Lysterfield Lake Circuit Park Walk

Lysterfield Lake Circuit Park Walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

There is captivating walking to be had on this alluring loop in the bush surrounding Lysterfield Lake. Native vegetation thrives and supports a healthy wildlife population. You will be glad you went!

Description

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Lysterfield Park is 1,400 hectares of picturesque, forested conservation area and walking trails between Dandenong Valley and the Dandenong Ranges. It delivers wonderful walking.

Between 1936 and 1975 Lysterfield Lake supplied fresh water to Mornington Peninsula. A large area was fenced off to protect water quality. In 1975 Cardinia Reservoir was commissioned. Lysterfield was no longer required. Happily, the lake, old aqueduct and bushland survive.

The park preserves some of what was once common bushland around Melbourne. 172 bird species have been recorded. Mammals and reptiles large and small also call the park home. You are likely to meet kangaroos, wallabies, echidna, lizards or even a basking Bell frog.

The Lake Circuit Trail is well signed. In the main, paths are of compacted gravel, firm and wide. There are sealed surfaces on the dam wall and in the visitor area. Widths vary. Gradients are generally modest, with steeper slopes along the southwest quarter of the loop.

The path is not accessible to all mobility aid users. However, people pushing prams and appropriate electric wheelchairs may be able to negotiate parts of or the full circuit.

The first section from the bottom Mahogany car park gate has ingrown paths and narrow boardwalks without rails or wheel buffers. Logan Park Track is an accessible alternative.

Soft spots, surfaces roughened by tree roots and erosion also occur at other locations. There may be puddling, mud and slippery surfaces when wet.

Visitor area asphalt paths may be narrowed by accumulated dirt. There is also a section with significant drop offs to downhill slopes above the beaches.

The visitor area offers some accessible barbecues, picnic tables and public toilets. There is a cafe at the Horswood Rd entrance. Note: there are no accessible drinking water fountains on this walk as mapped. Carry water.

Bike riding is also popular in the park. Cyclists must take note of signs regarding access restrictions and give way to walkers.

Pets are not permitted.

There is no public transport into the park. There are large car parks beside the Horswood Rd driveway entrance.

Swimming is permitted within the 2 bays on the lake. Beaches are not patrolled. Boats must be non-powered or mono hulled sail craft.

Book a Parks Victoria volunteer led Park Walk here.

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Points of Interest

1. Lake Circuit Trail gateway

At the end of the northern most Mahogany car park is the trail gate. It is clearly signed and includes a map. If you look hard at the photo you will see someone waiting behind the gate.

2. Watch your step

This first section of the walk has an unpredictable surface - beginning at the gate. The concrete foundation sits well above the surface and includes a protruding star picket head. Take care.

3. Tree roots and erosion

Tree root intrusions, soft spots and erosion are inevitable on a forest trail. For mobility aid users it is recommended to use the parallel smooth, firm and wide Logan Park Track instead.

4. Boardwalk

This section of boardwalk has wire mesh attached to minimise slips. It has a deep lip up from the trail surface and is narrowed by ingrowth. There are no wheel buffers or rails.

5. A small floodway

The trail intersects with Logan Park Track near here. To cross this floodway a small, 0.85 meter wide boardwalk has been installed. It has lips on either side, no wheel buffers or rails.

6. Direction signs

There are direction signs at most trail intersections. As long as you remain aware of where the lake is you won't get lost.

7. Runners

The trail is shared with running enthusiasts. The mix makes for a great atmosphere.

8. Seating

Outside of the visitor area, there is occasional bench seating (without arm or back rests).

9. A forest home

The superb Lysterfield Park forest is home to many creatures. Leaving natural materials where they lie is the best way to ensure ongoing quality habitat.

10. Birdlife

The forest and lake are home to many resident and visiting birds, such as this Musk duck viewed from a jetty.

11. Erosion

The southwestern quarter of the trail has some inclines with moderately steep gradients and varying degrees of erosion.

12. A shared path

Lysterfield Park is very popular with cyclists. The Circuit Trail is a shared pathway. Cyclists should give way to walkers, sound a warning on approach and skirt wide.

13. Wildlife

You are sure to see the very social mobs of Eastern-grey kangaroos. Lonelier Black wallabies are also common sightings. Also keep an eye open for echidna, reptiles, frogs and even platypus.

14. Other trails

Other trails connect with the Circuit Trail. There are plenty of reasons to come back and try something new.

15. Flora and fungi

Every season offers an enticing floral or fungal display along the trail, such as this white Common heath. The pink species is Victoria's floral emblem.

16. Water view from the dam wall

Looking back across the reed beds to the far shore and hills beyond.

17. Countryside view from the dam wall

Looking across the landscape outside the dam wall.

18. A place for reflection

This small promontory between the 2 swimming beaches is a perfect vantage point.

19. Lysterfield Park visitor area

The visitor area has free BBQs, picnic tables, drinking water and toilets (seen in the background here). There are accessible versions of all these amenities except drinking fountains (carry water).

20. Horswood Rd pedestrian crossings

There are pedestrian crossings at various points along Horswood Rd to the Mahogany car parks where the trail begins. 4 accessible spaces are available beside the public toilets here as well.

21. Mucking around in boats

Sailors in unpowered boats or mono hulled sailing craft smaller than 5 meters may use the water, keeping the place quiet and pleasurable for everyone.