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Accommodation   |  Attractions  |   Dining

CRESWICK

Located on the Midlands Highway, a scenic fifteen minutes drive north from Ballarat, is the picturesque and historic township of Creswick.

It is difficult to imagine that during the goldrush of the 1850's this peaceful, unpretentious township had a bustling population in excess of 25,000 eager to make their fortune. Today the remains of that era are evident all around Creswick offering visitors a rich and varied experience of one of Australia's first gold mining districts.

One reputable and fine achievement of Creswick has been the pioneering of  landcare and, in 1910, the establishment of the" School of Forestry " - now a part of the University of Melbourne .

Creswick today is small but bustling, self sufficient rural town possessing convenience, natural beauty, art & culture.

 EXPLORE the natural & indigenous history, Land Care trails, signed walking tracks, springfed lakes and creeks to fish, swim, and picnic by.

ABSORB the atmosphere of our vineyards , eating houses, country pubs, sporting venues, secluded rural retreats and pure fresh air.

INDULGE in the art, craft, specialty plant nurseries, gardens, amateur theatre, festivals, interesting tourist attractions and luxury accommodation.

ENJOY country hospitality graced by natural and beautiful scenery and the quiet country life of our town & neighbouring communities.

Creswick is a short drive from the mineral springs of Daylesford, the wineries of the Pyrenees, and the historic town of Clunes, where gold was first discovered in Victoria.

Famous people born here include John Curtin and Norman Lindsay.

For more information:
Creswick Visitor Information Centre, 41 Albert St, Creswick  Ph. 5345-1114
Open daily. 10am – 5pm.

Infolink Computer Centre, 41 Albert St, Creswick  Ph. 5345-1114, Fax 5345-8273
InfoLink Computer centre located at the Tourist Information Centre 41 Albert Street. Hosted weekdays and also available weekends.

To view a map of Creswick - Click Here (this is a pdf document)

To view a list of markets and dates in and around Creswick  - Click Here
Photos courtesy of Di Thomas (Ph: 5333 1100) & Heath Worsley Imagery (Ph:0407 569 099)

    ACCOMMODATION  OF THE REGION

American Hotel, 90 Albert Street, CRESWICK. 3363 Phone: (03) 5345 2510
Established in the 1850's, The American Hotel is centrally located and has a long association with the town's rich history including operating as a Cobb and Co Station. We offer our patrons a warm and friendly atmosphere with accommodation, fine dining and functions in the 'Lindsay Room' as well as courtyard dining and our delicious fare in the Bistro.

Calembeen Lake Caravan Park , 12 Cushing Ave, CRESWICK. Phone: (03) 5345 2411
Peaceful, tranquil setting beside Lake Calembeen. Just a short stroll on a picturesque walking track will take you to fishing, swimming or just beautiful bush surrounds.

Creswick Motel,  Midland Highway, CRESWICK. 3363 Phone: (03) 5345 2400
Explore historic Creswick with its forest parks, lakes, magnificent buildings, relics from a golden past, clean fresh air, friendly people, and just a short walk to the 'local' for dinner Spacious comfortable units. 2 bedroom units available. Free BBQ. Located in a quiet position off highway.

Heatherington Cottage, 3832 Newstead/Creswick Road, KINGSTON. 3364 Phone: (03) 5345 6167
Newly established cottage on edge of 300 acre cattle property. Comprises 2 queen size bedrooms with spabath ensuites plus all modern amenities throughout cottage. Enjoy country peace and beauty yet still close to towns.

Mitchell House, 375 Kingston Road. KINGSTON. Phone (03) 5348 1448
Luxury, self contained accommodation. Sleeps 10.
Enchanting and recently renovated, Mitchell House is a Four bed roomed country retreat in historic Kingston, between Daylesford and Creswick. With soaring 13 ft ceilings and expansive rural views, Mitchell House is an ideal property for a family, group gathering or wedding party. Full kitchen, large dining table. There is room to stretch and relax in the large living area and with Open plan design ensures easy conversation with family and friends. Well behaved pets welcome. Welcome hamper on arrival in a take home chiller bag.

Novotel Forest Resort, 1500 Midlands Hwy, CRESWICK. 3363 Phone: (03) 5345 9600
Novotel Forest Resort Creswick is a brand new, 4½ star luxury, eco friendly hotel that opened on 26th March 2008. It features 144 accommodation rooms and is situated on 150 acres of bushland. Luxury features of the Resort include an A la carte restaurant, lobby bar, conference and function facilities, boutique day spa and numerous recreational facilities.

