Lake Circuit Trail

Two women in activewear walk along a path heading away from the lake.

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Lake Circuit Trail

Lysterfield Park

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lysterfield Park on the 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.

Explore dry forest and woodland on this family-friendly bushwalk at Lysterfield Park, or hop on your bike and go for a pleasant ride.

The Lake Circuit Trail is Lysterfield Park's most popular trail for walkers, runners and families, with a mostly flat wide gravel surface and two short hills. You will find distance markers every 1km making navigating this trail easy. This trail (5.5km circuit - 1.5 hour walk) is also suitable for bicycles and off-road prams.

One of the best places near Melbourne to see kangaroos and wallabies in the wild, you might also see koalas and echidnas if you're lucky. Visit close to dawn or dusk for the best chance to see wildlife.

Cross the dam wall and enjoy panoramic views of Lysterfield Lake. As you wander deeper into the forest, you'll catch glimpses of the sparkling water peeking through the trees.

Take a peaceful break at the three jetties along the trail. Enjoy scenic views of the tranquil lake and see if you can spot any waterbirds. Lysterfield Lake is a haven for a variety of species such as the Eurasian Coot and Eastern Swamphen. You might even be treated to a special visit by the migratory Japanese Snipe.

The Lake Circuit Trail links to a vast network of walking and cycling tracks in Lysterfield Park, which connects to neighbouring Churchill National Park. For a more adventurous bushwalk, follow  the Granite Peak Trail as it climbs uphill to Trig Point, where you can admire 360-degree views of Melbourne.

Things to do

 
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 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.
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.

How to get there

Lake Circuit Trail

Lake Circuit Trail

 

Need to know

Lake Circuit Trail

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.

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.

  • Lysterfield Picnic Area

    Some barbeques not in operation

    Parks Victoria is carrying out inspections in all of our barbecues in our parks. Following these inspections, some barbecues have been temporarily closed until they can be attended by a licenced contractor. We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.
    Visitor safety is our top priority and we advise people to please not to use any barbecue facilities that have been closed. We expect the impacted barbecues to reopen in the coming weeks.

  • Lysterfield Park

    Notification of Deer Control Program within Lysterfield Park (Northern Conservation Zone)

     
    Parks Victoria are continuing deer control at Lysterfield Park (Northern Conservation Zone). This program is recommencing on Tuesday 27th of August 2024.
     
    Control is being undertaken with accredited and authorised volunteers from the Sporting Shooters Association Australia and Australian Deer Association under the supervision of Parks Victoria.
     
    Through the control of deer, the program will:
    ·      Respond to Victoria’s bio security approach to new and emerging threats
    ·      Deliver an approved program in support of the Victorian Deer Control Strategy and the Peri Urban Deer Control Plan 2021-2026
    ·      Provide critical habitat protection to the flora and fauna values in the areas of the proposed works
    ·      Reduce habitat structure damage and minimise browsing on habitat regeneration and revegetation efforts
    ·      Reduce deer numbers (with the object of reaching numbers to a manageable level).
     
    Upcoming control nights are as follows, from 4pm to 6am:
    ·      Tuesday 27th of August 2024 (into the early hours of Wednesday)
    ·      Tuesday 3rd of September 2024 (into the early hours of Wednesday)
    ·      Tuesday 10th of September 2024 (into the early hours of Wednesday)
    ·      Tuesday 17th of September 2024 (into the early hours of Wednesday)
     
    Please note that during such time the park area will be closed for public safety and deer legal rifles will emit noise, which may be heard in the area. 
     
    You may observe signage at gates indicating dates of the upcoming control program. A map of the control areas is attached for your reference.
     
    If you would like further information, please email info@parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963.

  • Lysterfield Lake (Lysterfield Park)

    Boat Ramp road closure.

    The road from the roundabout to the boat ramp has flooded and is now closed.


    Do not drive through the flood water, there are hazards which cannot be seen.

    The road will remain closed while we work to rectify this issue. 

  • Upper Buckle

    Upper Buckle + Lil Shawty MTB Trail closure

    Upper Buckle and Lil Shawty Mountain Bike Trails are both closed.

    This is due to rainfall which has created unsafe trail conditions.

    The trail will be continuously monitored and will reopen when conditions are suitable.

  • Hug Trail

    Hug Trail partial MTB Trail closure

    A segment of Hug Trail, between Cloverdale Break and South Break, is closed.

    This is due to rainfall which has caused unsafe trail conditions

    The trail will be continuously monitored and reopened when conditions are suitable.

Similar experiences

 
Four friends pat their two dogs next to Albert Park Lake with the Melbourne CBD skyline in the background.

Picnic areas in Albert Park

Albert Park has nine picnic areas around the picturesque lake, which can be used for picnics and barbecues. Each area has a range of facilities including free electric barbecues, playgrounds, shelters and wide open spaces.
A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

Masons Falls

Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surrounds of Masons Falls Picnic Area. Set among towering gums, the large shelters and free gas barbecues make it the perfect place for a social gathering. The short waterfall walk is a real highlight.
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