Lysterfield Park

Lysterfield Park

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    Lysterfield Park

    Lysterfield Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes the traditional Country of the Bunurong People and the Wurundjeri People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

    Rising from the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Lysterfield Park is the perfect place to explore nature with friends with a huge variety of recreational activities. Spot kangaroos while walking or jogging the 6km Lake Circuit Trail, ride 24km of mountain bike trails or relax at the lakeside picnic areas.

    Lysterfield Park is a great place to get active. You can sail, kayak or canoe in the lake, while runners love the network of gravel bush tracks. It is also home to one of Australia's busiest mountain biking trail networks – including the State Mountain Bike Course, which was a venue at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, easy green trails and action packed black diamond trails for experienced riders.

    Lysterfield is a great place to see kangaroos and wallabies in the wild close to Melbourne, so please ensure you leave your dog at home and don't disturb the local wildlife. The kangaroos and wallabies are most active during the mornings and evenings. Walk or jog the Lake Circuit Trail to catch a glimpse.

    As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Lysterfield Park is a safe and enjoyable one.


    Looking at the recent history of Lysterfield Park

    Follow Ranger Sandie as she uncovers the rich history of Lysterfield Park, and describes what makes this a special place for her.

    Things to do

     
    A man takes a photo from the bank of his partner on a stand-up paddle board on Lysterfield Lake.

    Lysterfield Lake

    Go canoeing, kayaking or sailing on Lysterfield Lake. Two beaches near Beach Carpark at the southern end of the lake are suitable for walk-in swimming access. The lake is not patrolled by lifeguards and children should be supervised at all times.
    Two friends in activewear walk away from the lake.

    Lake Circuit Trail

    Walk, run or cycle this popular trail, which weaves among native vegetation around the picturesque Lysterfield Lake. You're almost guaranteed to see kangaroos and other wildlife along the way.
    Three mountain bikers turn left through a berm.

    Mountain biking at Lysterfield Park

    Explore a 24km network of purpose-built mountain bike trails at Lysterfield Park, suitable for all skill levels.
    Three friends share a picnic on the shores of Lysterfield Lake.

    Picnic areas in Lysterfield Park

    There are two picnic areas along the lake shore and both have toilets, picnic tables and free electric barbecues.
    A ground take a volunteer led tour through the Flying Fox environments on the banks of the Yarra River in Yarra Bend Park

    Guided Park Walks

    Meet new people and connect with nature on a free guided Park Walk in one of Victoria’s beautiful parks. Walks are led by our trained and friendly volunteers, so you can relax, enjoy the serenity of the bush and chat with other group members. Go on a walk as a once-off to explore somewhere new or become a regular and add it to your wellbeing or fitness routine.

    Lysterfield Park

    This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

    Kangaroos
    Wallabies
    Koalas
    Echidnas
    Wombats
    Platypus

    Tours and adventure experiences in parks

    One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

    There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

    Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

    Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

    Find a Licensed Tour Operator

    How to get there

    Lysterfield Park

    Lysterfield Park

    When you're there

    Download the Lysterfield Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 

    Please note: dogs are not allowed in Lysterfield Park. 

    Related Sites

    When to go

    Summer is very busy at Lysterfield Park and there is limited parking. Arrive early and make sure you have a backup plan.

    Need to know

    Lysterfield Park

    Safety

    Planning a trip to Lysterfield Park over the summer? Here’s what to know before you go:

    • This is a popular park and carparks may fill quickly. Try arriving before 10am to beat the crowds.
    • If the car park is full, the park is too!
    • Have a backup plan in case the park is full when you arrive.
    • Don’t park illegally and block emergency access. For visitor safety, roadside parking is not allowed due to the narrow roads.
    • During busy times, consider other local parks including Cardinia Reservoir Park or Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve.

    Accessibility

    Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.


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    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Mountain Bike Trail Open Status

      With persistent heavy rainfall and strong winds during the second half of 2022, Lysterfield Park's mountain bike trails sustained severe water logged conditions and significant tree damage. This was exacerbated by illegal riding in wet conditions which led to damage and unsafe ruts and gaps on some trails. Accordingly several mountain bike trails at Lysterfield Park remain closed until repair works can be completed. This is a necessary decision to protect the safety of visitors and maintain the integrity of the trails.
       
      As trails are repaired and assessed as safe they will be reopened. In the meantime please respect the trail closures and only ride open trails.

      The following trails are open for riding (in addition to management vehicle trails):
      State Mountain Bike Course 6.4km
      Aneurysm 1.5km
      Upper Blair Witch 2.0km
      Lower Blair Witch 2.4km
      Snipe 0.7km
      Pump Track (Jump Park) 
      Skills Park
      Trailmix 1.0km
      Redgum Trail 1.2km
      Hug trail 1.5km


      The following trails are closed
      Lower Buckle 2.4km
      Upper Buckle 0.7km
      Follow Me 1.2km
      Granite Link 0.2km
      Middle 1.9km
      Follow Me 1.2km
      Buckle Down 0.3km
      Dog Pound 0.6km
      Humping Hound 0.6km
      Lil Shawty 0.2km 

      Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
       
      Updated 27 January 2023.

    How we keep it special

    We aim to ensure that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.

    Lysterfield Park

    Horswood Road
    Lysterfield VIC 3156
    13 1963
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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