Clunes Museum — Attraction in Clunes

5 Stars – A Hidden Gem of Goldfields History!

The Clunes Museum is an absolute treasure trove of local history and a must-visit for anyone exploring Victoria’s Goldfields region. Housed in the beautifully restored 1870s Town Hall and Courthouse, the museum offers an engaging and intimate look into the rich heritage of Clunes — the site of Victoria’s first gold discovery.

What impressed me most was the authenticity and care with which the exhibits are presented. One of the highlights was the meticulously recreated 19th-century kitchen and living area (as shown in the photo). It truly feels like stepping back in time, with period furnishings, a cast-iron stove, vintage crockery, and even a high chair, offering a vivid glimpse into domestic life from over a century ago.

The museum is well-curated with informative displays covering everything from the gold rush to local industry, family life, and education. The volunteers are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, clearly passionate about preserving the town’s history.

Their website (clunesmuseum.org.au) is also a fantastic resource, providing updates on current exhibits, historical articles, and information on how to support or get involved.

Note: The museum is staffed by volunteers and a donation is asked for entry - please donate generously

Whether you're a history buff, a curious traveller, or a local wanting to reconnect with the past, Clunes Museum offers a memorable and meaningful experience. Don’t miss it if you’re...

Fantastic history of the town all accumulated in a well finished clean, purpose built facility. Great care and effort has been put into this museum and the pride shows. We saw recreations of influential towns people houses, the impact and story of Gold, textile industry history, antique Clunes artefacts donations and the list goes on. Well worth a visit if you are interested knowing more about the town. Gold...

A medium sized museum in a small town with friendly staff, very clean, well presented museum with very interesting displays. Gold coin donation. Multi level displays. Lift available for those who can't manage stairs or who prefer lifts. Easy Street parking during the weekday. Not sure how busy it gets on weekends. Good selection of brochures from...