Merlo Lookout Day Visitor Area (Lake Eildon National Park)

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

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Merlo Lookout Day Visitor Area (Lake Eildon National Park)

A stop at Merlo's Lookout is a must! Look out on to the turquoise waters of Wallaby Bay and check out the protruding tip of a homestead that now sits at the bottom of the bay – visible only when water levels are low.

Visitor Tips: Ensure your car is locked and your valuables are out of sight before walking up to Blowhard Spur.

How to get there

Merlo Lookout Day Visitor Area (Lake Eildon National Park)

Need to know

Merlo Lookout Day Visitor Area (Lake Eildon National Park)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

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.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

No firearms allowed
No horses
No generators
No dogs allowed
No fires permitted
No camping

Warnings

Other warnings
Limbs may fall take care

Vehicles
Animals and pests
Snakes

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

CLOSED: Candlebark, Devil Cove, Lakeside and surrounds - Fire danger

Fraser Block and Wappan Block in the north of the park remain closed due to fire in the area.

Closed areas include Candlebark, Devil Cove & Lakeside Campgrounds, surrounding day visitor areas and boat ramps.

Candlebark Campground will remain closed until safe to re-open.

Devil Cove and Lakeside Campgrounds will remain closed until Easter public holidays due to the construction of new toilet facilities.

Stay informed

For updated information, visit the VicEmergency website, or call the hotline on 1800 226 226.
Know your local emergency broadcaster and never rely on one source of emergency information.
Visit the VicTraffic website for current road closures. Access to Mansfield is via Benalla on the Midland Highway. Access to Eildon/Alexandra is via Healesville on the Maroondah Highway.
Visit the CFA website for the latest information on Fire Danger Ratings.
Visit the BOM website to stay updated on weather forecasts and warnings.

See attached map below (PDF).

Attachments: MAP_Lake-Eildon-Closed-Areas_Jan2026 (1,704KB)

Gap Track - Closed between Pinnacle Track and O’Toole Creek

What?

Gap Track, between Pinnacle Track and O’Toole Creek, is closed.

There is no vehicle access to Gap Track directly from Eildon Jaimeson Road. By vehicle, Gap Track must be accessed from Pinnacle Track (when seasonally open), Jerusalem Creek Track, and Simms Track only.
By vehicle, the shortest way back to the bitumen from this location is via the Simms Track connector to Eildon Jamieson Road.

Why?

This is to protect O'Toole Creek from damage by vehicles fording the creek, as the bridge over O'Toole Creek has failed. O'Toole Creek flows directly into White Creek which is home to the critically endangered Spotted Tree Frog. Spotted Tree Frogs are threatened by loss of vegetation on creek banks, and by sediment in waterways.

When will it be re-opened?

Gap Track, between Pinnacle Track and O’Toole Creek, will be re-opened when a bridge or protected creek crossing are installed. There is no timeframe for this replacement.

What about O’Toole Flat Camping Area

This small camping area has been re-opened. It is accessible by vehicle from Eildon Jamieson Road only, and is designed for self-sufficient visitors. It is recommended for 4WDs with small camping set-ups; long vehicles and towing vehicles are not recommended.

Candlebark, Devil Cove, & Lakeside Campgrounds: Booking availability update; No drinking water provided

Updated campground bookings

Due to the construction of new toilet facilities taking place in late January, Lakeside and Devil Cove Campgrounds will close after the January 26 long weekend 2026 for construction to start. Both will reopen before the Easter public holidays.

Candlebark Campground will remain open during this period.

Candlebark Campground will then close for construction after the Easter public holidays and will reopen in mid-2026.

This staged approach keeps as much camping as possible open to the public during the construction period.

Please continue to monitor this page to stay up to date with availability. Find out more information about the project and register to receive regular updates via the Lake Eildon National Park camping updates project page.

No drinking water available on site

Drinking water is no longer provided at Candlebark Campground, Devil Cove Campground, or Lakeside Campground.