Trail Fast Facts

Lake Elizabeth Circuit is a 4.7km, grade 2 hike in Great Otway National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 1.5 hours to complete.

Length: 4.7km

Duration: 1.5 hrs

Grade 2 (Easy)

Style: Circuit

Start: Lake Elizabeth Car Park

End: Lake Elizabeth Car Park

Location: Great Otway National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Forrest

From state capital: 160km

Latitude: -38.55046868

Longitude: 143.74509844986625

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Reviews

Weather

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Hike Overview

Lake Elizabeth is a picturesque lake near Forrest. The Lake Elizabeth Circuit is short but is a really beautiful hike and well worth the visit. The lake was formed due to a landslide, giving it a unique character.

The hike is approx 1km to the first viewpoint of the lake. Many people turn back here, but the circuit around the lake is well worth doing. You will see the route to your right once arriving at the lake. It is roughly 2km around the lake. Once you have completed the circuit return back along the original track to return to the car park.

Lake Elizabeth is hidden deep in the Otways. Discover its inspiring beauty with heavily timbered flanks and calm waters punctuated by the trunks of dead trees, drowned when the valley was flooded more than 50 years ago to form this "perched lake". The elusive platypus can be found in the waters of the lake - wake up early or head to Lake Elizabeth at dusk to catch a glimpse of these shy Australian natives.

There is a campground situated on the bank of the east branch of the Barwon River sheltered by tall Eucalyptus trees. A scenic 20 minute walk takes you to Lake Elizabeth.

Track Grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Tips

The circuit can be done either way, but it best done anti clockwise (head right when arriving at the lake) as this has the nest approach to views of the lake.

Map and GPX file

Lake Elizabeth Circuit Walk (4.7km)

Total distance: 4729 m
Max elevation: 279 m
Min elevation: 226 m
Total climbing: 270 m
Total descent: -274 m

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Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Lake Elizabeth Circuit Walk (4.7km)

From Melbourne head to the village of Forrest via M1, C135 and C119. Once at Forrest follow the signs to Lake Elizabeth via Kaanlang Rd (it is well signposted).

Get directions

Photo gallery

Photos by Josh J.

About the region

Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park. Great Otway National Park is in southern Victoria, Australia. It covers rugged coastland, beaches and the mountains of the Otway Ranges. Waterfalls dot the park, including the 3 cascades of Triplet Falls. Boardwalks lead through temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. The 1848 Cape Otway Lightstation perches on cliffs overlooking Bass Strait. Great Ocean Walk leads through the park to the Twelve Apostles rock formations.

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Explore Safe

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.

Let someone know

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.

Gear to consider

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.

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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!

Reviews

Lake Elizabeth Circuit Walk (4.7km)

3 Reviews on “Lake Elizabeth Circuit Walk (4.7km)”

Overall rating

Josh Edwards

Great little circuit ??

24/03/2022, 05:21

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