Go Jump in the Lake!

Victor Szwed

“Go jump in the Lake” was a familiar catch-cry from the 1930’s onwards when Lake Daylesford was created.

Next time you walk around Lake Daylesford stop and read the interpretive signs to learn more about our interesting history over the past century. The interpretive sign on the western side of the main Lake where the stone amphitheatre has been restored, provides fascinating reading about the importance of the Lake once it was constructed in 1930. A large diving platform provided endless enjoyment for locals and visitors.

The diving tower and springboards were constructed using timber salvaged from the old bridge over Wombat Creek which was flooded by the Lake’s construction. Swimming lanes were laid out and extensively used by locals and for regional swimming events.

Access to the Lake and the Central Springs area below was common from Fulcher Street and a camping ground was located on the ridge on the lake side of that road. There were camping grounds there and at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve as well as the ongoing ones at Jubilee Lake and Victoria Park. More than three decades ago, there was a proposal for a private spa resort to be developed where the camp ground was at Lake Daylesford.

Boat hire was popular and a ferry provided scenic cruises. The Central Springs area has several mineral springs. Unfortunately, some of these were closed over the years because of contamination and other issues. This area was heavily used for picnics. A Kiosk and a Dance Hall fell into disrepair and were demolished just a few years ago after a tree fell on it. Council has recently made major improvements to this area that are well worth seeing.

The Daylesford and District Historical Society provided the photos and wording for the various interpretive signs which were coordinated and constructed by Hepburn Shire Council. Visit the Daylesford Museum to see the wonderful work the Historical Society members do and consider paying a membership fee to support them. It is only $20 for an individual or $30 for a family, see https://daylesfordmuseum.net

The Dja Dja Wurrung people had used the Wombat Creek and valley for fishing and other activities for many millennia before Europeans forced them out.