Calembeen Park, Creswick

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Located in in the Victorian town of Creswick near the famous Creswick Woollen Mills is the Calembeen Park. With lakes and trees, Calembeen Park would make for a great picnic spot after a visit to the Woollen Mills, or a drive to Creswick from Ballarat. We had actually come to this park from the Creswick Woollen Mills for a picnic - it's only a 5-minute drive south via the main road then turning into Cushing Avenue.The Creswick Calembeen Lakes Caravan Park is only a short stroll from the Park, perfect for visiting friends from out of town or an inexpensive weekend away.



The Park has several picnic tables (covered and uncovered), but not many barbecues so just keep this in mind. I did see one or two electric barbecues, but we didn't try them. Of course, it's perfectly suitable for a prepared picnic or if you can bring your own portable gas stove or BBQ.



It's quite a picturesque place to have a picnic, with views of the lakes, natural bushland and the tables set around the park, some on the hills with a nice view and others near the bush.



The lake is quite deep and suitable for swimming in. Earlier in Calembeen Park's history, a multi-level diving platform was erected, but is now only open to the public while the local YMCA is supervising. Adjacent but connected to the lake is a smaller and partially enclosed wading pool type of swimming area. Historically this area has been used as public swimming baths since the 1920s, undergoing numerous changes and development throughout the years. In its early years the area was a popular swimming hole, in later years the area has of course become a park as well as a place for swimming.



Beside the swimming lake, are two shallower lakes for fishing and light water-craft activities.



There are some picnic tables and benches set around these lakes, with an arch bridge between the two other lakes - I was quite impressed with the whole area and the natural pathways winding around the bush and lakes, heading towards the caravan park and alongside the light pine forest.



Overall I enjoyed Calembeen Park - there is plenty of nature to wonder around in and stretch your legs, nice views to photograph and picnic spots to enjoy a bite to eat. It's reasonably accessible by car and not far even from the major town of Ballarat.

#barbecue
#escape_the_city
#near_ballarat
#parks
#picnic_spots
#swimming
%wnballarat