RACV Goldfields – Creswick – escape to a Tranquil Oasis in Regional Victoria

Nestled in the quiet and picturesque town of Creswick, RACV Goldfields Resort is a peaceful retreat perfect for families, couples, or anyone seeking an escape from the frenetic pace of city life. Only a 20-minute drive from Ballarat, this expansive resort offers a unique blend of luxurious amenities, family-friendly facilities, and access to the natural beauty of regional Victoria. Despite its proximity to Ballarat, the resort feels like a world away, nestled among Creswick’s serene landscapes and offering a much-needed reprieve for those looking to recharge and reconnect.

We chose RACV Goldfields Resort for a three-night stay during a short break, and it became the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions while offering plenty to do within its grounds. From spacious accommodation to an array of recreational options, the resort offered a little something for everyone in our family.

A Scenic Arrival

Driving to the resort was an experience in itself, as the bustling urban scenery gave way to rolling hills, lush greenery, and the rural outback of Creswick. Upon arrival, the first impression was that of relief – an oasis in a desert. The resort, with its expansive grounds, seemingly well-maintained facilities, and welcoming vibe, immediately set the tone for a relaxing getaway.

Parking was ample, a convenience we appreciated as a family with young children. For electric vehicle owners, the resort offers two ChargeFox stations, making it an EV-friendly choice. Although these charging stations were sometimes occupied, most guests were considerate enough to move their vehicles once fully charged, keeping the system running smoothly. It seemed like an additional four more ChargeFox stations were on their way.

Accommodation: Spacious and Thoughtfully Designed

Our Fairway Room, featuring two king beds and a cot, was perfect for our family of four. Spacious and well-appointed, the room allowed our kids to stretch their legs after a long drive. The decor leaned towards understated elegance, blending neutral tones with warm lighting to create a relaxing ambience. Before our visit, we were phoned and given the option of two king sized beds or one kind sized and two smaller beds. Despite that, the beds can easily be separated or combined if required during the stay.

The bathroom included both a bathtub and a shower, catering to families with young children who enjoy a splashy bath time. However, we found the amenities somewhat limited; essentials like toothbrushes and razors were not provided, so it’s worth packing your own.

The kitchenette was modest, with a sink, a mini-fridge stocked with milk cartons, a Nespresso machine with an assortment of capsules, a kettle, and basic glassware. However, the lack of a microwave or stovetop meant cooking wasn’t an option, which could be a downside for families planning extended stays.

The television, equipped with cable channels like Cartoon Network and Fox Sports, entertained the kids in the evenings. While there was no built-in access to streaming platforms like Netflix or YouTube, the resort’s fast and reliable Wi-Fi allowed us to stream shows on our devices without a hitch. It would have been nice to have a free movie during the stay.

Facilities: Fun for the Whole Family

The resort truly excels in its range of activities and facilities, making it a haven for families and leisure seekers.

Outdoor and Active Fun

For the outdoorsy, RACV Goldfields Resort offers mountain biking trails, a golf course, and courts for tennis and basketball. Whether it’s an early morning jog or a leisurely game of golf, the resort caters to a wide variety of interests.

The outdoor swimming pool and heated spa were hits during our stay, providing a refreshing dip during the warmer afternoons and a relaxing soak as the sun set. The heated spa was the right temperature and was quite relaxing. There are even showers close to the spa for use before dipping in or just after.

Indoor Entertainment

Indoors, the fun continued. The games room became our daughter’s favourite hangout, with free arcade machines offering endless entertainment. She particularly loved the pirate and zombie-themed games, while other guests gravitated towards classics like Guitar Hero, Monopoly, Deal or No Deal, and Daytona racing.

The recreation room was another gem, featuring a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, table tennis, and colouring activities. For families with toddlers, the under-five indoor playroom offered a safe and engaging space. These facilities, open from 7 am to 10 pm, ensured there was never a dull moment.

Dining: A Culinary Delight with Room for Improvement

The resort’s two dining options, Springs Bar and Terrace and Three Founders, cater to a range of tastes and dining preferences.

Breakfast at Three Founders

The breakfast buffet at Three Founders was a standout feature of our stay. Available from 7 am to 10 am, it offered a wide variety of hot and cold dishes. The hot bain-marie selection included bacon, sausages, eggs, mushrooms, baked beans, hash browns, and potatoes, while the cold bar featured smoked salmon, cold cuts, cheese, smashed avocado, and spinach.

The pancake maker was a hit with the kids, and the selection of pastries, including danishes and donuts, provided a sweet start to the day. The fruit bar was another highlight, featuring fresh watermelon, rockmelon, prunes, and apricots.

Despite the impressive spread, I couldn’t help but yearn for some Asian-inspired breakfast options, such as congee or noodles, to add a bit of variety. Drinks included tea and coffee from a machine, as well as juices and water from the bar, though barista-made coffee came at an additional cost.

Springs Bar and Terrace

For more casual fare, Springs Bar and Terrace provided an inviting atmosphere. While we didn’t have a chance to try their full menu, the relaxed setting made it a popular choice among guests looking for a laid-back meal or a drink to unwind.

The Hiccups

No stay is without its challenges, and ours came in the form of unexpected power outages. On the first two nights, we experienced blackouts—one confined to our room and another affecting the entire venue. While these incidents were promptly addressed, they did put a damper on our evenings and forced us to turn in earlier than planned.

Exploring Beyond the Resort

Though RACV Goldfields Resort offers enough to keep guests entertained, its proximity to Ballarat makes it a fantastic base for exploring the region. Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill, Kryal Castle, and Wildlife Park are just a short drive away, offering a mix of history, adventure, and wildlife encounters. The town’s Tramway Museum and vibrant main street mall are also worth a visit, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage and culture.

The RACV Goldfield Resort also offers a 10% discount on most of the activities like Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill, Kryal Castle, and Wildlife Park if you book through them. It can be a welcome discount given most websites’ discounts are not as generous.

Final Thoughts

RACV Goldfields Resort successfully blends the charm of a regional retreat with the comfort and amenities of a modern resort. Its family-friendly facilities, spacious rooms, and serene setting make it an excellent choice for short getaways or extended stays.

While the power outages and limited in-room kitchen amenities were minor drawbacks, the resort’s strengths far outweighed these inconveniences. The breakfast buffet, exceptional recreational facilities, and tranquil surroundings ensured a memorable experience for our family.

Whether you’re seeking a base to explore Ballarat’s attractions or simply looking to unwind in a peaceful and picturesque setting, RACV Goldfields Resort is a destination that delivers on its promise of relaxation and enjoyment. For families, couples, or solo travellers, this Creswick gem is a retreat well worth considering.

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