Creswick, VIC 3363

Rural enough so almost everyone has a view of the forest, yet close enough to the city for a daily commute. Creswick is on the rise: great food in the pubs, live music in new venues, and a big new supermarket that caters to requests for specialty items. This town has a mixed population of long-time locals and fresh-of-the-train newbies. Welcome to Creswick!

Personally, I love coming to Creswick. It's a one stop destination for shopping without the congestion. Great cafes, easy parking, fabulous new supermarket, clothing stores, newsagent, chemist, doctors, professional services, green grocer, bakery, vintage shops, museum, visitor info, kid's entertainment ... the list just goes on and on. Very friendly, welcoming, country vibe.

A quiet little town bursting with personality, two lakes, amazing walking and riding tracks, new big supermarket, awesome pubs and bars. Nestled perfectly between Daylesford and Ballarat.

I moved here around seven years ago and agree with all the positive things said by others here about Creswick. I love it here. There are a few bossy people but they are everywhere and those bossy people also keep some of our many groups going. I joined a few and have left one for personality clash related reasons but that's ok. That person is still a good person in my eyes. We just didn't match - happens everywhere. The other groups I am still involved with and I look forward to adding more when time permits. Summers are hot but Lake George is great. Winters are cold and wet but also misty and beautiful and there is always beanies and warmth to be found. My Creswick favourites are crystal clear starry night skies, bird filled dawns across the hills, lovely locals with a nice mix of friendliness and helpfulness without being invasive, the peace and quiet, Creswick market and the proximity of the town to Ballarat, Clunes (Bookfair), easy access to Melbourne and to Daylesford and other small Hepburn Shire small towns. Love it.

Everybody has totally different experiences of a town and ofcourse Creswick isn't the place for everyone.

I have travelled and come from an army background so have lived in many cities around the world and also in Australia and absolutely love that I have found this little gold rush Victorian town.

The people are down to Earth, the locals are accepting, the Bush is on your doorstep, there are 3 night time venues and other restaurants open in the evening.
Nightlife
The farmers Arms offers lunches and dinner and live music Friday and Saturday. The American is a quaint old pub offering lunches and dinners both beautiful in the summer. Odessa is a new wine bar offering the same.
We have our very own IGA with extensive ranges of food and beverage which caters to all dietary and lifestyle options. Also putting sustainability in the forefront of decision making.

We have so many groups, art, theatre, music jams, historic societies and a transition Creswick group also working to help Creswick be a leader on current environmental issues.
The architecture is stunning, the main street sprawling with buildings and energy dating back to the gold rush.
We have 2 lakes which are used for swimming during the summer months.
Le gerche is a temperament forest and seriously one of the best walks you can do.
We have an absolutely bustling neighbour hood centre offering courses and a space for our community. We have in my opinion the best small country town market at the centre.

What else? I'll remember once I have finished and submitted!
Oh yes a world class French patisserie!

I have never felt anything but comfortable in the town but as I said ofcourse there is friction in small towns between people, you are co existing in a large family and people don't always get on, the reviews here that do paint Creswick in a negative light are most likely a reflection of the fact that it is a small town and there are ofcourse some friction sometimes and i have experienced some of wbat the writer expresses but on the whole Creswick is a great town to come especially to bring up children.

Oh yes the schools! They are all good by all accounts however my experience is with Creswick primary and I couldn't be happier with the forward thinking nurturing teachers and principle. Great values and lots of compassion.
And the creswick and district preschool on Victoria street is absolutely the best kinder in the region!

My boys get to meet with their friends who are like brothers and skate around the new pump track and skate park.

The access to public transport, buses trains keeps you connected with Ballarat and Melbourne.

I recommend Creswick!

I've lived here since I married in 1982. My daughters and grandchildren were raised here and we love it.
There are not many places where you have all the modern amenities such as a fabulous supermarket, butcher, pharmacy, medical centre, hospital, aged care facility, great cafes and restaurants, stylish hotels, alongside natural bushland, recreational water areas and sports facilities
within a few hundred metres. We're conveniently close to Ballarat and the highway to Melbourne, as well as on the way to Clunes and Daylesford. Much has changed over the last 37 years, all of it for the best. Creswick is going ahead in a great way. I'd be buying here now before it's too late!

