Torrential rain caused severe flooding at Creswick, Skipton and Clunes, forcing the evacuation of homes and businesses.

Creswick residents and business owners said they would have to wait until this week to find out the costs of the damage.

By noon yesterday, Cambridge Street residents David and Robyn McPhee had cleared their furniture and belongings out of their home, which was completely waterlogged.

"We are just gutted. You can only go ahead and push on which we all should do," Mr McPhee said.

"It's very upsetting and no doubt will be very costly."

Across the street, Phyllis Jones was cleaning up the mess at the front of her unit with help from her grandson.

"I know I have the help all the way," Mrs Jones said.

The Creswick Bowling Clubhouse and bowling greens were destroyed in the flood.

Work was recently done to replace the grass with synthetic greens.

Club president Barry Yates said the club's bowls season, which starts next month, would not go ahead but the club was in the process of exploring all avenues for an alternative venue.

A Creswick Motel caretaker, who did not want to be named, said the motel's 10 rooms and his home had been water damaged.

"We will just have to clean up and that's all we can do," he said.

The clean-up for some people is expected to continue for another two to three weeks.

A closed sign was placed on convenience store Krackerjacks, on the Midland Highway, yesterday after it was severly damaged by water.

A worker inspecting the damage did not wish to comment.