Lysterfield Park

Lysterfield Park is one of the largest and most popular outdoor recreation areas on the southeastern edge of Melbourne. Located near the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, the park offers a wide variety of activities, including walking, cycling, picnicking and water sports.

Its combination of open parklands, bushland trails and a large scenic lake makes it a favourite destination for families, hikers and mountain bikers.

The centrepiece of the park is the large Lysterfield Lake, which was originally constructed as a reservoir to supply water to Melbourne. Today the lake serves as a focal point for recreational activities and provides a beautiful natural setting surrounded by forest and grassy picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing and sailing on the lake, while swimming is permitted in designated areas during the warmer months.

One of the main attractions of Lysterfield Park is its extensive network of walking and cycling trails. The park is particularly famous for its mountain biking tracks, which range from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging technical trails. Mountain bikers from across Melbourne come to the park to ride through its forested hills and winding dirt tracks. For walkers, there are also several scenic trails that pass through bushland and offer views across the lake and surrounding countryside.

Picnic facilities are another major drawcard for visitors. Several picnic areas around the lake are equipped with barbecues, shelters and open lawns where families can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. These areas are particularly popular on weekends and during the warmer months when visitors gather for outdoor meals and recreational activities.

Wildlife is also abundant throughout the park. Kangaroos are frequently seen grazing in the open grassy areas, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. Birdlife is also common around the lake and wetlands, offering opportunities for birdwatching as you explore the park’s walking tracks.

Lysterfield Park is managed as part of Victoria’s network of protected parklands and offers a balance between conservation and recreation. Its mix of natural bushland, scenic water views, and outdoor adventure activities makes it one of the most versatile parks near Melbourne.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing picnic by the lake, a scenic bushwalk or an exciting mountain biking experience, Lysterfield Park provides a fantastic outdoor escape just a short drive from the city.

Things to see and do

Walking
Fantastic walking and wildlife viewing opportunities abound within the park, catering for all ages and abilities. Many of the walking tracks can be linked by management vehicle tracks to provide longer walks.

Lake Circuit Trail – 5.5km, 1.5 hours return
The Lake Circuit Trail is the park’s most popular trail for walkers and runners. Distance markers every 1km make navigating this walk very easy. The trail is a wide gravel surface that is mostly flat, with two short hills. The trail is best walked or run anticlockwise, starting from the Mahogany Carpark.

Granite Peak Trail – 6km one way
For the more adventurous, this trail travels through native forest along the old granite quarry tramline, uphill to Trig Point for spectacular 360-degree views of Melbourne. Return along the same route, or via a combination of management vehicle trails, including Grassy Spur Track. This trail is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.

Mountain Bike Riding
Lysterfield Park provides 23.8 kilometres of exciting mountain bike trails. The park provides trails for all abilities, including a skills park to help new users learn and practice.

Horseriding
Horse riders can access the Equestrian Trail from the 24-hour carpark near the main entrance of Lysterfield Park, and it continues on to Logan Park Road and the equestrian area. Horses are not permitted in any other area of the park.

Water activities
The Lysterfield Lake offers on-water activities and two swimming beaches. The boat ramp allows access for sailing, canoeing, and stand up paddle boarding (no powered vessels allowed). The lake is not patrolled by lifeguards, and children should be supervised at all times.

Lysterfield Lake

Lysterfield Lake is very popular for canoeing, kayaking and sailing.

Lysterfield Lake also offers two beaches with walk-in swimming access, both near the Beach Carpark at the southern end of the lake. The lake is not patrolled by lifeguards, and children should be supervised at all times. Due to unpredictable depths and waterbird habitat, swimming is not permitted elsewhere in the lake. The boat ramp allows access for sailing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (no powered vessels allowed).

There is lots to explore on the large lake. Go canoeing or kayaking to view waterbirds and habitat that can’t be seen from land. On a calm day, the lake is a perfect place to refine your stand-up paddleboarding.

The 82ha lake is a great place for non-powered boating and sailing. Boat trailer parking is available, and there is a boat launching and rigging zone. Model boating is allowed, but only non-powered craft can be used.

Go sailing on monohull boats up to 5 metres long or multi-hull boats up to 4.3 metres long. Lysterfield Sailing Club welcomes new members.

As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice alongside the water safety signage in the park to make sure your day out at Lysterfield Park is safe and enjoyable.

Lake Circuit Trail

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lysterfield Park on the Lake Circuit Trail. Walk, run or cycle this popular trail, which weaves among native vegetation around the picturesque Lysterfield Lake. You’re almost guaranteed to see kangaroos and other wildlife along the way.

Explore dry forest and woodland on this family-friendly bushwalk at Lysterfield Park, or hop on your bike and go for a pleasant ride.

