The Goldfields are Victoria’s former mining towns, which emerged in the 1850's when hundreds of gold veins were discovered in the state’s north. During the 19th century, more than a third of the world’s gold production came from the region, making Victoria’s fortune. In both Ballarat and Bendigo, the many baroque and neo-baroque façades and Victorian buildings give both towns a striking modern-western feel. Two smaller former mining towns, Clunes and Castlemaine, can make for a complete day trip to the Goldfields.