Since the 1850’s and 1860’s Dunolly was the epicentre of the Australian Gold Rush due to its location within the infamous Golden Triangle. As a thriving commercial hub with the London and Chartered Bank ( now the RTC Building) and a Cobb and Co office, Dunolly has many architectural riches with many preserved facades and buildings on the main street of Broadway.
DUNOLLY HISTORIC PRECINCT
The golden past is alive and thriving in Dunolly. It’s evident in the historic private and public buildings, the wide boulevard of Broadway and the stories of gold discoveries still whispered among fortune seekers.
The Dunolly Historic Precinct embodies the wealth and aspirations of central Victoria. The precinct incorporates two sites; the majestic1884 Town Hall on Broadway and the 1863 court house, stables and lockup, and 1950s police station on Market Street.
Take a self-guided walk and learn the history. Book a group tour with a friendly local. Hold your meeting or event within the heritage spaces. Say “I do” for a wedding with a difference. Or enjoy a show by local or visiting performers.
DUNOLLY TOWN HALL – was built as the first county court in 1884, before swapping functions with the original Borough of Dunolly Town Hall in 1890. Some say it was because the judges couldn’t hear the proceedings.
The rear hall was completed in 1892. The portraits and honour boards which still grace the hall, record many men active in local business and community life – with no women mentioned until the 1990s!
Historic theatre backdrops continue to be used for local performances on a historical stage.
DUNOLLY COURT HOUSE – was built in 1863 as the original Town Hall, complete with library, reading room, council chamber and offices
In 1890, the centre of local government in Dunolly moved to the court house on Broadway and the beautiful court furniture and fittings were reconstructed in their present setting. The judge’s robing room and separate entrance were added and the layout modified. The court house operated for a century.
DUNOLLY POLICE STABLES, LOCK UP AND POLICE STATION – are beside the court house. The stables and lock up were constructed in 1863 to complete the legal precinct. The three-cell lockup was used until the court house closed in 1981. The stables were converted to a garage sometime before World War Two. All were restored back to their original states in 2014.
Tales of the colourful characters to go through the courts and spend time in the lock up are recorded on storyboards around the precinct
The original timber police station is typical of the stations provided by the Police Department in remote and rural areas of Victoria in the 1950s
For more information or to hire the venues, contact: https://dunollyhistoricprecinct.com.au/contact/
Above historical information and photo of the Lock up are from the Dunolly Historic Precinct website
DUNOLLY MUSEUM
The Goldfields Historical & Arts Society was formed in 1960 and operates the Dunolly Museum which covers the history of Dunolly & surrounds and preserves items of historical value for the future.
The Society holds numerous unique records and information, often useful to people researching family history in the district. It is also a museum with a large collection of relics both wondrous and strange. Don’t be fooled by the apparent small size, the museum extends almost the full depth of the block.
Since 15th April 1968, when Miss Marcia Ferrier, Director of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, officially opened the Museum, the Dunolly Museum has welcomed many visitors from all over Australia and overseas.
Dunolly is a small town so finding the museum is easy. On the main street called Broadway, look for the cairn on the footpath with the anvil mounted on top. (The world’s largest alluvial gold nugget, the Welcome Stranger, was cut into pieces on this anvil. A replica of the infamous nugget is featured in the Museum.)
Opening Hours may be subject to change. Admission: Entrance fees to the Museum are $4 per adult and children admitted free. Located near the corner of Thompson and Broadway at 75 Broadway, Dunolly.
For more information: contact Goldfields Historical & Arts Society (Dunolly Museum). John Tully president 0428 178 669
Email: weilapublishing@bigpond.com
Dunolly Museum link: https://dunollymuseumsite.wordpress.com/
Dunolly Walking Maps
Tips for Walking in Dunolly
- Prepare: Check the weather forecast and ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. Some trails might be uneven or rugged.
- Stay Safe: Inform someone about your plans and expected return time, especially if you’re exploring less frequented trails.
- Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of the area for others.
With these resources and tips, you should be well-prepared to enjoy the walking opportunities that Dunolly has to offer!
Dunolly Dredge Hole Walking Track
The Dunolly Dredge Hole is a fascinating site in Victoria, Australia, known for its historical significance in gold mining. Located near the town of Dunolly, the site is a remnant of the gold rush era that began in the 1850s.
Goldfields Guide
A guide to the Dunolly and surrounds Goldfields provides valuable information for those interested in exploring the historical gold mining areas around Dunolly, Victoria.
