swimming facility. Only one of the lakes in Calembeen Park is suitable for swimming and there are sudden, steep drops in depth. Exercise caution and always supervise children closely. There is a toddlers' pool at the site, which is open during the summer months.

Creswick VIC

16 km away

Park lake Creswick

Natural Attractions

Park Lake

Park Lake is a stunning recreational facility, which sits on the edge of Creswick town centre. This serene body of water is surrounded by civic gardens and a gentle walking trail, and is adorned with a beautiful fountain. Visit the upper section of Park Lake Reserve to see plantings created and maintained by the local Landcare Group. Here you will also find public tennis courts (you can borrow rackets and balls for free from the Creswick Visitor Information Centre), public toilets, a playground, and an undercover picnic area. It's a lovely spot to spend an hour or two. Park Lake is featured on the Creswick of the Lindsays Arts Trail, and there is some interpretive signage to read. The trail shares the story of the famous Lindsay family and their history in Creswick. You can collect a trail guide and map from the Visitor Information Centre.

Creswick VIC

17 km away

Creswick of the Lindsays Arts Trail — Image credit: Hepburn Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Creswick of the Lindsays Arts Trail

Enjoy a fascinating step back in time in Creswick by following the Creswick of the Lindsays Arts Trail. Creswick was the home of the Lindsay family from the 1860s. Of the ten children born in the town, five achieved widespread recognition in the field of the arts. Norman Lindsay was a famous painter, and also wrote eleven comic novels and illustrated 30 other books. Sir Lionel Lindsay was a printmaker, Sir Daryl Lindsay was director of the National Gallery of Victoria and a water colourist, Ruby Lindsay was an illustrator, and Percy Lindsay was both a painter and a distinguished art teacher. The Arts Trail highlights the locations and buildings in Creswick that had significance to the Lindsays. Many sites have a QR code that enables you to access further information on your mobile device. Stop number one is situated at Creswick Visitor Information Centre. Here you can pick up a printed map and guide. From there, most of the trail can be done on foot. The final stop, Creswick Cemetery, is located just a couple of minutes' drive from the town centre.

Creswick VIC

17 km away

Creswick Museum — Image credit: Hepburn Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Creswick Museum

Creswick Museum is housed in the grand Creswick Town Hall complex, which was constructed in 1876 and added to the National Trust Heritage Register in 1971. The interior of the building is worth the visit alone for its magnificent staircase constructed of local basalt. The building is a wonderful setting to browse the extensive collection of rare colonial paintings, artworks by Victor Litherland and the Lindsay family of artists, gold mining artefacts, and items related to the evolution of local government in the region. The museum also holds a significant collection of historical documents, including newspapers, maps, books, and the personal papers of former residents who spent time researching the town's history.

Creswick VIC

17 km away

Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails)

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails)

Djuwang Baring – which means 'long track' in the Dja Dja Wurrung language – is a 60-kilometre network of newly constructed mountain bike trails that traverse the rugged landscape east of the heritage gold mining-era town of Creswick. Creswick is part of the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people and Djuwang Baring offers an amazing way to immerse yourself in this spectacular part of regional Victoria. The trails are a mountain biker's dream with segments to suit riders of all skill levels. The network consists of approximately 70 trail segments, which are skill-rated and colour-coded accordingly. Hammon Park serves as the trailhead for Djuwang Baring and is located within walking distance of Creswick's town centre. It features a smooth bitumen pump track for bikes, skateboards and scooters. From there, the trails wind their way through state forests, regional parks, and commercial forestry land, and deliver an unparalleled experience of the local landscape, ecology and mining heritage. Several trails in the network are suitable for adaptive mountain biking (sometimes referred to as off-road para-cycling). Creswick is accessible by rail from Melbourne via Ballarat. Creswick Railway Station is situated one kilometre west of the town centre. Rail access is also available from regional Victoria via the Ballarat, Ararat, and Maryborough lines.

