Lake Circuit Trail

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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
    Visitor Centre
    Toilets

     

    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

      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.

    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.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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