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

Facilities

Carpark
BBQ - Electric/Gas
Toilets
Visitor Centre

 

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    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

    Lyster Track CLOSED until further notice

    A section of Lyster Track, between Boys Farm Track and Lower Buckle Trail, is CLOSED until further notice. This is due to erosion and degradation of the track surface causing unsafe conditions. We are working to repair the issue and recommend detouring via Boys Farm Track or Powells Track (towards East West Break or Lamberts Track) in the meantime (see attached Detour Map).

    Attachments: Lyster Track Detour Map (85KB)

    Temporary closures and restricted access expected on Gun Club Track, East Boundary Track and Logan Park Road

    Former Yarra Pistol Club remediation works
    • Remediation works to remove lead shot and clay target debris from the former Yarra Pistol Club site are taking place.
    • Work will begin in mid-June 2023 and conclude in September 2023. Works will take place Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm.
    • Horse riders and park users must exercise caution.
    • The work site is adjacent to the East Boundary Track and is not currently part of Lysterfield Park.
    • Gun Club Track will be closed for approximately one week in mid-June. Temporary closures and restricted access are expected on Gun Club Track, East Boundary Track and Logan Park Road while heavy vehicles transport the material off-site for disposal. 

    Attachments: Yarra Pistol Club - Track closures signage v2 (3,168KB)

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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