Daylesford - Jubilee Lake
Jubilee Lake was constructed in 1860 as a water supply to the Daylesford and Hepburn Goldfields. The retaining wall collapsed in 1861 after floods and the dam was rebuilt and enlarged and known as the Hepburn Goldfields Reservoir. The reservoir was later drained and the bed washed for gold and refilled. In 1887 it was re-named Jubilee Lake in honour of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. It is no longer suitable for domestic use and it became a popular recreation centre for camping, boating, fishing and swimming.
Jubilee Lake area is a declared wildlife sanctuary and is now home to local wildlife including water birds. There is a picnic area, walking trails, nearby mineral spring, kiosk, toilets and BBQs.
Swimming
There is a swimming beach west of the Office. The following sign is beside the lake "Lake water is cold. Depths variable close to shore. Underwater currents exist. Adult supervision of swimmers is recommended at all times"
The main fish species in the lake are rainbow trout, redfin and tench. Jubilee Lake is one of five premier lakes in Victoria. Premier lakes are stocked with larger premier rainbow trout (more then 1kg) and advanced yearling rainbow trout at least four times per year. A recreational fishing license is required when taking or attempting to take any species of fish from public waters including Jubilee Lake. Note: Fishing licences are available from the newsagents on Vincent Street and you will be able to fish the same day you get the license.
Jubilee Lake Map
Jubilee Lake Circuit Walk - A 1.8 km, easy walk. Walk to the edge of the lake and turn right onto a track which follows the bank of the Wombat Creek (south east corner), pass the pedestrian bridge, go through the gateway and within 100m is Jubilee Lake Mineral Spring. Return on track across the bridge to follow the track along the edge of the lake. Water will be noticed flowing across the track in several places. This comes from the old gold mine tunnels under Italian Hill. Cross the weir and the old railway bridge which was formerly part of the railway line between Daylesford and North Creswick.
Check out Wombat Falls near the weir.
The Victoria Park to Jubilee Lake walk is 3.2 km return and is easy/medium. A marked track starts opposite the junction of Basin Road and Ballan Road, descends past a sluiced out gully on the right, cross Blind Creek over a bridge to reach Jubilee Lake Road, cross the bridge to a marked old mining track ascending steadily to Jubilee Lake weir and follow the lake circuit walk described above.
Review:
There is a walking track around the lake which takes approximately 20 minutes. For a significant part of the walk you don't get much of a view of the lake through the vegetation. The side of the path on the north side of the lake is covered in blackberry brambles. In early April the blackberries were still red but if they were ripe, this walk would be ideal for the blackberry connoisseur. There are some jetties which offer a suitable spot to see the water birds and water lilies in the lake. There is a camping ground next to the lake and a playground.There is a cafe, unshaded tables and seats, brick shelter with two tables and sheltered BBQs, water tap and toilets. A number of peacocks wander around the area next to the cafe.
Paddleboats and canoes can be hired. Paddleboat & Canoe Hire Prices
Jubilee Lake Reserve History
The Wombat Creek was dammed to form the Hepburn Goldfields Reservoir in 1860. It was intended to ensure a reliable source of water for gold mining. The embankment was later raised when the Victorian Railways built the timber bridge across the creek. A unique footbridge crosses under the train bridge between the pylons. Trains travelled from Daylesford to Ballarat (via Creswick) and many small hamlets between, taking timber, goods and passengers. The line operated from June 1887 until the last train in July 1953.
Daylesford established a new water supply from Ballarto Reservoir and the idea of a recreational lake to attract visitors was born in the town. A lack of funds in the 1890s delayed the preferred location closer to town where Lake Daylesford is now. Then in 1897 the site was reclaimed and the embankment raised to create the beautiful Jubilee Lake we enjoy today. The Mt Alexander Mail, August 1897, reported Daylesford having established the Jubilee Lake to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Daylesford was eager to develop its mineral water springs and beauty spots to compete with the growing success of Hepburn Springs. The Victorian Railways wanted to promote Daylesford and its district and requested postcards of attractions for advertising.
Mr Lurati was engaged as caretaker for this reserve. He operated boating on the lake, made improvements and supervised lessees who grazed stock on the reserve. Mr Nelms followed as caretaker, building a fine home for his family and helping introduce swans, fishing and swimming to the lake. When he ceased as caretaker he moved his house to Hepburn Springs.
Photos:
Location
151 Jubilee Lake Road, Daylesford 3460 View Map
Web Links
→ jubileelake.com.au/cafe-kiosk/