Creswick VIC

17 km away

Hammon Park pump track, learn to ride track and play space Creswick — Image credit: Hepburn Shire Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Hammon Park Creswick

Hammon Park is home to the trailhead of Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) – a 60-kilometre network of newly constructed mountain bike trails that traverse the rugged landscape east of the heritage gold mining-era township of Creswick. The park's bike pump track section is great for kids on bikes. Unlike many traditional dirt pump tracks, the Hammon Park Pump Track is covered in bitumen for a smoother and faster riding surface for mountain bikers, skateboarders, and scooter riders. Hammon Park also boasts accessible toilets (including a Changing Place facility), a BBQ area, an electric bike charging station, a nature playground, a learn-to-ride track, and ample parking. Walkers can use Hammon Park as a way to access the Wallaby Track. Highlights along the trail include St Georges Lake, Koala Park, the Goldfields Track, and a sessionable skills area. The park is conveniently located within walking distance of the town centre, and is accessible by train and bus from Ballarat. Highlights include cycling jumps, children's play space with nest swing and balancing/bouncing equipment, rope climbing structure, undercover barbeque area with double burner electric barbecue and picnic table, toilet block with three ambulant and one accessible cubicle (with shower), changing place toilet facility accessible with MLAK key (available upon request according to need); cyclocross stairs and sandpit to competition standard, bike wash and repair station, and e-bike chargers.

Creswick VIC

17 km away

La Gerche Forest Loop Walk

Natural Attractions

La Gerche Forest Walk Loop

When forest bailiff John La Gerche came to Creswick in 1882, he found what was described as a 'lunar landscape'. Three decades of gold mining had stripped the once forested Wombat foothills bare. In 1887, he selected sheltered Sawpit Gully as the site for a nursery and plantation to grow exotic ornamental and commercial tree species. Today the plantings are a fascinating window on the past. You can access the La Gerche Gully Loop Walk from Sawpit Road off the Midland Highway north of Creswick. Park in the designated area and follow the fence line to the left of the gates to the old nursery (now a Parks Victoria depot). You'll pass some relocated 19th century stables, before setting off along this well signposted gravel track. It meanders through a forest of various species of conifers from the Canary Islands, Austria, California, Corsica, and Scotland. Watch out for raised tree roots, which can act as a tripping hazard. Further on, the 120-year-old Oak Gully is a delight. Tips for safe walking: Wear suitable walking shoes and carry plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Always inform friends or family of your plans and estimated time of return. Keep to designated paths and stairways, and obey all safety signs.

Creswick VIC

18 km away

St Georges Lake

Natural Attractions

St Georges Lake

St Georges Lake lies two kilometres east of Creswick and is a fabulous spot to escape the hustle and bustle of town. It's framed by pristine bushland on the edge of Creswick State Forest and Koala Park. The lake was originally one of many government-built dams that supplied sluice-water to mine operations in the late 19th/early 20th century. Today, it's the ideal spot to throw down a picnic rug, cast in a line, or enjoy a paddle. There is a short but relatively challenging walking trail that loops around St Georges Lake. The path largely follows the shoreline, and some sections are narrow and relatively steep. The abundance of birdlife and beautiful views along the way makes this walk well worth the effort. For safe walking, wear suitable walking shoes and lower leg protection, and carry plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Always inform friends or family of your plans and estimated time of return. Keep to designated paths and stairways, and obey all safety signs.

Creswick VIC

19 km away

Creswick Regional Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Creswick Regional Park - Koala Park

Creswick Regional Park is 120 kilometres north-west of Melbourne between Ballarat and Daylesford, just off the Midland Highway. The park is part of Djandak, the traditional Country of the Dja Dja Wurrung People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and they recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country. You can explore diverse natural environments, from wetlands and lakes to hills and native bushland. Walking, cycling, fossicking, picnicking, camping and birdwatching are popular activities, all within a landscape shaped by Aboriginal cultural heritage and the region's gold mining history. Walkers can follow trails through gentle hills, gullies and forests, while cyclists can explore a network of roads and shared tracks throughout the park. Visitors can fossick in designated areas and discover reminders of the area's goldfields past. The park offers rewarding nature experiences year-round with spring producing wildflowers that add colour to the landscape. Koala Park is a popular destination for short walks and nature based recreation. Established in the 1940s as a koala sanctuary by the School of Forestry, it features signposted walking tracks through forested hillsides, alongside Creswick Creek and through regenerating bushland. St Georges Lake and the Slaty Creek Campgrounds offer opportunities for picnicking, camping and enjoying the outdoors, with barbecue facilities, fireplaces and accessible toilets available at selected locations.

