Top 10 Things to Do in Creswick
Local's Guide
Planning a visit to Creswick? You'll love every minute of your stay in this characterful gold rush-era township. From following in the footsteps of Norman Lindsay and his famous artistic family, to delving in the history of gold mining and wool milling in the area, tick off these ten great things to do in Creswick.
1. Follow the Creswick of the Lindsays Arts Trail
Drop into the Creswick Visitor Information Centre on Albert Street and pick up your copy of the Creswick of the Lindsays Arts Trail guide or download a copy here. This self-guided trail takes you past many locations around Creswick that were significant to the Lindsay family. The ten Lindsay children were born in Creswick between 1870 and 1894.
Each site is marked by an information sign and glass panels with a print of a famous artwork inspired by the location. Most can be reached on foot except for Creswick Cemetery, which is a situated a short drive from town. The best place to start the trail is at the Visitor Information Centre.
2. Step back in time at Creswick Museum
Heritage-listed Creswick Town Hall on Albert Street is home to the must-visit Creswick Museum. Staffed entirely by volunteers, it’s open to the public on Saturdays from 11am to 3pm, and Sundays during school holidays. It has an impressive collection on display, including colonial paintings by Victor Litherland and pieces by the Lindsay family (such as ‘the Gardener’ – painted by Percy Lindsay in 1896). The museum also shares the history of gold mining in the wider region.
3. Drive the Buried Rivers of Gold Trail
Creswick was built on gold, and the discovery of a deep lead gold deposit gave the town its place in history as the home of the world’s richest deep alluvial goldfield. The Buried Rivers of Gold Self-Drive Trail will take you past many sites of significance from the gold rush-era. Collect a map from the Visitor Information Centre or download it here and take a drive back in time. The trail will take about 90 minutes to do by car and covers approximately 30 kilometres.
One of the most significant stops on this trail is the New Australasian No. 2 Mine Site – the site of Australia’s worst mining disaster. In 1882, 22 men lost their lives when the mine suffered significant inundation by flood water. The site has recently had new interpretive signage installed that commemorates the lost miners. Park your car near the gate and follow the path to the mine site.
4. Hit the trails at Djuwang Baring
Creswick’s fastest growing attraction is the new 60-kilometre mountain bike trail network known as Djuwang Baring (which means ‘long track’ in the language of the Dja Dja Wurrung first people). The trails are skill-rated and suitable for all riding abilities. If you want to tackle the trails, bike hire is available with drop-off at the trailhead at Hammon Park (five minutes’ walk from the town centre). Pick up a trail map from the Visitor Information Centre.
5. Picnic by St Georges Lake
Located approximately three kilometres from the town centre, St Georges Lake is a picturesque location for a picnic. You can hike right around the lake or do a spot of fishing. A popular spot for photographers is the remains of the old jetty, which looks stunning on foggy mornings. The walking trail around the lake also links in with the famous Goldfields Track.
6. Do the La Gerche Forest Trail loop walk
When forest bailiff John La Gerche came to Creswick in 1882, he found what was described as a ‘lunar landscape’. Three decades of gold mining had stripped the once forested Wombat foothills bare. In 1887, he selected sheltered Sawpit Gully as the site for a nursery and plantation to grow exotic ornamental and commercial tree species.
Today, you can access the historical La Gerche Forest Trail loop walk from Sawpit Road, off the Midland Highway. Near the car park you’ll see the entry to the old forest nursery, the 19th century stables, and a carved timber statue of La Gerche. The return walk is two kilometres long and takes approximately an hour to complete. One of the highlights is the 140-year-old oak gully, which was planted by La Gerche. Kids love running beneath the oak trees and playing in the cubbies that have been built from fallen branches.
7. Explore the School of Forestry
The old School of Forestry, founded in 1910 and now the Creswick campus of the University of Melbourne, is located off Water Street – just a short walk or drive from the town centre. Its original remit was to train people to manage and regulate activities in the state’s forests.
You are welcome to explore the heritage grounds by downloading a copy of the campus’ self-guided walking tour brochure. On the arboretum walk, you’ll see several highly significant trees. The site also features some stunning period buildings, including Tremearne House and the old goldfields hospital building (which was built using bluestone from nearby Clunes).
8. Tour Creswick Woollen Mills
Creswick Woollen Mills has long been part of the fabric of Creswick. Situated just a five-minute drive from the town centre, the family owned and operated mill began producing natural fibre textiles back in 1947. Today you can shop onsite for a wide range of wool products and do a free self-guided tour of the original factory floor. Titled ‘A Very Fine Yarn’, this tour traces the journey of wool from paddock to product – and you can still see some of the machinery that was used to produce the company’s iconic products. On weekends and school holidays, the Mill’s farmyard is open to visitors (a modest entry fee applies). Meet alpacas, sheep, and other gentle farm animals.
9. Learn the secrets to making French pastry
Creswick has a great dining scene, including many well-regarded cafes, bakeries, country pubs, and eateries where you can enjoy delicious coffee-and-cake or a more substantial meal. Situated in the main street, Le Peche Gourmand is a purveyor of traditional French pastries. They offer regular workshops for those wanting to learn how to make their own pastries. Contact Le Peche directly for more details.
10. Cool off at Calembeen Park
A short walk or drive west of the town centre, Calembeen Park consists of two lakes with colourful waterlilies and birdlife. This site was once known as the Black Lead Diggings and was worked by Chinese miners during the 1850s and 60s. By the early 1900s the mine workings had been abandoned, and in 1911 they were deemed as a suitable place to establish a swimming hole. During the summer months, the lakes precinct is usually packed with local families enjoying the cool water and jumping from the restored, three-level dive tower. Take care!
Find out what's on in Creswick during your visit.