An easy, mostly flat loop around Lysterfield Lake through open eucalypt woodland, popular with walkers, trail runners, and mountain bikers on the surrounding singletrack.
The Lysterfield Lake Park Loop begins at the main car park off Horswood Road in Lysterfield Park, about 35 minutes south-east of Melbourne's CBD via the Monash Freeway and Wellington Road. Parking is free and there is no direct public transport to the park, so most visitors arrive by car. No permit is required.
The loop around the lake covers about 7.5 kilometres and takes roughly 1.5-2 hours at an easy walking pace, with only around 100 metres of cumulative elevation gain across the whole circuit. The path is graded easy: it is mostly flat, well-formed, and suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, making it one of the more approachable longer walks in Melbourne's south-east.
Underfoot the trail is a mix of gravel path and formed dirt track, running through open eucalypt woodland with intermittent shade; sections closer to the lake shore are more exposed to sun and wind. The lake itself is a reservoir, and the surrounding singletrack is also popular with mountain bikers, so walkers should stay alert on shared sections.
The main landmark is simply the lake itself, with views across the water from several points around the loop, plus a scenic lookout near the southern end. There is no single defined turn-around point, since the walk is a full loop, but shorter out-and-back options are possible from either the northern or southern car parks if a full circuit is not wanted.
There is no potable water source directly on the trail; the main car park has toilets and some picnic facilities, but walkers should carry their own water, particularly in warmer months when the largely open lakeside sections offer little shade.
| Distance | 7.5km loop around the lake |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Car only; about 35 minutes south-east of the CBD via the Monash Freeway and Wellington Road |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Address | Horswood Rd, Lysterfield VIC 3156 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Lysterfield Park, South-East Melbourne
What to bring
Walking or trail shoes, water, hat
Location
Horswood Rd, Lysterfield VIC 3156
-37.9236, 145.3172 View on map
Highlights
- Full loop views across Lysterfield Lake
- Open eucalypt woodland popular with walkers and trail runners
- Shared singletrack with mountain bikers on adjoining trails
- Flat, easy-grade path suitable for most fitness levels
Tips for visiting
- Stay alert for mountain bikers on shared sections of the singletrack
- Bring water; there is no kiosk or water fountain directly on the loop
- Visit early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid the exposed lakeside heat
- Both northern and southern car parks offer shorter out-and-back alternatives to the full loop
When to visit
Early mornings or late afternoons are most comfortable, especially in summer when the open lakeside sections offer little shade; the walk is pleasant year-round otherwise.
Accessibility
The gravel and dirt loop path is mostly flat and could suit some wheelchair or stroller users on the wider sections near the car park, though it is not a fully formed accessible trail for the entire loop.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Lysterfield Lake loop suitable for families?
Yes, the flat, well-formed 7.5 kilometre path with minimal elevation gain makes it a suitable option for families and less experienced walkers.
Do I need to worry about mountain bikes on this walk?
Some sections are shared with mountain bike trails, so walkers should stay aware of oncoming riders, particularly on weekends.
Is there parking at the park?
Yes, free car parking is available at both the northern and southern entrances to Lysterfield Park.
Can dogs come on this walk?
Check current Parks Victoria signage at the entrance, as dog rules vary by section of the park.