The Lake Circuit Trail is Lysterfield Park’s most popular trail for walkers, runners and families, with a mostly flat, wide gravel surface and two short hills. You will find distance markers every 1km, making it easy to navigate this trail. This trail (5.5km circuit – 1.5 hour walk) is also suitable for bicycles and off-road prams.

One of the best places near Melbourne to see kangaroos and wallabies in the wild, you might also see koalas and echidnas if you’re lucky. Visit near dawn or dusk for the best chance of seeing wildlife.

Cross the dam wall and enjoy panoramic views of Lysterfield Lake. As you wander deeper into the forest, you’ll catch glimpses of the sparkling water peeking through the trees.

Take a peaceful break at the three jetties along the trail. Enjoy scenic views of the tranquil lake and see if you can spot any waterbirds. Lysterfield Lake is a haven for a variety of species, such as the Eurasian Coot and Eastern Swamphen. You might even be treated to a special visit by the migratory Japanese Snipe.

The Lake Circuit Trail links to a vast network of walking and cycling tracks in Lysterfield Park, which connects to neighbouring Churchill National Park. For a more adventurous bushwalk, follow the Granite Peak Trail as it climbs uphill to Trig Point, where you can admire 360-degree views of Melbourne.

Mountain bike trails in Lysterfield Park

Lysterfield Park is home to 24km of purpose-built mountain bike trails suitable for all skill levels. Among them is the 2006 Commonwealth Games course, a skills park where riders can practise their technique and easy family trails for all to enjoy around the lake and parkland.

Lysterfield Park is one of the best places to mountain bike close to Melbourne. Undulating trails flow up and down steep hills and through dense plantations. Outcroppings of large boulders add to the scenic attraction and to the challenge of the trails.

Mountain biking at Lysterfield also rewards those seeking a gentler ride. Slow down, and there’s a good chance you’ll see some kangaroos or wallabies. Cycle the gentle Lake Circuit trail and soak up the sights and sounds of the reservoir. Experienced riders might wish to take a short diversion from the top of the State Mountain Bike Course up to Trig Point Lookout and enjoy the view across to Melbourne’s CBD.

The variety of trails range in difficulty:

Easy trails
Suitable for beginner riders, with firm, stable surfaces and easily avoided obstacles.

• Lake Circuit Trail – 6.3km
  A popular choice for walkers, runners and cyclists alike, the Lake Circuit Trail highlights the native landscape. Kangaroo sightings are common, and three jetties around the lake are pleasant places to take a break.
• Lower Blair Witch – 0.6km
  The short, fast Lower Blair Witch Trail twists through dense spotted gum forest and links the Lake Circuit Trail to the Upper Blair Witch and State Mountain Bike Trail. The trail is great for families who want to test out single-track mountain bike trails while on the Lake Circuit Walk.
• Trail Mix – 1.0km
  Located behind the Lysterfield Picnic Area, Trailmix is an easy flowing mountain bike track perfect for beginners and families. Extend your bike ride by linking up with the pleasant Lake Circuit Trail.

More difficult trails
Suitable for riders with some off-road experience. Variety of terrain, including obstacles and some steep sections.

• Lower Buckle – 2.4km
  Ride the fast, flowing single track of the Lower Buckle. Perfect for riders wanting to practice their mountain biking skills. The trail weaves through tall eucalypt forests and has plenty of obstacles to get your blood pumping. Continue along the Upper Buckle for a longer ride.
• Upper Buckle – 0.7km
  Accessible via the Lower Buckle trail, the short, twisting singletrack of Upper Buckle packs plenty of punch for riders looking to improve their skills.
• Middle – 1.9km
  Long twisting single track weaving through forest with a couple of steep switchback climbs and a tight technical twisting section north of Lamberts Track with some obstacles.
• Red Gum – 1.2km
  The long Redgum single track links the tight, twisting mountain bike trails within the northern section of Lysterfield to the State Mountain Bike Course.
• Hug Trail – 1.5km
  Leading off from the Hallam North Road Carpark, the Hug Trail descends through open eucalypt forest before merging with the Blair Witch trails. Hone your mountain biking skills as you maneuver over jumps, through earth berms and around tight corners.
• Upper Blair Witch – 2.0km
  The fast flow of the Upper Blair Witch will test even the most experienced riders. Wind through dense spotted gum forest and make the most of the tight twisting trail, jumps and sweet earth berms. Link up Snipe Trail to head back to Skills Park and Lysterfield Lake Picnic Ground.
• Snipe – 0.7km
  The Snipe Trail flows from the Upper Blair Witch and into the Lake Circuit Trail. Even though the trail is short, it has plenty of jumps and earth berms to keep riders on their toes.
• Pump Track
  This short Pump Track is great for families or a warm-up before hitting the rest of the Lysterfield Trails. It consists of flowing berms and roll-overs.
• Buckle Down – 0.3km
  Packed with plenty of berms and optional b-lines, the Buckle Down Trail flows through stands of open eucalypt forest and connects Follow Me to the Lower Buckle mountain bike trail.
• Dog Pound – 0.6km
  One way, short, fast, flowing descent linking Upper Buckle with Middle Trail. Many fast corners and exposed tree roots.
• Humping Hound – 0.6km
  Humping Hound is a flowing mountain bike trail leading to the top of Dog Pound. With technical corners and switchback turns, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
• Farm Trail – 0.4km
  A short, fast down-hill consisting of jumps and berms, connecting you to Lower Buckle.
• Lil Shawty – 0.2km
  A short but fast trail packed with jumps, connecting you to Upper Buckle.

