Explore
Lake Elizabeth Campground
There are 20 campsites accommodating up to six people per site. All campsites are unpowered and are suitable for tents only. There is no direct vehicle access to the campsites. A 15-minute unloading bay is located close by and a separate carpark is located above and behind the campground just a two minute walk away.
Non flush toilets, shared fireplaces and picnic tables are provided. Dogs are permitted on-lead.
Once you're unpacked and set up, walk the 1km to beautiful Lake Elizabeth. Flooded after a landslip created a natural dam, the lake is scattered with the still-upright trunks of dead trees, giving an eerie atmosphere to the valley. Platypus are sometimes seen early morning and at dusk in the still waters. A host of birds live in the area and Satin Bowerbirds (the male dark satin blue and the female is olive green) are often seen near the camping round. Wrens, robins and grey shrike thrush also visit regularly. You may see glowworms beside this track after dark.
Dogs should be kept on-lead to reduce their impact on native wildlife and to preserve their health and your dogs as snakes are common in this area and its walks. There is poor mobile phone reception here.
Explore the area by walking, canoeing, mountain biking and four-wheel driving. Birdwatching is popular here. The village of Forrest is nearby for supplies and is a major mountain bike trailhead for the area's cycling network.
As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Lake Elizabeth is a safe and enjoyable one.
Things to do
Canoeing and Kayaking
Mountain biking
How to get there
Lake Elizabeth Campground
When you're there
A 40-minute drive south takes you to the Great Ocean Road and the many waterfalls and other attractions along this famous drive. Forrest itself is a mountain bike trailhead hub. You can ride to it from the campground via the Baridjaru Trail. Download the visitor guide before you go.
Need to know
Lake Elizabeth Campground
Accessibility
Lake Elizabeth Day Visitor and Camping facility has all ability access. Forested areas generally are more difficult grade walks often with steps and minor creek crossings. Lake Elizabeth Loop Walk Grade 3. the walk has some steps, uneven surfaces and is not an all abilities walk.
Be prepared and stay safe
Lake Elizabeth Campground is in the Great Otway National Park in the South West fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.
Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.
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.
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Great Otway National Park
Colac Tree Road Open, Skinners Track Closed
Colac Tree Road within the Great Otway National Park will re-open at 5pm on Monday 2nd December with a 40kph restriction.Skinners Creek Track, within the Great Otway National Park, will remain closed until further notice.These restrictions will be in place due to fire impacting the area. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed
The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.Large Haulage Trucks Carting Timber Within the Aire Valley
Visitors to the Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park will need to be aware that large Haulage Trucks will be using the Aire Valley area to harvest plantation timber.Hopetoun Falls, Aire Valley Reserve (The Redwoods) within the Great Otway National Park and Beauchamp Falls within the Otway Forest Park will be affected.Trucks will be using Binns Road, Beauchamp Falls Road and Seaview Ridge Road. Traffic Management signage and speed reductions will be implemented.Please take care when driving and visiting these areas.Aire River - East and West campgrounds - Tanks dry
- All water tanks at both the Aire East and Aire west campgrounds are reported as EMPTY.
- Dry conditions, vandalised infrastructure and inappropriate use has combined to fully drain all tanks.
- Empty tanks hold no water. Smashing an empty tank open will not make any water suddenly appear.
- Visitors are advised to fully self manage all water requirements at these sites.
- Aire River water must be fully and suitable treated if under consideration for any form of use.
Great Ocean Walk - Estuary closures
- Due to coastal environmental conditions both the Aire River and the Gellibrand River mouths are closed.
- Minor localised river flooding is being observed in tthese areas.
- The Aire River on approach to the Aire West campground is over the Great Ocean Walk.
- The Gellibrand River 500m south east of the Princetown Recreation Reserve is over the Great Ocean Walk.
- Hikers may need to walk through ankle/knee deep water in these sections of the walk.
- Estuaries may open naturally, or Parks Victoria may attempt an artificial opening if and when safe to do so.
- Campsites are not impacted.
- If the situation becomes a safety hazard closures will be required.
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Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)
Melba Gully - Large bus access
Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site -
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Maits Rest Carpark- bus access
Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill. -
Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire West Campground - Aire River estuary closure
- The Aire River mouth remains closed.
- Parks Victoria local operations are monitoring water levels in the Aire River, Great Otway National Park.
- Should the river mouth not open, sites 24 through 40 at the Aire West campground may become inundated.
- Booked campers will be contacted should this occur.
- Recent attempts have not been able to maintain an artificial opening.
- When tides, swell and conditions are safe and suitable, a further attempt will be made.
- Flood waters can be dangerous. Visitors should avoid flooded areas.
- ww.emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
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