Lysterfield Lake, Melbourne

The picturesque Lysterfield Lake in Melbourne’s South East is a beautiful spot for a day trip for families where you can do as much or as little as you like. Plenty of activities on offer including canoeing, kayaking, sailing, walking, mountain biking and more. Or you can just pop your rug down and it makes the perfect spot for a picnic.

Lysterfield Lake

Lysterfield Lake is a man-made lake located in Lysterfield Park, in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The lake was created in the 1970s when a dam was built on the Lysterfield Creek to provide a reliable water supply for Melbourne’s growing population.

Today, Lysterfield Lake is a popular place for recreation for locals and one of the best picnic spots in Melbourne.

Things to do at Lysterfield Lake

The lake is surrounded by a beautiful natural setting of hills and bushland, making it an ideal location for many different types of activities.

Walk and Bike Tracks

It is an ideal location for bushwalking and cycling. There are several walking tracks and bike trails throughout the park. The most popular is the Lake Circuit Trail which is mostly flat and pram friendly. It is a 5.5km circuit and should take around 1.5hrs to walk.

There is also a dirt pump track suitable for all ages from younger kids to older and more experienced riders. If you have bikes for the little ones they can ride around while you walk.

Water Activities

Lysterfield Lake is a great spot for a variety of water sports activities. The lake is full of rainbow trout, brown trout, and redfin, making it an ideal spot for fishing.

If you love to go kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing it is the perfect spot. You can bring your own or rent them from the park.

The lake is also a popular destination for sailing as there are a few different sailing clubs operating on the lake.

Wildlife Spotting

Lysterfield Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and if you are lucky you may see wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of bird species, especially in the early morning or late in the evening.

The park also has a visitor centre that provides information on the park’s history, wildlife, and recreational activities.

Picnics

If you are wanting to spend the whole day, there are picnic areas with barbeque facilities, and toilets making it a great day out for the whole family.