Lake Elizabeth

Q: What to bring?

Comfortable shoes, water, snacks, and a camera. If visiting at dusk, bring a torch for glow worms. If camping, prepare for cold nights and no mobile phone reception.

Q: Is Lake Elizabeth kid-friendly?

Yes, it's family friendly with easy walking trails, picnic tables, and wildlife spotting. However, children should be supervised near the water.

Lake Elizabeth is a peaceful haven in the Great Otway National Park in Victoria, Australia. Surrounded by ferns, eucalypts and wildlife, it’s a perfect escape from the city. Famous for its landscapes and platypus spotting, Lake Elizabeth is a favourite for nature lovers, families and adventurers. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Lake Elizabeth, from location to activities to when to visit.

Location Guide

Lake Elizabeth is near the town of Forrest in Victoria’s Great Otway National Park. About 150km south west of Melbourne it’s a remote but accessible destination. This beautiful lake was formed in the 1950s when a massive landslide created a natural dam and held back the water. The lake is surrounded by dense native forest and feels like another world.

Plan Your Journey

Lake Elizabeth is easiest to get to from Forrest which is the closest town. A short drive from town and you’ll find yourself at the campground car park and from there you can start your walk on the well marked walking tracks. The gravel roads to the lake are generally in good condition but always check for updates during heavy rain as there can be bridge damage or other weather related issues.

Lake Elizabeth Walk

The Lake Elizabeth Walk is the most popular activity for visitors and a great way to get up close and personal with the scenery. This walk goes around the lake anti-clockwise or clockwise.
The 1.5km trail winds through a forest of Australian natives – tree ferns, mossy rocks and eucalyptus trees. Along the way, you’ll see dead tree trunks rising out of the water and reflective views of the surrounding landscape. The walk is easy to moderate and suitable for all ages. It’s a favourite for birdwatchers, too – grey shrike thrush, king parrots and other native birds are often seen.
For photographers, the walking tracks offer endless opportunities to capture the lake and its surroundings. The dense vegetation and still water create a magical scene, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

Lake Elizabeth Can

Paddling across the lake is a must-do. The canoe ramp provides easy access for visitors to join guided canoe tours at dawn, the best time for platypus sightings. The lake at sunrise, with mist rising and the rainforest surrounding you, is truly magical.

Lake Elizabeth Platypus Spotting

Lake Elizabeth is one of the top places in Australia to see platypus in the wild. These shy creatures are best seen at dawn or dusk when they emerge to feed. Joining a guided canoe tour increases your chances, as guides can take you to the best spots and share stories about the lake and its reconciliation with the surrounding cultural heritage.

Glow Worms

After dark, the lake’s glow worms light up the forest. Found along the walking track, these bioluminescent beauties thrive in the damp, shaded rainforest environment. Please minimize disturbance to the Glow Worms so we can all enjoy them for years to come.

Lake Elizabeth Campground

Near the lake, the Lake Elizabeth Campground is a great place to stay. With picnic tables and basic facilities, it’s a rustic but comfortable campsite surrounded by tree trunks and natives. The car park is closed for campers and day visitors.

Fishing

Not much fishing but a peaceful spot for those who like to cast a line in a quiet place. The lake is calm and wildlife abundant so a great spot for solo anglers.

Timing Your Trip: When to Go

Best time to visit Lake Elizabeth depends on what you want to do. For hiking and canoeing spring and autumn are best, mild temperatures and great foliage. Winter adds a mystic charm to the lake, fog often covers the lake and dead tree trunks creating a beautiful scene. For platypus spotting and glow worm viewing dawn and dusk during warmer months is best. Summer is great for camping and picnicking but expect more foot traffic during peak holiday times. Whatever the time of year, whether part of a Great Ocean Road one day tour, Lake Elizabeth’s natural environment and beauty will deliver an experience to remember.

FAQ

Can I swim in Lake Elizabeth?

No, swimming is not recommended due to the cold water and depth. The calm water is better for canoeing and wildlife spotting.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Elizabeth?

No, dogs are not permitted at Lake Elizabeth to protect the natural habitat and wildlife, including glow worms and platypuses.

What to bring?

Comfortable shoes, water, snacks, camera. If visiting at dusk bring a torch for glow worms. If camping prepare for cold nights and no mobile phone reception.