Self-guided tours of Creswick Woollen Mills are free, but there’s a charge for guided tours, which includes up to three kids and is redeemable against purchases over a certain value in the shop. (You can also enjoy a free tour with the Melbourne City Card.) Some travelers visit primarily for the shop, which sells quality wool gear, from sweaters to pants, gloves, and blankets, at factory-outlet prices; others take their time to explore the historic mill, learn about the journey of yarn, and even meet the animals.
Creswick Woollen Mills is a good choice for shoppers and, on animal-viewing days, for families too.
Allow 30 minutes to 2 hours to visit the mill, depending on whether you’re touring or simply shopping.
Creswick Woollen Mills actively welcomes travelers with access needs, including those who rely on wheelchairs.
Creswick Woollen Mills sits in the little town of Creswick, about 75 miles (125 kilometers) northwest of Melbourne and 12 miles (20 kilometers) north of Ballarat. With no public transit, most travelers drive there. Ample free parking is available on-site.
Creswick Woollen Mills is open morning to very early evening daily. The adorable baby animals are available for a meet-and-greet Thursday through Monday; photographers will find Monday and Thursday are the quietest days.
Marking the historic town, Creswick’s spacious main street pays tribute to its Gold Rush heritage—the town even has its own museum, which is only open on Saturdays. Creswick’s most famous son was Norman Lindsay, author of The Magic Pudding, and the Magic Pudding Playground features images from this classic children’s book. Kids can follow up on their alpaca and lamb encounters with a visit to Creswick Regional Park, which is home to koalas.