Creswick VIC

19 km away

Ballarat Turf Club

Entertainment Venues

Ballarat Turf Club

Located just over an hour's drive from Melbourne, the Ballarat Turf Club offers a country atmosphere with metropolitan quality. Racing is held across the year on their turf and synthetic tracks, with the club proud to host 37 race meetings per season. The Ballarat Turf Club also features premium training facilities which is utilised by nearly 80 trainers and approximately 700 horses. All upcoming race days and events details on their website. On race days, visit their bar and bistro for drinks and a meal. On non-event days, the tracks are actively used for training from Monday to Saturday in the morning. Visitors are walk-in to see the horses in training as they prepare for their next run. If you would like to watch the jump outs, this can be arranged by contacting the club at least a day prior. It is subject to the Ballarat Turf Club racing calendar. On request and subject to availability, free tours of the facility are also offered. This includes access to key areas that are often used typically on a race day and some of the tracks they commonly use. To book a tour experience, please contact them via phone or email. Please note that on non race days, the only public entry point is via 72 Midas Road. Their office is open from Monday to Friday.

Miners Rest VIC

20 km away

Flying Goolie Gallery — Image credit: Annie Younger

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Flying Goolie Gallery

Flying Goolie Gallery is located in Burrumbeet, 20 minutes from Ballarat, close to the shores of the natural and ecologically significant lake Burrumbeet. Flying Goolie prominently features the artworks of Annie Younger, a sculptor with a 35-year practice. Annie explores an ongoing subject in her work - the creation of characters and personalities with the use of recycled/reclaimed materials. Annie has exhibited throughout Australia, including commissions here and overseas. Flying Goolie is a place for the joyful engagement with art accompanied by food, drink and music. The gallery is set on over one acre of grounds with the inside areas reimagined from a former 122 year old hotel. Sculptures range from fitting in your hand and soaring to 5 metres high. Visitors to Flying Goolie can expect an uplifting experience and leave with a smile on their face. Flying Goolie an easy 20 minute drive from Ballarat, located on the Western highway with entry accessible from Station street.

Burrumbeet VIC

22 km away

maze aerial view

Amusement and Theme Parks

Maze House

Maze House has a 35 year old hedge maze and unique carnival games hiding around every corner of the its extensive country garden. This popular Daylesford tourist attraction has activities for kids, groups, families, garden lovers, fun loving adults and anyone who likes mazes, playing games, a bit of competition and strolling through beautiful country gardens. There is a prize for those who find all the clues in the maze hunt. The retro milk bar overlooking the gardens sells light refreshments including milkshakes, cakes and good coffee. Open weekends and school holidays. Close to Daylesford, Ballarat and a short drive from Melbourne.

Newlyn North VIC

22 km away

Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes

Agritourism

Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes

Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes is the perfect destination for truffle lovers and foodies alike. Their 20-acre farm is located in the beautiful Central Highlands, just 15 minutes from Ballarat. With the Winter Truffle season slowly coming to an end, they look forward to Spring at Black Cat Truffles. During Spring, they will be continuing to offer up their famous brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays in their picturesque venue and surrounding gardens. The lunch dining options will take centre stage with an a la carte menu on Fridays from 12:00 PM, a chef's selection degustation menu on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as an afternoon grazing menu from 2:30 PM. To accompany the lunch menu, their popular Seafood Degustation lunches will take place once a month so keep an eye on socials for updates. For the first time ever this Spring, Black Cat Truffles will open for dinners, using the best local ingredients. Please see website for more details and to book. These dinners are expected to fill up quickly so visit the website to secure your spot.