I bought my house 5 years ago and call Creswick home and love my community, it's a little bit of city and a lot of country. I thought I'd list the changes in Creswick since I moved here in October 2014, taken from my memory so excuse if I have forgotten someone or something.
John La Gerche Statue unveiled, Bridges over Creswick Creek improved for flood prevention, Skate and Splash Park built, Calembeen Dive Tower restored, St George's Lake improvements, footpaths in Melbourne Rd, Historical Fountain at Shrine restored, The amazing Lindsay Art Trail constructed, Hammon Park Pump Track, Creswick Trails Project underway.
New Businesses or change of ownership:
Miss Northcotts Garden, Smokeytown, Country Roasts, The Story Unfolds, Harcourts Real Estate, PRD, Tin Can Collective 2nd Hand Shop, Laundromat, Farmers Wife, Farmers Arms, Shannons Bridge, Haberdashery Shop, 84 on Albert, Headquarters, Odessa Bar, Meg's Cafe, IGA Supermarket, Greenvale Butchers, Biggins and Scott, Verey Funerals, Creswick Wholefoods Collective at Community Centre, Goldfields Vet, Creswick Woollen Mills.
Amazing isn't it to see so many people investing in this beautiful, historical little town snuggly nestled in the bush between Ballarat and Daylesford .. it says the community is thriving and supporting these businesses, there is something in the town for everyone.
This is where I live with my dog, 3 cats, 3 chooks ... it's home.

I've just moved to this most amazing place. What a beautiful place to live. So many friendly people. Nothing a problem. I moved here from the Yarra Valley due to unbelievable costs from the council and me wanting more land. There's no comparison. The Hepburn Shire is the place I'd live....Just saying.

I moved from Melbourne to Creswick to run one of the town's real estate offices a little over two years ago.
I was resigned to the fact that it would take me at least a few years to build trust and make friendships in a community I knew no one in but....
I was welcomed with open arms and made to feel like I belonged with in days. People went out of their way to introduce themselves and literally with in weeks I already felt like I belonged.
I am proud to call Creswick home and really don't think I want to ever leave.

I love the town of Creswick and beautiful scenic surrounds.... The people are all lovely and a walk down the street beckons smiles and greetings... Amazing town with a great Library, food co-op, Neighbourhood Centre, and a commitment to sustainability and savings of energy and redistributes green waste to energy in a pilot project!! All systems go in this little City!!! Food, pubs, cafes, supermarket plus friendly people and a great market on the Third Saturday of each month. Love, love, love it!!

Creswick is simply fantastic! Kids can still walk or ride to school safely, having a normal childhood. Great schools, kinders, childcare and direct busses to most high schools. Community groups for just about everything, 2 lakes, a toddler pool, diving boards, great shops, pubs and eateries, and our fab new supermarket. The resort, great walking tracks and tonnes of history.
Too much to list - oh, and everyone is friendly. You can say hi to strangers in town and they say hi back lol. Can’t say enough great things.

This little town of Creswick is placed in lush, rich valley with plenty of water and forests. Excentricity bike riding locations and masses of active bushwalkers. Diverse community activities and groups and lively neighborhood centre with loads to become involved in. Beautiful heritage buildings with wide streets and a great New locally owned IGA. Creswick also boasts its own Wholefoods store where you can purchase organic,local produce at great prices. Great for outdoor activities such as gold panning and detecting. The town has two fantastic hotels including the award winning Farmers Arms and the new, stylish wine bar, Odessa's. Close to Ballarat, Daylesford and Clunes and a train ride to Melbourne.

Creswick has everything you need close by, lots of community things available if you want them but quiet easy place to live.

