Named after the creek that passes through the north of the town, Pheasant Creek is a largely residential area with moderately sized bush blocks connecting pine plantations to the north with the Kinglake National Park to the south.

[2] Due to its low population and close proximity to Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek has little in the way of community services.

While the General Store handles basic supplies and post services, many residents travel to nearby Kinglake or Whittlesea for shopping and health services, while students generally attend Kinglake West Primary School and Whittlesea Secondary College Pheasant Creek is served by the 384 bus route, connecting Pheasant Creek to Kinglake, Humevale and Whittlesea.

[5] A daily V/Line Melbourne to Mansfield coach service also passes through nearby Kinglake West.

While surrounding localities on all sides were all largely devastated, Pheasant Creek suffered major losses primarily on its southern edge in areas surrounding the national park, while the northern area remained largely untouched.