Trail summary
Safety advice
This hike uses paths shared by mountain bike riders. Much of the hike is through open low forest and with wide paths, there often isn't a lot of cover. Wear a hat.
Hike overview
Churchill National Park is a small but surprisingly isolated park in Melbourne's eastern suburbs - despite its proximity to civilisation, in the midst of the park one cannot hear any noise other than birdsong and your own footsteps. The park contains an extensive network of walking and mountain biking paths: Parks Victoria suggests a range of walks from a short accessible nature walk to a full circuit taking roughly 2.5 hours.
Tracks connect to the adjacent Lysterfield Park and the intrepid bushwalker could easily plot a route of 20km through open bushland. This walk uses a mixture of walking trails, bike paths and gravel roads. The walk can be shortened by omitting the climb to Trig Point Lookout or lengthened by adding on any of the side tracks. Phone coverage is good, the tracks are all signposted and shown well in Google Maps making navigation easy.
This walk starts at the carpark and heads north-west along Army Track before turning right onto Channel Track. Shortly, turn left onto a small walking track. This track weaves through close bushland and scrub and makes for interesting walking with some hidden gems however is somewhat overgrown. One can omit this section and continue along Channel Track if wished.
When you reach North Boundary Track, a gravel bike track, turn right and then turn right again onto Link Track (marker CNP504). When you reach Channel Track, continue to the left and then take Bellbird Track to the left (a walk-only track). At the top of the track there is a pedestrian gate onto Ridge Track. Turn left and then keep to the right at the junction with Nth Boundary Track (CNP503). Follow this gravel/dirt road as it winds through bushland.
When you reach the junction with Stonemason Track (CNP502), you can either turn right to head back to the car or continue along what is now Lysterfield Hills Track to Trig Point Lookout, passing the junction with Woodland Walk shortly after the fence separating Churchill and Lysterfield parks. The climb to Trig Point is worth the effort with stunning 360 views of Melbourne. From here you could take many of the tracks into Lysterfield Park to extend the walk, otherwise retrace your steps and turn left at marker CNP502 onto Stonemason Track.
Upon reaching Syphon Track (you'll see a wooden sign announcing Stonemason Track on the main track first), turn right and follow this very pretty path past hidden ponds and streams. Continue straight onto Channel Track at the intersection and straight again at Kangaroo Track. Shortly after, at a wooden fence post, a path leads off left back to the car park.
Tips
- A map of the park can be downloaded here and all paths are clearly labelled on Google Maps.
- 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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 220 m
Min elevation: 76 m
Total climbing: 239 m
Total descent: -239 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Narre Warren, Beaconsfield, Upper Beaconsfield, Endeavour Hills, Doveton
How to get to Churchill National ParkThe Lysterfield Lake Circuit commences at Mahogany Carpark. he trail 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.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
- BBQ Facilities
Photo gallery
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About the region
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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Churchill National Park or nearby? Try these similar graded walks.
Track grade
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.
Explore safe
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.
Packing checklists
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.
Let someone know
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
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Acknowledgement of Country
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.