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 (Lysterfield Park)

    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.

  • Middle (Lysterfield Park)

    Boardwalk on Middle MTB trail closed

    Boardwalk on Middle trail has been closed due to maintenance requirements. A detour is available beside the boardwalk and will not affect access to the trail.

  • Lysterfield Park

    Notification of Deer Control Program within Lysterfield Park

    Lysterfield Park (northern conservation zone) will be closed while ground shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
     
    Park area closures will apply to affected areas overnight, from 4:00pm until the following morning, during the following dates:
     
    Tuesday 18th February 2025 (until the early hours of Wednesday)
    Thursday 20th March 2025 (until the early hours of Friday)
    Tuesday 6th May 2025 (until the early hours of Wednesday)
     
    Closures will be in place at park entrances on operation nights to prevent entry.
     
    Please see the attached map of the control area.
     
    For more information about the program please visit this link or call 13 19 63.

    Attachments: Control Area LNCZ (470KB)

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Notification of Fox Control Program

    Parks Victoria are undertaking fox control in Lysterfield Park, Churchill National Park, Baluk Willam Nature Conservation Reserve and Cardinia Creek Parklands to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna and minimise impacts on neighbouring livestock. 
     
    The program involves the use of Canid Pest Ejectors with para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) poison and soft-jaw leghold traps to reduce fox numbers in strategic locations.
     
    Domestic animals may be at risk. Please observe the local regulations.
     
    Fox control will occur until June 2025.
     
    For more information about the program please visit this link or call 13 19 63. 

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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