Talbot is between Clunes and Maryborough and is the southern gateway to the central Victorian goldfields. It is less than two hours from Melbourne, 40 minutes from Ballarat and 30 minutes from Avoca. Talbot's population is about 300, with a further 600 people living in the immediate area.

Talbot came into being as a township after Victoria's first unofficial gold was discovered here in 1848. There were waves of development in the 1850s (population 15,000) and late 1860s when the population stabilised at about 3.400. Talbot suffered population drift due to mines closing in late 1880s, return of soldiers from war, the depression, the decline in the town's businesses and services throughout the 1970s and '80s and the devastating effect of both the bushfires of 1985 and the drought since the late 1990s.

In spite of this, the spirit of Talbot is indomitable and long-time residents are now being joined by new ones and significant rebuilding of community spirit, assets, and historic buildings has begun.

The Talbot Farmer's Market is the third Sunday of each month, has well over 100 stalls, and attracts several thousand visitors each market.

The Talbot Astronomical Observatory is open all year, and is easy to find (right next to the post office)

District accommodation options range from caravan park and motel, to bed & breakfasts and farmstays. The hotel offers great old-fashioned pub meals, whilst takeaway food is available from both the corner shop. Great espresso coffee, cake and light lunches are available from London House on weekends and public holidays.

For information on the nearby historic gold town visit the Clunes website