About Dunolly

Population approximately 750
178 kilometres north-west of Melbourne
Gold heritage
Prior to European settlement the area was occupied by the Djajawurrong clan Aborigines.
Took its name from the Dunolly pastoral run which was named by Campbell McDougall after the seat of the McDougall clan – Dunolly Castle.
One of the states earliest vineyards established 1854 and only recently closed.

The Dunolly and surrounding district turned up more gold nuggets than any other region in Australia. The largest gold nugget in the world, the “Welcome Stranger”, was found in 1869 in nearby Moliagul, the “Hand of Faith” nugget was found in Kingower 30 ks away in the 1980s. The area bounded by Wedderburn in the north, Inglewood in the east and Dunolly to the south became known as the Golden Triangle.

In its prime the main street, Broadway was several kilometers long. Firstly as a canvas town and then as the gold continued to be found, with the more permanent structures many of which remain today.

Today Dunolly's attractive main street is lined with kurrajongs and gold rush architecture. The land is primarily used for farming.

Many still come to Dunolly to try their hand at prospecting, you can hire equipment in town. It is also a popular destination for cyclists. There are extensive cycle tracks in the area.

From Maryborough the traveller proceeds, by way of Havelock and Bet Bet, to Dunolly and important town one hundred and twenty-five miles from Melbourne. It is situated between the Loddon and Avoca Rivers, and has around it a large farming and vine-growing district. In its immediate neighbourhood is the mining village of Goldsborough, at which is the famous Queen's Birthday claim, besides other rich quartz mines. In addition to gold the Dunolly reefs contain iron, manganese, copper, antimony, kaoline and slate. The town is well built and its roads are in excellent order. - Extract The Picturesque Atlas of Australasia 1886

Activities and attractions

Cycle the bicycle paths that form the Golden Triangle network linking the historic towns of Dunolly, Wedderburn and Inglewood
See a replica of the famous 69 kilogram “Welcome Stranger” nugget at the Goldfields Historical and Arts Museum
Try your luck at prospecting for gold – hire a metal detector and pick up a map from Dunolly's prospecting store
Explore the architecture along Broadway – pick up a brochure from the visitor centre and learn about the historic Cobb and Co building and Railway and Royal hotels
Browse through the collectible shops.
Dunolly street market 4th Sunday of the Month

What's nearby – approx travel times

20 mins Maryborough - RACV Challenge November
40 mins away is Maldon
45 mins away is Bendigo