Creswick 

Surrounded by a pine plantation, Creswick's broad, elegantly curved main street is studded with buildings that give strong visual clues to their heritage. While not as elaborate as the ornate architecture of its southerly neighbour Ballarat, the town's historic dwellings, churches and fine public buildings owe their existence to the region's common benefactor - gold.

The New Australasian No 2 Mine, just north of Creswick, is the site of the country's worst goldmine disaster. In 1882, 27 men were trapped when the mine flooded. The rescue party worked frantically for three days pumping water at the rate of 227,000 litres per hour before a rescue team could enter. Only five men were saved.

Things to do

• Visit the Creswick Koala Park
• Visit the Creswick Historical Museum
• Explore historic buildings dotted around the town
• Visit the Historic Museum in the former town hall
• St Georges Lake - tranquil and beautiful picnic site
• Visit the Koala Park or try your luck gold panning at Slatey Creek
• Australasia Mine -site of Australias worst mining disaster
• 'Creswick Cemetery Walk'
• Creswick Golf Course, Lawn Tennis Courts or Lawn Bowls Creswick Regional Park