Very difficult trails
Suitable for experienced riders. Challenging terrain and frequent obstacles.

• State MTB Course – 6.4km
  This is the Commonwealth Games Mountain Bike Course, which challenges an experienced rider with tight singletrack, technical rocky sections, high-speed descents with inclined berms, timber boardwalks, and steep hill climbs. Varied terrain from narrow, single track to open fast trails. To be ridden anti-clockwise
• Follow Me – 1.2km
  Follow Me is a twisting, technical trail with obstacles that are perfect for experienced riders seeking a thrilling mountain biking experience. Ride over technical rock gardens, jumps, drops and sweet earth berms before meeting up with the berm-littered Buckle Down Trail.
• Aneurysm – 1.5km
  Aneurysm is a fun, fast flowing mountain bike trail with plenty of jumps, drops and man-made obstacles to satisfy even the most experienced of riders.

Extremely difficult trails
Only suitable for highly experienced riders with excellent skills. Large unavoidable obstacles, steep descents or climbs.

• Granite Link – 0.2km
  The short, steep and technical Granite Link Trail packs plenty of punch with a tight, technical descent and three twisting earth berms at the base. The mountain bike trail links the State Mountain Bike Trail to Wallaby Track.

Skills Park
The Skills Park provides mountain bikers with an opportunity to improve their technique and confidence on the trails. It has been developed by Parks Victoria and the Lysterfield District Trail Riders to provide mountain bikers with an opportunity to develop new skills. It contains many technical trail features, including jumps, berms, and drops, designed to introduce riders to and train them for the rest of the Lysterfield trails.

Animals

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

• Kangaroos
• Wallabies
• Koalas
• Echidnas
• Wombats
• Platypus

When to go

• Summer
  Summer is very busy at Lysterfield Park, and parking is limited. Arrive early and make sure you have a backup plan.
• Autumn
  Make the most of the pleasant autumn weather with a family picnic or stroll along the Lake Circuit Trail.

Planning a trip to Lysterfield Park? Here’s what to know before you go:

• This is a popular park, and carparks may fill quickly. Try arriving before 10am to beat the crowds.
• If the car park is full, the park is too!
• Have a backup plan in case the park is full when you arrive.
• Don’t park illegally and block emergency access. For visitor safety, roadside parking is not allowed due to the narrow roads.
• During busy times, consider other local parks, including Cardinia Reservoir Park or Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve.

Getting There

Lysterfield Park is located about 35 kilometres south-east of Melbourne and sits on the outer edge of the Dandenong Ranges. The park is easily accessible by car and by bus.

Driving from Melbourne CBD

Driving is the most convenient way to reach the park, with the trip usually taking 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Typical route:

• Leave the Melbourne CBD and join the Monash Freeway (M1) heading south-east.
• Continue along the freeway past suburbs such as Malvern East, Chadstone and Mulgrave.
• Take the EastLink exit toward Ringwood.
• Exit at Wellington Road.
• Follow Wellington Road east toward Rowville.
• Turn into Hallam North Road, then follow signs to Lysterfield Park and the main entrance on Horswood Road.

There is a large car park near the main recreation area beside Lysterfield Lake, along with picnic facilities and walking tracks.

Public transport

Public transport is possible but requires a combination of trains and buses.

• Take the Pakenham or Cranbourne Line train from Flinders Street Station.
• Travel to Noble Park or Dandenong Station.
• From there, catch a local bus toward Rowville or Lysterfield (such as Route 691).
• Get off near Hallam North Road or Horswood Road and walk into the park.

The full journey usually takes about 1.5 hours depending on connections.

Because of the large lake, mountain bike trails and picnic areas, Lysterfield Park is a popular destination for day trips, and driving remains the easiest way to explore the park and its surrounding recreation areas.