Tait's Cottage, 102 Albert Street, CRESWICK. 3363 Phone:  0438 322 782
Built in the 1860s Tait’s Cottage retains its charm and character. Surrounded by spacious grounds and old world charm this quaint two bedroom cottage exudes the atmosphere that is still evident in the township of Creswick today..

Tuki Trout Farm, Stoney Rises, SMEATON, Phone: (03) 53 456233
Cottage accommodation in the heart of Victoria's Gold and Spa country. 9 cottages available. Mid-week and weekend packages available. Trout fishing, licenced restaurant, natural springs and conference facilities.

Bush camping at Slaty Creek camp ground. Hosted by Parks Victoria (refer to their website or 131 963)

     ATTRACTIONS AND PLACES OF INTEREST

Creswick Woollen Mills, Railway Parade, (Off Clunes/Midlands Hwy) CRESWICK, 3363
Phone: (03) 5345 2202

 

Creswick Woollen Mills now stock a great range of natural fibre knitwear for men, women and children, including ugg boots and the great RM Williams. Unique products created at the mill include Alpaca blankets, throws and accessories. . Factory outlet – Open 7 days: 10.00am - 5.00pm. Enjoy a morning coffee in our new coffee shop, see live operational machinery and don't forget to visit our baby alpacas!

Mistydowns Nursery at the Tangled Maze, Cnr Midlands and Smokeytown Road, CRESWICK.
Phone: (03) 5345 2847
Specialist growers of Heritage and Modern Roses, Peonies, and Unusual Perennials. Visit our website to get a taste of what you will find at our beautiful Botanical Maze and Nursery. Rare and hard to find plants and Roses. A garden lovers paradise.

Newlyn Antiques and Cottage Garden Nursery, 2851 Midland Highway NEWLYN Phone: 03 5345 7458
Set by the side of the Midland Highway between Creswick and Daylesford, Newlyn Antiques and Cottage Garden Nursery buys and sells Antiques, Old Wares, Fine China and Collectables. Our Nursery specialises in Heritage apples and pears, olives and more.

Tailored Strands, Alpaca Yarns, Gallery & Wholesaler, PO Box 368, CRESWICK 3363. Phone: (03) 5345 6169
Tailored Strands Gallery - Alpaca from paddock to person: animals, fleeces, yarns, garments and accessories all at one location (Groups welcome by appointment please)

The Tangled Maze and Mistydowns Nursery, Cnr Midlands & Smokeytown Rd, CRESWICK 3363,
Phone: (03) 53 452847.
The Tangled Maze is a botanical maze constructed of 1000's of flowering plants, grown on trellises to
provide the traditional puzzle. Solve our mystery trail. Browse through Mistydowns Nursery. Specialist growers of Heritage and Modern Roses, Peonies and Unusual Perennials. Relax in our cosy cafe. Great family fun.

Tuki Fishing and Farming Complex, Stoney Rises, SMEATON, Phone: (03) 53 456233
8 km north of Smeaton. Open daily. Dine anytime. 11am - 6pm. Fishing, licenced restaurant, trout lunches. Cottage accommodation.

Andersons Mill. An historic bluestone mill built in 1861 at Smeaton. Open 1st Sunday of the month. Phone: (03) 53 336782

Creswick Golf Club, Midlands Hwy. Phone:(03) 53 452526.
Fully operational Robert Allenby designed 18-hole golf course located at the Forest Resort.

Creswick Museum  Built 1876 as Municipal Chambers and converted into the Creswick Museum, opened 1970. Contains a good collection of photos and items from Creswick's gold mining past.  Open Weekends and Public Holidays 11am to 3.30pm.

Twin Needles and Cascade Threads Craft shop, Albert St Creswick.

The Elephant Patch craft shop. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Short and long-term classes available.

Albert Hall Gallery. (Doug & Jan Bosher) Open 10-4 Saturdays or by appt.

Newlyn Antiques and Cottage Gardens and Plants, Newlyn.

Melbourne University campus, Forestry School. Site of the original Creswick hospital and historic Tremearne House.

Natural Attractions

Australasia Mine Nos. 1 & 2. 1.5 km north along Clunes Rd. Open to the public.
Site of the great mine disaster of 1882, 22 men drowned.