Wattle Flat VIC

24 km away

Our gallery boasts a range of local and fairtrade artists alongside our own metal art.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Overwrought Sculpture Garden and Gallery

Overwrought Sculpture Garden and Gallery is an inspiring creative retail enterprise set on five acres of lush farmland in Blampied, Central Victoria just eight minutes from Daylesford on the Midland Highway to Ballarat. Artist David Dawson creates his uniquely Australian sculptural metalwork designs in his extensive workshop. He then displays them next door in the rustic hay-shed gallery and beautifully landscaped garden setting that he has created. His creations include garden art, native Australian animals and birds, furniture, wall art, magnetic creatures, privacy screens and much more. The gallery also offers the art and produce of local and fair trade artisans, many of whose work is not available to purchase elsewhere. For your enjoyment, Overwrought has great coffee and treats to take away or be enjoyed in the extensive sculpture gardens. They also provide toilets, and picnicking areas. Extensive parking is available for all vehicles including caravans and buses. They offer a dog friendly experience with dogs welcome in the gallery and extensive gardens. They are family-friendly and offer opportunities to feed the fish in the numerous garden ponds. A detailed tour of their manufacturing area and gardens including coffee and cake and a gift is available by booking at the website. They look forward to having you visit.

Blampied VIC

24 km away

Airmen recording message by Morse Code

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ballarat Aviation Museum

Ballarat Aviation Museum is located within the grounds of the Ballarat Aerodrome. The museum is dedicated to the history of aviation. It has a great collection of aircraft, engines, aviation radios, cameras and aviation memorabilia. The Ballarat Aerodrome was a Royal Australian Air Force base during World War Two for the No.1 Wireless and Air Gunners school, and post war the School of Radio. Learn about the stories of nine Ballarat men who completed their training between 1940 and 1945. The training in Morse Code was one of the skills required by these men. You will have the opportunity to test your skills relaying a message in Morse Code.

Mitchell Park VIC

24 km away

Paddys Ranges State Park

National Parks and Reserves

Paddys Ranges State Park

Well-known for its wildflowers in springtime, Paddys Ranges State Park is home to 30 types of orchids and more than 140 native bird species like the rare Painted Honeyeaters and Swift Parrots. Located northwest of Melbourne, this beautiful bushland is a stronghold of Box-Ironbark and is an important conservation refuge for endangered plants and animals. Wander the park as it bursts into colour with spring wildflowers or discover relics and reminders of its gold mining past. The parks mining history dates back to the 1800s and since 1951 the Maryborough Field Naturalists Club began pushing for the protection of the park's unique Box-Ironbark Forest. In 1989, Paddys Ranges State Park was reserved. The now 1,954ha park is a haven for plants and animals with more than 230 species of wildflowers and a 140 species of birds have been recorded in the park. There are a number of walking trails, a free camping area at Karri Track and Settling Ponds Track Picnic Area has tables, a toilet and wood barbeques. Visitors must bring their own firewood. Before you go check Parks Victoria's website for local changes and park conditions. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors and stay up to date using the Vic Emergency website.

Adelaide Lead VIC

25 km away

Pools — Image credit: State of Being

Spas and Retreats

State of Being

State of Being is a dedicated recovery and well-being experience in Ballarat, designed to help people slow down reset and feel better. Guest can move through a range of recovery experiences including hot and cold immersion pools, a magnesium mineral pool, finish sauna, aromatherapy steam room compression therapy sensory pods PEMF mats, breathwork and relaxation spaces. Unlike a traditional day spa, State of Being is centered on intentional recovery. Visitors can create their own experience or be guided through different recovery practices depending on how they want to feel, whether that's calmer, more energised, physically recovered or simply switched off from the demands of everyday life. Designed for everyday people, athletes, travellers, couples and groups. State of Being offers a uniquely Australian approach to modern recovery: evidence informed, welcoming and accessible. Whether you're visiting for adventure, a special event or a moment of escape, State of Being offers the perfect complement to your trip. Book a casual visit and upgrade your stay with an experience. Come as you are. Leave in a better state.

Wendouree VIC

26 km away

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