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.
Hours
See listed hours
Facilities and visitor features
1 features
Disabled access available, contact operator for details.
Clunes Museum is one of those places that quietly surprises you. Tucked right in the heart of town, it’s full of well‑curated information that brings the region’s history to life, especially the early gold era that shaped so much of Clunes. The volunteers clearly care, and the displays feel personal rather than commercial. For a simple gold coin donation, you walk away with a much deeper appreciation of the town and its stories. A genuinely rewarding stop for anyone passing through.
Lew Mam
Google review
Clunes it's a very interesting town it's where Mad Max the movie was made ,cute little town pub ,cafes, and it's where the first town in Victoria Gold was discovered.
Gordon Bick
Google review
Loved it, great historical information and well organised.
Maria Ngo
Google review
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 information staff.
Phil Lennon
Google review
Great donated generous collection from locals and nostalgic information from the past.
The upstairs part of the museum has so much to look at and absorb. No point just skipping through.
I need to return with more time set aside to really appreciate what is on offer.
The staff are also so super friendly and knowledgeable.