WELCOME TO CRESWICK REGIONAL PARK
St Georges Lake Picnic Area
Built by hand
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.
Take some time to slow down and connect with the lake's surrounds; stroll around the lake, listen to the chatter of birdlife around you, smell the leaves of the forest, look for spring wildflowers - simply relax.
Recovering from the 2010 and 2011 floods
The old secondary spillway at St Georges Lake proved inadequate for the rapidly rising waters and concern was raised that the lake's retaining wall would fail in another flood event.
A major re-build of St Georges Lake Dam was required to bring it up to national safety guidelines. Works were completed in June 2015. These works include improvements to the primary and secondary spillways and the creation of a new saddle dam at the back of the picnic area.
Park visitors can now enjoy a new earthen fishing wall, lookout platform, safely handrails, new pathways with picnic and barbecue facilities.
Step out and explore your parks
Walk and cycle tracks from St Georges Lake link back to Creswick and beyond. A great way to connect with nature, these tracks are part of the larger Goldfields Track, a long distance walk linking Ballarat to Bendigo via the villages of Victoria's Goldfields.
Call into the Creswick Visitor Information Centre for information on walks, activities and attractions nearby.
Take a walk
Lake Loop Walk - 1.8km, 30 mins
Grade: Easy with some steps and an unsealed, undulating surface.
Walk up an appetite or burn some calories on this gentle walk. Enjoy the view from the lookout above the dam wall and stroll amongst the trees and see how many different birds you can see and hear around you.
Birdwatching - a healthy happy hobby
All you need to do is make time to visit quietly, calmly observe, and listen. Alone or in the company of friends, bird watching is an easy, relaxing introduction to the nature of the lake. Count how many different birds you can hear. Time of day and the season will effect your final count.
Before you enter
The water is cold and the banks are steep and unpredictable. Observe safe swimming practices and always supervise children near water.
Out in the water
The lake is popular for small watercraft and is a shared waterway for all people who enjoy it. Please respect other lake users. Anglers, swimmers and speedier canoe/kayakers do not always see each other easily.
Take care if using the lake and always wear necessary safety vests and observe weather and safety warnings when active on and near water.
Drop a line in - sit back and relax
Fishing is a great way to simply stop, relax, listen and take time-out from a busy schedule. From time to time the lake maybe stocked with fish.
Fishing line is deadly to wildlife. The nylon threads tangle easily in their feet, wings and claws. It is a slow, cruel death. Please do not discard fishing line and hooks.
Nature and people need each other
Visiting nature can make you feel good. By being outdoors walking, sitting, reading or fishing you are connecting with nature.
The health of people, plants and animals is ultimately connected to healthy water and land - Healthy Parks Healthy People.
Looking after the park
- Take all rubbish with you for recycling and disposal
- All native plants and animals, historical and archaeological features are protected by law
- Camping is not permitted at St Georges Lake. There are camping sites nearby in the Creswick Regional Park
- Vehicles must be registered, and drivers licensed. Vehicles, including motor bikes may only be used on formed open roads
- Creswick Regional Park is the Central Total Fire Ban district. No fires are permitted on days of Total Fire Ban.
BBQ
Creswick
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