Hike at a glance

4,305

Quick overview: Explore the tranquil beauty of Lake Tyers State Park on the 5.5km Lonely Bay Walk. This Grade 3 moderate circuit trail takes you through lush, old growth forest descending into the Fern Loop, leading to breath-taking views of Lake Tyers and possible sightings of the majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle. Be prepared for some rough terrain, including tree roots and slippery sections, especially on the optional Fern Loop section. This unforgettable hike starts and ends at the small parking area along Blackfellow Arm, perfect for a picnic before or after the walk.

Hike length

5.5km

Average duration

2 hrs

Trail Difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Hike Type

Circuit

Route details

Max elevation: 74m
Min elevation: -1m
Total Ascent: 291m

Start: Fern Loop Car Park

End: Fern Loop Car Park

Location: Lake Tyers State Park

State: Victoria

Nearest town: Lakes Entrance

State capital distance: 348km

Latitude: -37.81943785

Longitude: 148.08473289012912

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

Hike summary

Lonely Bay Walk commences at a small parking area along Blackfellow Arm in the Lake Tyers State Park. The walk meanders through old growth Warm Temperate forest as it descends into the Fern Loop Section of the trail before following the northern reaches of Lake Tyres to the Lonely Bay picnic area. From the picnic area, there is a short trail that leads lakeside before returning to the trail head via the main vehicle track. Along this hike you will catch glimpses of Lake Tyers and may spy a majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle. The Fern Loop section is optional and does contain rough terrain such as tree roots and slippery sections.

Track difficulty

Grade 3 (moderate) badge

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Uneven terrain and steady climbs
These walks require a reasonable level of fitness and confidence on rough ground. Expect hills, rough surfaces, and sections with steps or short, steeper climbs.

While not technically difficult, these tracks are no longer "easy" and can feel demanding over distance, especially in heat or with a pack. Some bushwalking experience is recommended, particularly for managing footing and pacing. Distances can extend up to 20km.

Worth knowing: Many hikers underestimate Grade 3 when conditions change or fatigue sets in.

Planning essentials

Preparation matters: Plan your short walk well and bring the right gear, weather-appropriate layers, food and plenty of water. Before you head out, read up on bushwalking safety and use this day hike planning guide to make sure you're ready. Need help getting started? Check out the full hike preparation guide.

Map and GPX file

Lonely Bay Walk (5.5km)

Total distance: 5619 m
Max elevation: 74 m
Min elevation: -1 m
Total climbing: 291 m
Total descent: -319 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Think safety first

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take, and it only takes two minutes.

Let someone know your plans →

Heading somewhere remote, off-track or overnight? Use the comprehensive trip intentions form instead — your emergency contact will need more detail.
Register your trip plan here →

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Lake Tyers State Park

Lake Tyers State Park is approximately 350km east of Melbourne or 20km northeast of Lakes Entrance. The main access into the park is via Burnt Bridge Road or Tyers House Road, both unsealed roads.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Bairnsdale, Lake Tyers Beach, Lakes Entrance, Metung, Orbost, Paynesville, Swan Reach

Discover more

About the region

Lake Tyers State Park, on Krauatungalung Country, is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Just 20 kilometres from Lakes Entrance, the park is a popular holiday spot offering low impact bush camping in a natural environment, with fishing in the lake and on the Ninety Mile Beach.

If you're not one for camping, stop by Lake Tyers for a picnic at one of the many picnic areas by the lake. enjoy a beautiful bush walk or a forest drive through beautiful old growth and warm temperate rainforest. Lake Tyers State Park covers 7,100 hectares, extending from Lake Tyers Beach to Mount Nowa Nowa.

Explore nearby hikes

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Lake Tyers State Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

5 Reviews on “Lonely Bay Walk (5.5km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards

A very quiet and unexpected hike. Was great to take in a different view of the lake.

03/02/2025, 15:27

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Trail Hiking Australia

What was the highlight of your hike on the Lonely Bay Walk? Did you catch a glimpse of the White-bellied Sea Eagle? Share your stories below!

03/02/2025, 08:05

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Acknowledgement of Country

Lonely bay walk (5. 5km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a glance

Route details

Trail details

Hike summary

Track difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Think safety first

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Cherry Tree Circuit Hike (5.8km)

Toorloo Arm Walk (3km)

Marsdenia Rainforest Walk (1.5km)

Lake Tyers Cliff Top Walk (6.5km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

5 Reviews on “Lonely Bay Walk (5.5km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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