The Lake Circuit Trail at Lysterfield Park offers a delightful 6km loop that's perfect for a leisurely escape into nature. This family-friendly bushwalk winds through dry forest and woodland, providing a scenic escape from the bustle of Melbourne.
The wide gravel surface makes for easy navigation, with distance markers popping up every kilometer to keep you on track. And don't worry about breaking a sweat - the trail is mostly flat with just two short hills to conquer. The trail is also open to cyclists and off-road prams, making it inclusive for everyone.
Lysterfield Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos and wallabies grazing in the open areas. You might even get lucky and spot a koala or an echidna camouflaged amongst the trees. Dawn and dusk are prime times for wildlife viewing, so plan your hike accordingly.
As you embark on your journey, be sure to cross the dam wall for panoramic views of Lysterfield Lake. Throughout the walk, the trail weaves between the trees, offering occasional glimpses of the sparkling water. Take a moment to relax and soak in the scenery at one of the three jetties along the trail. Here, you can admire the tranquility of the lake and see if you can spot any waterbirds. The Eurasian Coot, Eastern Swamphen, and even the migratory Japanese Snipe all call this lake home.
The Lake Circuit Trail is just the beginning of your Lysterfield Park adventure. This trail connects to a broader network of walking and cycling tracks, allowing you to explore further. Feeling adventurous? Take on the Granite Peak Trail, a more challenging bushwalk that climbs uphill to Trig Point, rewarding you with breathtaking 360-degree views of Melbourne.
- 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.
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Total distance: 5880 m
Max elevation: 106 m
Min elevation: 71 m
Total climbing: 103 m
Total descent: -102 m
Getting to the trailhead: Lysterfield Park.
The Lysterfield Lake Circuit commences at Mahogany Carpark and is best walked or run in an anticlockwise direction.
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.
Closest towns to this walk: Bayswater, Ferntree Gully, Knoxfield, Lysterfield, Rowville, Scoresby
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Lysterfield Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Wright Forest Bushland Reserve
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Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
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.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
