Creswick - St Georges Lake
St Georges Lake was once a mining dam in the late 1800s and is now a great base for recreational activities after it was drained, dredged and re-filled in 2015.
The lake is a swimming spot for the locals and has a beach area but care needs to be taken with younger kids since the water depth increases quickly to several metres deep.
The lake is a great place to take the kids or beginners out fishing with an abundance of redfin and stocked trout.
Free gas barbecues, tables and toilets are located in the main picnic area.
St Georges Lake Circuit Walk
There is a challenging 2.2 km, 35 minute loop around St Georges Lake. The path winds itself along the lake shore, with narrow and sometimes steep sections. Plenty of picnic spots, an abundance of birdlife and beautiful views makes this walk worth the effort. One side of the lake has a pine forest while the other side has native bush.
Map of St Georges Lake Circuit Walk
St Georges Lake History
Local tradesmen built St Georges Lake by hand around 1895. Known locally at that time as 'Govvy dam' it was one of many government built mining dams supplying sluice-water via water-races to surrounding mine operations including the Creswick State Battery.
The dam's current name was changed from 'Govvy dam' to St Georges Lake in the 1950s. It was around this time the dam's management was transferred from local government back to the State.
During the great Victorian gold rush Creswick had a population of over 25,000 and St George Quartz Reef Co. was one of many mining companies operating in the Creswick area at the time.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on leash.
Review:
The lake is a lovely place for recreational activities such as walking, swimming, fishing and kayaking. Near the car park are three tables and two sets of BBQs.
There is a really nice walk around the lake which passes through a variety of vegetation zones including an initial area of huge pine trees where there's plenty of trip hazards from the pine tree roots which transitions to an area of gumtrees where the track is smoother and easier. To go around the lake you need to cross the spillway (providing it's not flooding over).
Halfway around the lake, there's a table and further around there is another carpark with a picnic table. A short boardwalk leads from this carpark to the edge of the lake.
Photos:
Location
St Georges Lake Road, Creswick 3363 Map
Web Links
→ St Georges Lake (Fishing Mad)
