Lysterfield Park offers more than just leisurely strolls. The Granite Peak Trail is a 12km return journey (Grade 3) that will test your legs and reward you with stunning panoramic views.
This moderately challenging trail winds its way uphill through native forest, following the path of an old granite quarry tramline. As you ascend, the terrain can get a bit uneven in sections, but the effort is well worth it. Once you reach Trig Point, at 223 meters above sea level, you'll be treated to breathtaking 360-degree views.
Lysterfield Park Trig Point, also known as Churchill Park Trig Point offers stunning views of not just Melbourne and its suburbs, but also the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay. The view is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
The usual walk returns via the same route but for a more varied adventure (as detailed here), consider taking a different route back down. The Grassy Spur Track offers an alternative path back to the starting point, allowing you to explore a wider section of the park.
Important Note: This trail is designed for hikers and trail runners. The steep inclines and uneven terrain make it unsuitable for prams or wheelchairs. Mountain bikes are also not permitted on this trail.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- Dogs, cats and motorbikes are not permitted in Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park.
- Please take all your rubbish home with you.
- Do not feed the animals.
- Firearms, fires and camping are not permitted.
- Snakes live in this park and sometimes sunbake on the paths. Do not approach.
- There are picnic areas at both Lysterfield Park lake area and at Churchill National Park.
- Both picnic areas have toilets and provide free bbqs.
- Drinking water is available at Lysterfield Park.
- There is no drinking water at Churchill National Park.
Total distance: 12161 m
Max elevation: 220 m
Min elevation: 72 m
Total climbing: 321 m
Total descent: -321 m
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Granite Peak Trail commences at Beach Area Carpark on the south-east end of Lysterfield Lake.
Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park are in Endeavor Hills, approximately 1hr from Melbourne's CBD. The main entrance to Lysterfield Park is accessed from Horswood Rd, Narre Warren. Access to Churchill National Park’s main entrance is from Churchill Park Drive, off Police Road in Lysterfield South.
Pedestrians and cyclists can access both parks 24 hours a day. The main carparking area at Lysterfield Park is open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Vehicles can exit the park after hours via one-way spikes.
Image: Localista
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Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Consisting of woodland and small areas of original forest, Churchill National Park is home to a large Eastern grey kangaroo and Swamp wallaby population. The park is a wonderful display of the original landscape before clearing and settlement.
As you wander through the many trails, ensure you have your binoculars onboard. Carefully observe the different layers of canopy, spying reptiles basking in the sunlight, macropods moving through the shrubs or spotting a Powerful owl roosting in overhanging branches.
Look carefully and you might spot an array of parrots, honeyeaters, Superb Fairy-wrens, thornbills, grebes, pelicans, cockatoos or even the migratory Japanese Snipe and Swift Parrot. With Peregrine Falcons and Black-shouldered kites nesting in the area, birdwatchers won't be disappointed with the biodiversity in the sky. Keep an eye on the Birdlife Australia website, who records any major sightings of endangered species such as the migratory Swift Parrot.
Many other species of fauna reside in Churchill National Park. Some species include a healthy population of Powerful owls, Little Forest bats and numerous species of frogs, reptiles and snakes. The endangered Southern Toadlet can be heard croaking from the network of creeks throughout the park.
Over a dozen different eucalypt species, wattles and native orchids can be seen within Churchill National Park. You might notice large tussocks with long leaves - these plants are known as Red-fruit Saw-sedge. These plants, which can be found in the damp woodlands, are vital for the survival of the Sword Grass-brown butterfly. They lay their eggs exclusively on the Saw-sedge, and the plant plays an essential part in their life cycle.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