Calembeen Park. Once the site of old Chinatown, one of the spring filled lakes is now a perfect swimming spot with diving tower and adjacent todlers pool.

Koala Park. 2.3 km east along Melbourne Rd. Former site of koala re-introduction to area on 1940's. Picnic facilities, pleasant bush walks to St Georges Lake and Eatons Dam.

St Georges Lake. 1.3 km east along Melbourne Rd. Originally dug to provide water for gold sluicing. Now used for swimming, fishing, picnics, and surrounded by a network of walking tracks.

Slaty Creek. In Creswick regional park, off Melbourne Rd. Areas for picnicking, gold panning, and walking.

Park Lake. Historic botanical gardens now a park with restored lake and fountain, picnic grounds, shelter shed and BBQs.32 tennis courts (16 lawn courts) now make it home to regional weekend tennis competition. All courts available to hire.

Things to Do

Buried Rivers of Gold self-guided tour.

Self-guided cemetery tours/Chinese memorial.

Self-guided town tour visiting historical sights of the town.

Gardens and Nurseries

Mistydowns Nursery at the Tangled Maze, Cnr Midlands and Smokeytown Road, CRESWICK.
Phone: (03) 5345 2847
Specialist growers of Heritage and Modern Roses, Peonies, and Unusual Perennials. Visit our website to get a taste of what you will find at our beautiful Botanical Maze and Nursery. Rare and hard to find plants and Roses. A garden lovers paradise.

Newlyn Antiques & Cottage Garden Nursery, 2851 Midland Highway NEWLYN Phone: 03 5345 7458
Set by the side of the Midland Highway between Creswick and Daylesford, our Nursery specialises in Heritage apples and pears, olives and more.

Creswick Nursery and Seedbank. 1 km east along Midland Hwy. Native trees, shrubs and groundcovers. landcare education for schools. landcare interpretation trail. Picnic area. Phone: (03) 53 45 2200 (Centre) or 53 452502 (Nursery)

Lambley Gardens. 8kms from Creswick at Ascot.

Springpark Nursery, Eganstown

     DINING IN THE REGION

 

American Hotel, 90 Albert Street, CRESWICK. 3363 Phone: (03) 5345 2510
Established in the 1850's, The American Hotel is centrally located and has a long association with the town's rich history including operating as a Cobb and Co Station. We offer our patrons a warm and friendly atmosphere with accommodation, fine dining and functions in the 'Lindsay Room' as well as courtyard dining and our delicious fare in the Bistro.

Harvest 383 Restaurant at Novotel Forest Resort, 1500 Midlands Hwy, CRESWICK. 3363 Phone: (03) 5345 9600
The Harvest 383 philosophy is simple; creative menus using the best seasonal produce available in a relaxed environment with personalized country hospitality away from the cities hustle and bustle. Our menus change regularly to take advantage of the best seasonal ingredients. Harvest 383 is open 7 days a week for breakfast offering an extensive breakfast buffet. And Fridays and Saturdays for Dinner, bookings are essential.

Springs Bar and Terrace at Novotel Forest Resort, 1500 Midlands Hwy, CRESWICK. 3363 Phone: (03) 5345 960
Springs Bar and Terrace offers casual dining in a beautiful environment overlooking the Golf Course. The Bar and Terrace is open 7 days a week for lunch afternoon tea and dinner - or just drop in for a drink at the bar and watch the Golfers go by.

Tangles at the Maze. Cnr Midlands & Smokeytown Rd, CRESWICK 3363, Phone: (03) 53 452847.
Restaurant open Friday night and Sunday lunch. Café open daily for snacks.

Tuki Trout Farm, Stoney Rises, SMEATON, Phone: (03) 53 456233
Tuki is the home of serious trout. If you haven't been to Tuki you haven't tasted trout. Tuki Restaurant is open daily from 11am till 6pm or at other times by arrangement. Dine alfresco during the warmer months and enjoy the welcoming fire over winter.

Cocoa Chy. Albert St. Visit Creswick’s new chocolate shop and watch the chocolates being made or enjoy a great coffee or hot chocolate. Closed Wednesdays.

Farmers Arms Hotel, 31 Albert St, Creswick. Phone: (03) 53 452221

Lemon Tree Gallery, 86 Albert St, Creswick Phone: 5345 1120

Smokeytown Cafe, 77 Albert St, Creswick. Phone: (03) 5345 1557