Lake Eildon picnic areas

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Lake Eildon picnic areas

Lake Eildon National Park

Just two hours away from Melbourne, Lake Eildon is a great place for a day out with the family. Herb Fitzroy and Forsyth Flat have free gas barbecues and there's access to the water via boat ramps. Go fishing and boating - and watch the sunset over Merlo Lookout before returning home.

The wide watery expanse of Lake Eildon, with its many quiet bays hemmed in by thickly forested hillsides, is a popular destination for a holiday from Melbourne. But it's close enough for a daytrip, too.

Enjoy a picnic or barbecue at Herb Fitzroy or Forsyth Flat Day Visitor Areas. These picnic spots are right at the centre of things, next to the main boat ramp and on the main cycle and walking trail that links the campgrounds and attractions of Coller Bay.

Go fishing, boating, canoeing or kayaking - or take a walk. The Coller Bay Trail follows the edge of the lake, while the the Perfect Cure Creek Nature Trail and Candlebark Nature Trail are two short walks that explore the forested hinterland of Lake Eildon - and offer a better chance of seeing a kangaroo or wallaby.

While you are here, a stop off at Merlo's Lookout is a must. Here you can look out on to Wallaby Bay and - if the water level is low - check out the protruding tip of a homestead that now sits at the bottom of the bay.

The homestead belonged to an Italian immigrant called John Merlo who bought the land after he discovered gold in the area. He later planted grape vines which he used to make wine. It was flooded in 1956 when Sugarloaf Reservoir was enlarged and renamed Lake Eildon.

A short but steep walk departs from here on the other side of the road from the lookout. It's about a 1km to climb to Blowhard Summit, for fantastic views over the lake.  You can either return the same way or turn right on to the Blowhard Spur Track to make a loop walk. Take another right when you reach the lake to get back to Merlo Lookout and complete the circuit.

Things to do in the area

Two men cook share the cooking of a barbecue.

BBQ

Fire up the barbecue at your next social gathering with family and friends while you're surrounded by nature.
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

Bird watching

From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

Day trips

Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

Family activities

Stash some supplies into a back pack and take the family out for a day trip and in only a short drive from Melbourne you can be surrounded by nature.
A man unpacks an esky from the tray of a ute while his partner hammers a tent peg into the ground at Candlebark Campground at Lake Eildon National Park.

Candlebark Campground

Pitch a tent or park your caravan in the shady woodlands of Candlebark Campground. Situated between the Devil Cove and Lakeside Campgrounds, this well-equipped site is perfect for families or groups.
Two men warm up next to campfire at Devil Cove Campground at Lake Eildon National Park

Devil Cove Campground

Open in peak periods, Devil Cove Campground is tucked away just to the north of Candlebark.
A couple and their dog camp around a fire at Jerusalem Creek camp ground.

Jerusalem Creek Campground

There are eight camping areas with unpowered sites. Fireplaces and pit toilets are provided. View Jerusalem Creek map below for numbered site locations
Two friends relax under the shelter of their camper trailer at Fraser Camping Area in the Lake Eildon National Park.

Lakeside Campground

Lakeside Campground is on the south side of Coller Bay. Free gas barbecue, hot showers are provided.

How to get there

Lake Eildon picnic areas

Lake Eildon is a two hour drive from Melbourne. Take U T Creek Road from the Goulburn Valley Highway. Herb Fitzroy, Forsyth Flat and Merlo Lookout day visitor areas are all accessible via Fraser Park Road or Devil River Track.

Need to know

Lake Eildon picnic areas

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Other issues

    Bookings open at half capacity

    Water supply issues caused by ageing infrastructure have limited the capacity of the Fraser Block area.

    Lakeside Campground is open to campers with select sites available and some changes to facilities. 

    Change in campground capacity
    The campground is operating at half capacity, with sites 1-19, and 50-52 open for booking.  

    Showers 
    Showers are no longer provided at Lakeside Campground. Campsites will be available to book at a reduced rate to reflect the reduced level of amenities.

    Toilets and drinking water
    Toilets and drinking water are currently available. Parks Victoria rangers are monitoring the water supply situation closely and will advise of any changes that might impact your stay or booking. Please ensure your booking information is up to date and carry enough water with you, in case of a sudden change in conditions.

    Bookings are essential and can be made now at: www.bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/book

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