Visit Buninyong, ten minutes' south of Ballarat along the Midland Highway, where gold was discovered several weeks before Ballarat. First settled in 1838, the town lays claim to being one of Victoria's first inland townships. 

The scenic beauty of the township is unsurpassed in the region and today the heritage township offers a range of activities, attractions, services and accommodation for the visitor wanting a relaxed getaway in a village-like atmosphere.

 Today, many of the historic buildings have been faithfully restored and the town boasts a range of art and craft galleries, tea rooms and clothing stores to interest visitors. 

Overlooking the township is Mount Buninyong which offers breathtaking views of the region and an abundance of walking tracks.

Photographs © Geoff & Val Crimp

Taking the town's heritage walk you will see many of the surviving buildings and sites associated with its exciting history. Examples worth seeking out are the recently restored Public Library, Post Office and Shire Hall, or the lovely old Botanical Gardens. The site includes the Gong where you can fish in delightful, picturesque surroundings.

Some of the highlights in Buninyong's calendar is the Gold King Festival held on the third weekend in February, hosting family entertainment, street stalls and exhibits and the street parade. The popular Buninyong Film Festival is held annually on the first weekend in May and the craft market held the first Sunday of the month on the steps of the historic Town Hall.

Buninyong Township Map

Accommodation in Buninyong and the region.

Camellia Cottage B&B, 710 Warrenheip Street, BUNINYONG, 3357 Phone: (03) 5341 8262 Mob: 0407 051 384. Camellia Cottage offers private, self-contained accommodation for up to 4 people in the newly completed guest wing of historic Camellia Cottage in the heart of Buninyong. Children welcome. Fully organic Continental breakfast.

Graebern Lodge, 602 Cathcart St, BUNNINYONG. VIC 3357 Phone: (03) 5341 3139 Mob 0412 741 672
Nestled amongst tranquil bushland in the heart of Buninyong, Graebern Lodge offers stylish 2 storey, self contained B&B accommodation specialising in group bookings. The Penthouse Suite comfortably accommodates 6 people. The Garden Suite comfortably accommodates 4 people. 4.5 Star rating.

Kankama Cottage Durham Lead via BUNINYONG. Phone: (03) 5341 8284
A fully self contained, two storey cottage in a quiet rural setting situated just twenty minutes from Ballarat, eight minutes from  historic Buninyong on a thirty acre alpaca stud. Accommodation for up to 6 people. Abundant wildlife, bushwalks and pets accepted.

Lal Lal Falls Cottage, Lal Lal Falls Road, LAL LAL. Phone: 0407 717 626
Discover the unique treasures of Lal Lal while staying in a beautifully appointed B & B in a relaxing country setting with views of Mt Warrenheip and farmlands opposite. The cottage features a delightful bedroom, wood fire, seperate spa room and full kitchen facilities. Close to all Ballarat and Buninyong attractions. 5 minute walk to a local country hotel where meals are available.

Schaanwald Bed and Breakfast, 55 Hendersons Lane, BUNINYONG. 3357 Phone: (03) 5341 2351
Offers you first class and intimate accommodation in a superbly furnished homestead located on an idyllic and tranquil 18 acre bushland estate 5 minutes way from the historic village of Buninyong 10 kilometres south of Ballarat and only a one and a half hour drive from Melbourne. Enjoy the peace and quiet communing with nature. Weekend package available.

The Miners' Church Bed & Breakfast, 224 Napoleons Rd., BUNINYONG. 3357 Phone: (03) 53 413 954
The Miner's Church offers an authentic Goldfields experience. This self contained accommodation is set on 1 acre of rambling cottage garden, with 15 squares of living space, 3 comfy bedrooms, colonial kitchen, breakfast & games rooms and an outdoor pizza oven.

Attractions in the Region

Buninyong Farmer’s Market
3rd Sat of month, Desoza Park, 10am-2pm. Ph: 0410 009 000 or 0418 543 772

Bowerbird Cottage, 7594 Midlands Hwy (Sebastopol/Buninyong Road) Magpie. Phone: (03) 5341 8303
A unique shop on the outskirts of Ballarat offering giftware, china, antiques, glassware, bric 'a' brac, prints, furniture, jewellery, collectables & much more. Definitely worth the short drive to visit. Check the website for opening hours. 

Gordon Edgerton Galleries, Main Street, GORDON. Phone: (03) 5368 9240
Gordon Edgerton Galleries is housed in a former bank and residence which celebrated its centenary in 1984. Continuous exhibitions in a variety of media and subjects are held in the main gallery. Gallery Hours:11.00 am to 5.00 pm Friday to Sunday & Public Holidays

Lal Lal Estate, 313 Yendon-Edgerton Road, YENDON Via Ballarat 3352, Phone: 0409 428 837
In the rolling hill country east of Ballarat lies Lal Lal Estate, an historic 5000 acre sheep & cattle farm belonging to six generations of the pioneering Fisken family. Magnificent 100 year old homestead, 5 acres of rambling gardens and farm work demonstrations. Group tours large and small that are be flexible to meet your individual needs.

Meredith Nursery, Read St, MEREDITH. Phone: (03) 5286 1397
Established for some 15 years selling to both retail and wholesale markets. Natives, cypress, tree guards, agroforestry, planting service, contract growers, landscaping plants, small to semi-advanced plants.

Yuulong Lavender Estate, Yendon Rd, MT EGERTON 3345, Phone: (03) 53 689453.
The property features a retail nursery, craft and tearoom complex, picturesque bushland setting, large garden, contoured hills of lavender, bi annual music and farming festivals, and an extensive range of lavender culinary, craft, and skin care products