Lysterfield homesteads & farms
Lysterfield homesteads & farms
This heritage walk includes parts of the popular lake circuit, but goes further afield to explore the area's heritage sites, which are mostly early 20th century
Summary
This heritage walk includes parts of the popular lake circuit, but goes further afield to explore the area's heritage sites, which are mostly early 20th century
Description
For those accustomed to the lake shore, there is much more to see in Lysterfield state park. The former boy's farm is a major cultural site, while Donelan's farm shows how remote this area was less than one hundred years ago. This walk also includes a short section of the construction tramway featured on the other Lysterfield heritage walk
10932 Views
Points of Interest
1. Dam wall & spillway
The dam wall was constructed in 1927, and raised in 1936. Stone came from the crest of the range via horse-drawn tramway. The east shore is a popular picnic nd recreation area
2. Lake track
This section of track adjoins a flora & fauna conservation area, where local wildlife such as kangaroos may be sighted, especially in the mornings and evenings
3. Mahogany track
The track is climbing, and there are farm ruins on the east side, not connected with those at the boy's farm. Thompson track is narrow and winding, with many tree roots
4. Boy's farm
The former boy's farm is slightly off the main trail, with numerous ruins and the former orchard now growing untended. The boy's farm closed more than 60 years ago, yet much is still visible
5. Highest point
This is the summit on this trip, the knoll to the right around 100m ASL. The descent on Lyster track is steep and rocky, but only for a short distance
6. Donelan's farm
The Donelan family settled here in the 1930s, but only lived here a short time. Numerous exotic trees still grow here, and the farm dam is clear to see
7. Lysterfield tramway
The walk joins the former Lysterfield tramway at this point for a long, gentle descent to the west side of the dam wall. This track is for walkers only
8. Lake view
This point on the former tramway is one of the best view points of the lake on the west side. There is still something to see before rejoining the main path
9. Tramway display
This static display shows the type of stone hopper used on the narrow gauge horse-drawn Lysterfield tramway. The hopper was manufactured in Leeds UK
Features
Picnic spot
Drinking water available
Seating available
Public toilets
Historical interest
Local treasures
Lake, creek, river
