Explore
Lake Elizabeth Campground
Lake Elizabeth Campground is a dogs-on-lead camping area. Sheltered by tall eucalypt trees it nestles beside the small Barwon River. Lake Elizabeth is a short 1km walk away. Forrest Mountain Bike Trailhead is at the Day Visitor Carpark. Pitch a tent in the small campground. Look and listen for Satin Bowerbirds and inquisitive Superb Fairy-wrens and Eastern Yellow Robins.
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
Dog friendly camping
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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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.Melba Gully - Madsens Track Nature Walk Loop - CLOSED
Due to significant large tree fall, and consequent track failure due to landslide subsidence, Madsens Track Nature Walk is CLOSED for safety reasons.The Melba Gully Day Visitor Area, picnic ground and toilet block remain open.Parks Victoria is working with GORCAPA and contractors to consider all possible options for reopening as soon as possible.Please do not enter this unsafe and closed section of the National Park. Regulations apply. -
Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure
Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. -
Great Otway National Park
Big Hill Campground Closed for Maintenance Works
Big Hill Campground is closed during weekdays until December 12th to allow important maintenance works to repair the toilet block to occur. Large excavators and concrete trucks will be on site during weekdays and it is necessary to close the campground for public safety. The site will be made safe for use on weekends during this period. We ask that campers use the portable toilets provided during this time.Invasive species control operation adjoining Great Otway National Park (Anglesea)
An invasive species control operation will be conducted on approved private properties adjoining Great Otway National Park around the Anglesea area Tuesday 9 December 1900hrs - Wednesday 10 December 0400hrs. Some areas of Great Otway National Park and other public land around Anglesea may also form part of the operation, however closures will be put in place for these areas at the time. -
Lake Elizabeth Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Lake Elizabeth Campground Upgrade Information
Lake Elizabeth Campground and the associated campground car park will be closed from: Tuesday 27th January 2026 to Tuesday 31st March 2026. We ask visitors to stay clear of the campground and campground carpark which will have signed closures in place.As you plan for your holidays please do not attempt to book the Lake Elizabeth campground from Tuesday 27th January - Tuesday 31st March 2026.The closure is for enhancing the camping experience and these renovations have been funded by the Victorian Government’s Victoria’s Great Outdoors program. Victoria’s Great Outdoors is a $106.6 million investment by the Victorian Government into better campgrounds, walking trails, 4WD tracks and visitor facilities across Victoria’s parks and state forests.All other areas at Lake Elizabeth will remain open, including ablutions, day use areas, walk to and around the lake. -
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.
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