Originally proposed as a botanical garden in 1860 and planted during the later part of the 19th Century, Park Lake Reserve was once the pride of the town and the location for many activities. There was a sports oval, summer house, flower gardens, fernery, waterfall and a boathouse on the lake. It was popular for walking, boating and picnics. Sports days were held on most public holidays. However, after gold mining declined, the town diminished in importance. The Reserve was too large for the small town to keep in its former state, and it fell into disuse. Much of the north-eastern part of the gardens was never fully developed, and in any case was largely destroyed by a bushfire of 1977.

Today, the gardens are of both botanical and archaeological significance. Much of the original gardens' layout can still be discovered: pathways, waterfalls and rockwork of the fernery and some of the oldest trees remain. The remains of the fountain in the lake, the boat landing and the site of the boathouse can still be discovered. None of the trees are of State or national significance in themselves, but some, such as the Bishop Pines (Pinus muricata), are found in greater abundance than in other similar gardens. The gothic summerhouse, or rotunda, was extensively repaired in early 2004. Modern facilities on the site include a tennis club, barbecues and toilets. Interpretative signs are placed by the lake on the Midland Highway and near the barbecues. This web site is designed to help you discover the history and the remains of this unique site for yourself. For those interested in more detail about the gardens, and in viewing archival material in particular, follow the Archives link . While in Creswick, you can also walk around the historic Sawpit Gully Plantation (along the La Gerche walking trail, starting from the Landcare nursery off the Midland Highway) and view the site of the slab hut that was the home of W. G. Spence, father of the Australian trades union movement. A guide booklet for an interesting town walk, which points out notable historic buildings, can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre (opposite the Post Office in the main street). The Creswick Historical Museum, situated on the old town hall, is open on Sundays and public holidays from 1.30-4.30pm.

This web site has been put together by Roger Cousens with the help of several others, particularly Kevin & Rosemary Tolhurst. The permission of the State Library of Victoria, Creswick Historical Museum and The Friends of Park Lake to reproduce material is appreciated. Thanks also to Greg Leece for providing access to DSE files. Last updated 26 August 2008. Any comments would be welcomed, especially those with additional material to add: please contact me at rcousens@unimelb.edu.au

Park Lake Creswick

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