Creswick in Melbourne’s North West is one of those country towns you dream about - a rich history, beautiful township, friendly locals, great places to eat and PLENTY of places to explore with the family.

Strap in and let Mamma take you on a FULL and FUN weekend away in Creswick!

Hammon Park Pump Track - Start your weekend on a high! Grab the bikes or scooters, OR skateboards and get warmed up on this awesome pump track - this is a bitumen track with smaller and larger options and some crazier runs for the daredevils.
There is also another flat bike track around the park with some small bumps, and jumps. You will also find a cute playground here plus BBQ’s and toilets. A great place to hang with the little ones.

The Djuwang Baring Mountain Bike Trails - Once you have warmed up on the pump track get ready for your next adventure. The new Djuwang Baring mountain bike trails have just opened up and there has been PLENTY of buzz about this 60km network of trails which has become hugely popular with the mountain biking crew.
This extensive network features approximately 70 trail segments, with a map designating different tracks for all skill levels.

We hired our bikes from Ballarat Bike Hire. Sam delivered us some very cool mountain bikes, serviced and clean - plus helmets, and gave us some further instructions on the best places for us to go. When we were done he swung by and collected them from us - this was such a helpful experience! Highly recommended!

Le Peche Gourmand - You’re going to need a good feed after all that activity and Mamma knows you will love Le Peche Gourmand - right on the main street this cute boulangerie-patisserie has some VERY impressive pastries and some VERY delicious and fresh baguettes and sandwiches - everything is made in house here and most ingredients are local. Dine inside or there are some table out the front to do some people watching!

Creswick Museum - Right across the road in the Town Hall is the Creswick Museum where you can learn about some fascinating history of the area. Including some artwork and exhibits on the gold mining history, local government and you will also see some artworks from the very famous local family - The Lindsays. Also, you can’t miss the gorgeous old basalt spiral staircase and wrought iron balcony. $5 per adult (cash) kids are free!

Magic Pudding Playground - time for some play! Right in the centre of town under the oak trees is the very cute Magic Pudding Playground. Based on the children’s book written by famous local Norman Lindsay you will find some nods to the book here like the Sam Sawnoff and Bill Barnacle totems and the Salt Junk Sarah boat among others. There is a sandpit here plus house cubby and slide, swings and bridges and more!

The Lindsays Art Trail - Speaking of the Lindsays - this creative and influential family lived in the area from the 1890’s to the 1960’s. Many of the ten children became prominent artists - the most famous being Norman Lindsay. You can take a self guided tour around the town showcasing their artworks, where they lived, went to school, places that inspired their artworks and more. Pop into the Information Centre for your map! It’s FREE!

Odessa at Leavers Hotel - what a gem! This gorgeous bar is FULL of character, with its dim lighting, fireplace, trinkets, ornaments and artworks. This is technically the oldest standing building in Creswick dating back to 1856. You will get a warm welcome, a delicious cocktail (or bite if you’re hungry) and some great live music - bands come through here both local and world renowned. It’s intimate and warm and very inviting for a pre dinner drink.

The American - A big day requires a hearty meal - and that is what you will get at The American. One of the local faves, this (second oldest standing building!) has a rich history and many tales to tell. Be sure to scan the walls for some old photographs and memorabilia from days gone by. They also offer some classic pub accomodation.

Il Bello Cafe - After a restful sleep you are going to need some fuel for your day! Il Bello is a cute Italian inspired cafe on the main street with an incredible back courtyard. Get your classic breakfast faves like avo toast and a heap of different eggs benedict options, plus heaps more!

Creswick Woollen Mills - You may have heard of this place. Creswick Wool products are a well known Aussie brand dating back to 1947 known for quality and craftsmanship. Here at the mill you can go for a self guided tour in the museum, learning about the origins of the business and the history and manufacturing process of wool. You will also see the old machinery that was still in use in recent years! Do NOT miss the farm experience where you can meet the friendly alpacas, goats and sheep - be sure to say bye to Shaun and he will say bye back to you!

Le Gerche Forest Trail - Breathe in. This forest trail is so pretty and serene - especially in Autumn. Follow the signs on this 2.2km loop walk around the old plantation site of John La Gerche. With various species of conifers from the Canary Islands, Austria, California, Corsica, and Scotland plus a 120-year-old Oak Gully.

St Georges Lake - This pretty-as-a-picture lake is the perfect picnic spot in the warmer weather, or even for a dip or paddle, in the cooler months go exploring around the lake trail (currently there is a section blocked off but you can still explore around the open trail) and take in the gorgeous scenery - note the trail is bumpy and slippery in parts so wear appropriate footwear!

The Cumberland Hotel/Smeaton Hotel - As our weekend comes to an end and we head home we pop in to warm our hands by the fire and fill our bellies with some incredible pub food. This hotel is the oldest weatherboard pub in Vic will not disappoint with its rich vintage interiors and that cozy fire. The perfect country pub.

Andersons Mill - Just when you thought the adventure was over, we squeeze in one more pit stop just up the road. The old Andersons Mill is located in a picture postcard setting on the banks of Birch’s Creek at Smeaton and is an important part of Victoria’s Goldfields heritage. Standing much the same as it did over 100 years ago, the five-storey bluestone building and its magnificently crafted iron water wheel are a reminder of an industry that flourished after the gold rush of the 1850s. It opens annually for the Anderson’s Mill Heritage Weekend each May (9th and 10th), but you can still pop in and wander around the grounds at any time of year.

What a weekend!

There are plenty more adventures to be had out this way too like Tuki Trout Farm, Black Cat Truffles, Kryal Castle plus in summer the Creswick Water Park comes alive as does Calambeen Park with its lake and diving boards.
You are also right near the larger towns of Daylesford and Ballarat.
There are also plenty of accommodation options for all budgets to plan your stay!