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 vistas 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.
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.
- 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: 5880 m
Max elevation: 106 m
Min elevation: 71 m
Total climbing: 103 m
Total descent: -102 m
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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.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed 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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Lysterfield Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
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
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.