Creswick is a great town with plenty to offer. Great new supermarket. Great farm and hardware shop. Great food shops, Creswick roast, noodle shop, 2x pizza shops Farmers Arms, Smokey town cafe just to name a few. 3x primary schools 2x pre schools. High schools with bus runs in both directions, Daylesford and Ballarat. Close to Ballarat for any shopping not catered for directly in town. Beautifully surrounded by bush. Why would you want to live any where else.

I moved to Creswick in 2007, not knowing a soul. I have found a real connection in this community, and for anyone who makes an effort, there is a place for you. I joined a tennis club, and met a lot of people. I own a dog and walk my dog, and frequent the local shops every day. That goes a long way to meeting people and fitting in, belonging.

The town has all the main services, and is blessed with forests and trails, a beautiful lake, outdoor swimming facilities, a market, a community centre, and a great cafe culture. We also have some gorgeous niche businesses that draw people in.

When I compare the Creswick of now to 2007, it's changed so much for the better. Weekends see the main street buzzing, and many tourists visiting.

It's very cold in winter, and can get very hot in summer, but the scenery and surroundings are beautiful. Autumn is just sensational, and best of all, house prices are still so affordable.

My partner and i moved to Creswick a few years ago and we were pleasantly surprised by what this unassuming town had to offer. With the fabulous new supermarket this town has all your basics covered. A supportive and progressive community it is a very livable township for people of all ages.

Close to nature, bushwalking, and lovely lakes Creswick offers a country village feel whilst just 12 minutes from the regional city of Ballarat and the major services on offer there. The main street has specialist shops, cafes, and three lovely bars offering food and entertainment. The brand new supermarket is a hit with a focus on sustainability. There is no shortage of activities and groups including University of the Third Age (over 55's), Playgroup, and many more at the friendly neighbourhood house, a popular monthly market, three excellent primary schools, aged care facilities, health service and medical centre and much more. Creswick is close to the popular tourist town of Daylesford and offers an affordable opportunity to buy or rent in the historical goldfields region. Well worth a visit.

I moved from Melbourne 13 years ago and it’s a lovely town. I first moved to Daylesford and rented a house for 6 months as my bestie thought I wouldn’t be able to deal with the cultural shock moving from Melbourne straight to Creswick. Turns out I was completely lonely and depressed in Daylesford and soon after found a house to buy in Creswick and been here ever since. Creswick has changed dramatically over the last 13 years, lots to do and lots of variety in eating out now. It’s a neutral place, the energy is great, lots of nature and so close to Ballarat for convenience. It’s a great place! Move to creswick, great investment and growing dramatically. You won’t be sorry! And still just over an hour to Melbourne. Country town, country life but so close to Ballarat.

Ignore those negative reviews! They are strange and I’ve never experienced any of that! If anything the people of Creswick are too down to earth, you can certainly feel comfortable going to the supermarket in creswick in you pj’s which I don’t but it’s not a problem here as people are non judgemental- it always reminds me to be kinder and less judgie...

We moved here and couldn't be happier with our decision. Everyone has been so welcoming and the town itself is beautiful. With 2 young children to keep entertained there's so much to do exploring the forests and lakes as well as the great school holiday entertainment in The Creswick Hub. The local schools are lovely and we've very happy with the one we choose. We enjoy the monthly market, chatting with local producers, and are thrilled to be close to a city with Ballarat only a 15 minute drive. We can still take trips into Melbourne and enjoy the fact that Creswick is close to Daylesford too. We joined the local soccer club and they were very welcoming and inclusive. Overall a lovely, quiet country town where we and our children feel safe. We're very happy with our move!

Nestled in a valley with plenty of water and forests. Great diversity of community activities and groups. Nearly all sports catered for both organised and open to do what you like such as horse riding ,mountain biking ,walking and fresh water natural swimming. Beautiful heritage buildings with wide streets. Great for outdoor activities such as gold panning and detecting.

