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.

  • Lake Eildon National Park

    Candlebark Boat Ramp Closed

    Candlebark Boat ramp is now closed due to dropping lake levels. 

    Due to the lake level dropping below 62%, the Candlebark Boat Ramp in the Fraser Visitor Area of Lake Eildon National Park is no longer operational.

    Please use the Main Ramp located off Lakeside Road.

    Candlebark, Devil Cove, & Lakeside Campgrounds: No drinking water taps or campground taps provided

    From November 2024, drinking water taps and campground taps are not provided at Candlebark Campground, Devil Cove Campground, or Lakeside Campground. Other facilities at these campgrounds remain the same as prior to November 2024.

    What do I need to do? 
    Please ensure you bring enough drinking water, cooking water, and washing-up water for your stay.
    If you are planning a campfire, please bring a bucket to collect water from the lake for extinguishing it. Campfires can only be lit in the shared firepits on the foreshore.

    Why has this changed?
    We are updating the water and wastewater infrastructure at the Fraser Block campgrounds to meet current environmental standards, so that visitors can continue to enjoy camping at Lake Eildon National Park for years to come. 

    Where can I get more information?   
    For more information about the project, please visit the Lake Eildon National Park Campground updates project page. You can also reach out to the team by emailing info@parks.vic.gov.au or calling us on 13 1963. 

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