Lake Elizabeth Campground

Lake Elizabeth Campground

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    Lake Elizabeth Campground

    Lake Elizabeth Campground is a dogs-on-lead camping area. Sheltered by tall eucalypt trees it nestles beside the small Barwon River. Lake Elizabeth is a short 1km walk away. Forrest Mountain Bike Trailhead is at the Day Visitor Carpark. Pitch a tent in the small campground. Look and listen for Satin Bowerbirds and inquisitive Superb Fairy-wrens and Eastern Yellow Robins.
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    There are 20 campsites accommodating up to six people per site. All campsites are unpowered and are suitable for tents only. There is no direct vehicle access to the campsites. A 15-minute unloading bay is located close by and a separate carpark is located above and behind the campground just a two minute walk away.

    Non flush toilets, shared fireplaces and picnic tables are provided. Dogs are permitted on-lead.

    Once you're unpacked and set up, walk the 1km to beautiful Lake Elizabeth. Flooded after a landslip created a natural dam, the lake is scattered with the still-upright trunks of dead trees, giving an eerie atmosphere to the valley. Platypus are sometimes seen early morning and at dusk in the still waters. A host of birds live in the area and Satin Bowerbirds (the male dark satin blue and the female is olive green) are often seen near the camping round. Wrens, robins and grey shrike thrush also visit regularly. You may see glowworms beside this track after dark.

    Dogs should be kept on-lead to reduce their impact on native wildlife and to preserve their health and your dogs as snakes are common in this area and its walks. There is poor mobile phone reception here.

    Explore the area by walking, canoeing, mountain biking and four-wheel driving. Birdwatching is popular here. The village of Forrest is nearby for supplies and is a major mountain bike trailhead for the area's cycling network.

    As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Lake Elizabeth is a safe and enjoyable one.

    Things to do

     
    Canoeing

    Canoeing and Kayaking

    Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
    A young mountain biker attempts a drop while cheered on by his father and older sister at the You Yangs Regional Park.

    Mountain biking

    Explore parks on two wheels with mountain bike trails to suit most experience and fitness levels.

    How to get there

    Lake Elizabeth Campground

    Lake Elizabeth Campground is a 10 minute drive from the town of Forrest along Kaanglang Road. It is two hours' drive from Melbourne.
    Lake Elizabeth Campground

    When you're there

    Lake Elizabeth is a 10-minutes drive from the small but bustling town of Forrest.

    A 40-minute drive south takes you to the Great Ocean Road and the many waterfalls and other attractions along this famous drive. Forrest itself is a mountain bike trailhead hub. You can ride to it from the campground via the Baridjaru Trail. Download the visitor guide before you go.

    When to go

    A great time of year to explore the walks, drives and rides of the Otways.

    Camping & accommodation

    Lake Elizabeth Campground is a dogs-on-lead camping area. Sheltered by tall eucalypt trees it nestles beside the small Barwon River. Lake Elizabeth is a 1km walk away. 
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    Need to know

    Lake Elizabeth Campground

    Accessibility

    Lake Elizabeth Day Visitor and Camping facility has all ability access. Forested areas generally are more difficult grade walks often with steps and minor creek crossings. Lake Elizabeth Loop Walk Grade 3. the walk has some steps, uneven surfaces and is not an all abilities walk.

    Change of Conditions

    Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

    • Beauchamp Falls Reserve (OTWAY FOREST PARK)

      Beauchamp Falls is currently closed for upgrades.

      Beauchamp Falls walk and campground are closed for upgrades.  This location is scheduled to re-open November 2021.

    • Triplet Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Triplet Falls Walk Partial Closure

      A section of the Triplet Falls loop walk is currently closed due to damage to the boardwalk by a fallen tree, and is not accessible. 


      The walk to the Triplet Falls lookout remains open and now is a great time to see the falls. 

      The walk to the Little Aire Falls remains open.


      Triplet Falls Walk Partial Closure

      A section of the Triplet Falls loop walk is currently closed due to damage to the boardwalk by a fallen tree, and is not accessible. 


      The walk to the Triplet Falls lookout remains open and now is a great time to see the falls. 

      The walk to the Little Aire Falls remains open.


    • Lemonade Creek Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Lemonade Creek Walking Track Closure

      Due to an unsafe pedestrian bridge, Lemonade Creek Walking Track will be closed for the foreseeable future. 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2021

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.

    • Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)

      Aire River West Campground site closures- sites 16 to 40

      Aire River West campground sites 16 to 40 will be closed until November 2021 due to wet conditions, sites 1 to 15 remain available.

    • Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

      Aire River East Campground site closures- sites 10 to 20

      Aire River East campground sites 10 to 20 will be closed until November 2021 due to wet conditions, sites 1 to 9 remain available.

    • Great Ocean Walk - Day 6 - Johanna Beach to Ryans Den (Great Otway National Park)

      Melanesia Track damage- walkers take care

      Melanesia Track and the Great Ocean Walk between Johanna and Ryans Den have been damaged by 4WD activity. Walkers are advised to take care while accessing Melanesia Beach as the track is very slippery and rutted. 

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