Bibliophiles assemble! Less than two hours from Melbourne lies the wee goldfields town of Clunes (otherwise known as 'Booktown'). Clunes has a huge number of bookshops for its 1,700 or so strong population, and they make the most of their literary reputation. Each year the town hosts the Clunes Booktown Festival to celebrate the written word in all its glory.
Since 2007 the festival has grown to attract around 15,000 visitors each year, with many well-known writers jumping on board. This year's line-up of some 30 authors includes leading activist Sally Rugg, superstar children's author Andy Griffiths, historian Geoffrey Blainey and women's mental health expert Lisa de Nikolits.
Throughout the weekend festival, guests can attend panel discussions, listen to author talks, feast at literary luncheons, see some of Australia's rarest books and try their luck in a scrabble tournament. There's also all the regular festival fare like street performers, live music and horse and cart rides.
Entry to the festival is $10, and tickets to author events are on sale now for $15. Bookmark May 2 and 3 in your diary and have yourself a scholarly time.