History and Culture

As Victoria’s ‘first gold town’, Clunes is steeped in history. It played an important role in the development of the Colony in the nineteenth century, with the discovery of gold at Clunes in 1851 triggering the Victorian gold rush. Gold mining made Victoria prosper, and for a time Clunes was one of the largest settlements in the Colony because of its gold deposits. The town’s main street is still evocative of the gold rush era, and sitting proudly upon a rise overlooking Clunes is the post office, town hall and other public buildings that are architectural gems in their own right. Collectively, the main street, the public buildings and this former School of Mines are evidence of this town’s gold rush legacy and prosperity.

Historic photograph of Clunes goldfields, Victoria. Source: State Library Victoria (probable).

Clunes School of Mines

Schools of mines were established in Victoria from the 1870s to provide educational instruction in mining and its related technologies. Clunes School of Mines was established in 1890 as a branch of the Ballarat School of Mines, and this pretty site beside the Creswick Creek was provided by the former Borough of Clunes for the school. This modest timber building, purpose-built for the Clunes School of Mines, was officially opened in February 1892.

Photograph by Andrew Curtis

A ‘retort’ furnace, used to heat gold, remains inside and is evidence of the building’s gold mining-related history. To avoid the gold being affected by impurities, the furnace is designed to isolate the gold from the combustible materials used to heat the furnace. The taller red brick chimney on the side of the building is the chimney of this furnace, the shorter chimney is for the fireplace used to warm the interior. The linear unpainted panels inside reveal the original ornate stencilled wall finishes of this late Victorian-era interior.

Despite the support and efforts of the local community, the Clunes School of Mines was closed within a couple of years of its opening. After the closure of this School of Mines the building was used by community organisations and services including the Australian Natives Association (ANA), the Country Women’s Association (CWA), and as an infant welfare centre. Clunes School of Mines made a cameo in the movie Mad Max (1979), albeit briefly, as it is visible in the background of the biker scene filmed in the main street. 

Clunes School re-opening, photo courtesy Ballarat Courier

As Good as Gold

The Clunes School of Mines is a place entwined in the rich history of this town. In addition to gold, Clunes has a strong association as a place of knowledge, learning and literature. Its ‘Booktown’ status, and its campus of Wesley College, build upon the town’s solid legacy in education that evolved from the nineteenth century and that saw the establishment of this School of Mines, two primary schools, and a mechanics institute (public library).

Through the efforts of Working Heritage, this historic place has been conserved and enhanced. In recent years, Working Heritage have undertaken conservation works to the Clunes School of Mines that has removed an unsightly addition and reinstated the original front porch. An outdoor seating area has been built at the rear, and this provides a fine place to sit and to appreciate this charming little building, and to enjoy its idyllic setting that overlooks the Creswick Creek as it meanders through this valley of gold.