Creswick is a wonderful town with a country feel. The place where everyone knows your name... when you shop, or walk down the street. Full of friendly helpful country people.
Affordable, great schooling options, wonderful healthcare - with Ballarat hospitals only a few minutes away, and amazing community groups and activities, largely aimed at the pre retirees and retirees, as well as families. Sports are all covered for the kids.
I've lived in many areas in the district, but this is by far the best!

The people of Creswick pride themselves on community spirit (read: shunning "outsiders"), supporting local businesses (gossiping about how well they are doing and shunning any business that doesn't fit their idea of what it should be doing regarding opening hours, menu, prices, staff etc etc), and pride in the town (whinging about things they don't agree with and everything must be their way).

The local busy-bodies of this town make it almost unbearable. Seriously. Even if you've lived here for years, unless you agree with their every whim and get involved in sporting clubs and community events, don't expect to be accepted. They are malicious and cruel.

Honestly the town itself is beautiful, the shops are lovely and the space and housing make it a great place to live - if only a few of the "locals" would keep their opinions to themselves.

The main street is always busy and there is quite a bit to do around the town. Only 15 minutes from Ballarat and 25-30 from Daylesford. Housing is affordable and resale value would be pretty good.

In a nutshell - great town, crappy people.

We have lived in Creswick for 12+ years & love it here.
It's quiet & peaceful. It's close to Ballarat & Daylesford but far enough away as well. The train is great & makes it very easy to get to Melbourne.
The child care centre, kindergarten & schools are all fantastic.
There are plenty of places to eat out with 2 great pubs & a number of gorgeous little cafes. The supermarket has everything you could need & the butcher, bakery & fresh grocer are also great.
The Creswick Market is a definite must do & there are plenty of local courses run by the Neighbourhood Centre & Railway Workshops.
St George's Lake, Creswick Woollen Mills, Tangled Maze & the new splash park are also great local attractions. There are plenty of bike tracks & walking trails through the forest too.
Yes there are local politics but it doesn't have to impact your world if you don't want it to!

Well, I did get a surprise to see such angry reviews from a couple of folk, who have clearly are/were not happy with Creswick. So I thought I'd put my two bobs' worth in. Creswick is a town of over 3000 people, so I don't think it's very fair to paint a picture of the entire town consisting of twisted, miserable and nasty souls! I have lived her for over 20 years and haven't noted anything as dramatic as what is suggested. I do think that at times there is rivalry amongst groups who may have differing views of how the town should progress but my opinion is that this is waning. There are some great things happening in Creswick, such as the recent announcement of big spending on mountain bike trails. Which brings me to one of the great points about Creswick. It's in an enviably pretty location, with lovely surrounding forests and bushland. If you like walking, running or riding in natural trails there's plenty available. There are three primary schools, two kindergartens, an excellent medical centre, community health centre, two nursing homes and small hospital. St George's Lake is a fantastic spot for a walk, picnic or even a swim in Summer. Calembeen Lake is also popular for the same. Creswickians and others enjoys the once-monthly market, regular movie nights at the local amateur theatre club and many other clubs and activities. As a small regional town, Creswick is not the place to move to if you're a nightclubber. Having said that, there are places to eat at night, one with regular live music, and Ballarat's eateries are only 15-20 minutes away. If you have something to do in Melbourne, you can be there in 1.5-2 hours, which is not too gruesome. If you're feeling beachy, you can be at the Geelong-based beaches in around the same time. I think it's utterly pointless reviewing people as others have attempted. Personally, I've had no issues with anyone and don't expect to. I can say that I have wonderful neighbours and have met many friendly and interesting folk here.

Couldn't agree more with gadget's comments. Have personally experienced everything they have written, and I know of a lot of people that have experienced it themselves as well. They destroy innocent people's reputation's. They seem to take pleasure in destroying people. Do your self a favor and stay far away from Creswick!

What can I say moved here about five years ago with family and couldn't live anywhere else now ...tight and caring community and very diverse great foodies hub and peaceful which we love the most Creswick is a terrific town

E.g. A small town where everyone knows your name.

Creswick is a lovely little Victorian town.