Creswick Discovered
The name Creswick derives from the Creswick family. Three brothers, John Charles and Henry, sons of Richard Creswick, of Sheffiled arrived in Melbourne in 1840, and in 1842, as partners took up the land where Creswick stands today, as a
pastoral run.
There is a story that no one is able to vouch for which follows the concept that one of the Creswick brothers and their Overseer were discussing a name for the creek which ran through their run that it was decided by the toss of a coin. The two names, "Creswicks Creek" or "Caroline Creek" (after the Overseer's daughter).
Two Creeks unite just on the border of the town, Slaty Creek and Adekate or Back Creek. As such the town first became known as Creswick's Creek when it came into being when the gold rush began about the end of 1851.
The mining district to the north of the town was one of the richest alluvial gold fields in the world. The Manam Berry mine was reputed to be the richest alluvial mine in the world at that time.
Around 1854-55 Creswick's Creek had a population in the order of 30,000 people.
Cradled between ancient volcanic mounds, this picturesque community boasts a resident population of around 2,000 people. Creswick lies at the heart of the central goldfields, just 16 kms north east of Ballarat neighbouring the iconic tourism region of Daylesford and the Hepburn Spa Country.
Rich & Vibrant History Built on the proceeds of rich gold deposits from the 1850's, Creswick today proudly displays fine examples ofthe grand architecture so reminiscent of the era. Far from being ‘just' a mining town, did you know that Creswick is the Australian birthplace of minesite rehabilitation and reforestation?
See for yourself the evolution of the reforestation industry from the first efforts of John La Gerche who began replanting forest areas ravaged by mining activity in 1882. Today much of La Gerche's work survives around Creswick including magnificent plantings lining local streets. Mining may be a thing of the past but Creswick remains at the forefront of minesite rehabilitation with Melbourne University teaching state of the art environmental technology at their Creswick campus.
Take a tour of the Buried Rivers of Gold Trail and learn of tropical oasis's and the strange creatures that inhabited them thousands of years ago. Hear the tale of the Australasia Mine disaster where a sudden flood in 1882 trapped 26 miners in an air pocket more than 2 kilometres under ground. A daring rescue attempt was launched using the most advanced equipment of the time; discover their fate.
Feast your eyes at the Creswick Museum on artwork produced by some of Australia's most famous artists including the famous Lindsay family who were born and raised in the town.