Slide into cooling creeks, soak beneath tumbling waterfalls, or unwind in natural mineral springs and pristine lakes. Take your pick from these picturesque spots and live your best chill life this summer.

Calembeen Park

Creswick’s Calembeen Park boasts two beautiful lakes surrounded by birdlife and stunning waterlily displays. Originally a site mined by Chinese settlers in the 1850s and 1860s, the park became a popular swimming spot in the early 1900s. The recently restored historic, multi-level dive tower is particularly popular during the warmer months, as is the toddler pool.

St George’s Lake

Just outside of Creswick, another popular swimming spot is St George’s Lake. Surrounded by eucalyptus tree, you can follow the 1.8 kilometre Lake Loop Walk before taking a dip in this picturesque spot. Many an hour can be spent here relaxing on the beach or the adjoining grassy picnic area. 

Lake Daylesford

Located in the heart of town, Lake Daylesford is a beautiful spot for a relaxing swim, surrounded by nature. The jetty (accessible via the main carpark off Leggatt Street) has a small sandy beach for calm water swimming, and you can also jump from the jetty or diving platform. Lake Daylesford is also a popular spot for kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.

Jubilee Lake

Just a short drive from town, Jubilee Lake is Daylesford’s hidden gem. Relax on the sandy beach, greet the resident peacocks, and let the kids splash in the shallow play area. Perfect for a paddle, you can bring your own gear or hire a canoe or paddle boat from Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. There is also an excellent playground for the little ones.

Macedon Reservoir (The Res)

Escape the city crowds by dipping your toes or flying off the Tarzan swing at this Macedon swimming hole, locally known as ‘The Res’. This hidden gem (accessible off Nursery Road) is a hangout for local teenagers and families in summer. Avid movie fans might recognize this spot from the Liam Neeson action thriller Backlight, which includes a scene filmed right here.

The Cascades

The Cascades is nestled away just north of Metcalfe (about 20 minutes north of Kyneton). Here, water from the Coliban River tumbles over layers of bedrock through rock pools, through crevices and funnels into little caverns. Relax in the rock pools or take a swim in one of the bigger swimming holes

Vaughan Springs

Another hidden gem is the Loddon River pool at the picturesque Vaughan Springs just outside Castlemaine (around 15 minutes south). There’s a rope swing for the adventurous and giant gum trees for those who prefer to relax in the shade. The kids will also love the giant slide in the adjoining park.

Splash Parks

Our region also boasts two fantastic waterplay options, perfect for those travelling with younger kids. Check out Kyneton Community Garden (within the Kyneton Botanic Gardens) for a cooling cruise through the rushes, with surprise sprinklers and little fountains. Over in Creswick, the council-run Splash Park is free for anyone who is daring enough to run the gauntlet through the rainbow of sprinklers!

Hero Image: Vaughan Springs. Photo by Ben Savage.