Creswick
Hit the trails
Old meets new and heritage joins modern in this beautifully picturesque part of the region. The idyllic town of Creswick, built on the proceeds of gold deposits mined during the 1850s, displays fine examples of grand architecture from a bygone era. It is also the birthplace of one of Australia’s most notable artistic families, the Lindsays.
For nature lovers, its regional parks are crisscrossed by walking and biking tracks. Look to the trees while you’re exploring the bushland to catch a glimpse of a koala. In recent years, the town has also become a draw for mountain bikers.
Other visitors come to tee off at the town’s bush-fringed golf course, while some are drawn to the historical wool mill to see the production of natural fibres up close. Settle in for a couple of days at RACV Goldfields Resort, with its long list of amenities, including a Tony Cashmore-designed golf course. Or opt for Creswick Holiday Park, set within bushland, it has camping and cabin options.
Things to do
Things to do in Creswick
Although it’s a tranquil town, the recently opened Djuwang Baring mountain bike trails (meaning ‘long track’ in the local Dja Dja Wurrung language), are attracting a whole new crowd for its 60-kilometres of tracks.
On the outskirts of town is the stunning Creswick Regional Park, a rich Aboriginal cultural landscape, home to the La Gerche Forest Walk and tranquil St Georges Lake. There are shared paths for walking and cycling, gold-mining relics and picnic areas.
Ready for a swim? Calembeen Park has two lakes where people have cooled off for more than a century. There’s also walking paths, picnic tables and public art.
One of the other popular Creswick attractions is the family-owned Creswick Woollen Mills, where visitors can check out the interactive exhibit, meet the friendly farm animals, or buy a wool jumper or blanket at the mill shop.
Find out more about the Lindsay family and its artistic legacy on the Lindsay Art Trail, which has 24 sites, including the cemetery, library and former family homes, across seven kilometres in town. Grab a map from the visitor information centre.
Eat and Drink
Located in Creswick’s oldest building is Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, a cosy wine bar with cocktails, local wines, globally influenced food and live music from some of Australia’s favourite performers.
For family-friendly modern dining, look no further than Three Founders at Goldfields RACV Resort. The chefs use a Josper grill to full effect on local produce. There’s also Springs Bar and Terrace for a casual lunch or afternoon sunset drink and snack.
One of the most popular spots in town is Le Peche Gourmand, a French patisserie and cafe. Stop by for coffee and croissants – it’s a little pocket of Paris in the country – and stock up on baguettes, canelé, macarons and other treats.
The best Creswick events
Each April, the town comes alive for CresFest, showcasing folk and roots music in a variety of venues over three days. There’ll be fun and dancing, a busking competition and kids’ events.
In November, the Creswick Garden Club holds its flower show in the neighbourhood hall. On the third Sunday of each month, bring your basket to the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre for Creswick Market and fill it up with local produce, jams and sauces, olive oil and more. Or head inside to discover a Makers Market with plenty of handmade wares to choose from.
How to get to Creswick
About halfway between Daylesford and Ballarat, you’ll find Creswick. It takes about an hour-and-a-half to drive here from Melbourne, or you can catch a V/Line service to Ballarat, with a coach connecting to Creswick.
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