Just two hours away from Melbourne, Lake Eildon is a great place for a day out with the family. Herb Fitzroy and Forsyth Flat have free gas barbecues and there's access to the water via boat ramps. Go fishing and boating - and watch the sunset over Merlo Lookout before returning home.
The wide watery expanse of Lake Eildon, with its many quiet bays hemmed in by thickly forested hillsides, is a popular destination for a holiday from Melbourne. But it's close enough for a daytrip, too.
Enjoy a picnic or barbecue at Herb Fitzroy or Forsyth Flat Day Visitor Areas. These picnic spots are right at the centre of things, next to the main boat ramp and on the main cycle and walking trail that links the campgrounds and attractions of Coller Bay.
Go fishing, boating, canoeing or kayaking - or take a walk. The Coller Bay Trail follows the edge of the lake, while the the Perfect Cure Creek Nature Trail and Candlebark Nature Trail are two short walks that explore the forested hinterland of Lake Eildon - and offer a better chance of seeing a kangaroo or wallaby.
While you are here, a stop off at Merlo's Lookout is a must. Here you can look out on to Wallaby Bay and - if the water level is low - check out the protruding tip of a homestead that now sits at the bottom of the bay.
The homestead belonged to an Italian immigrant called John Merlo who bought the land after he discovered gold in the area. He later planted grape vines which he used to make wine. It was flooded in 1956 when Sugarloaf Reservoir was enlarged and renamed Lake Eildon.
A short but steep walk departs from here on the other side of the road from the lookout. It's about a 1km to climb to Blowhard Summit, for fantastic views over the lake. You can either return the same way or turn right on to the Blowhard Spur Track to make a loop walk. Take another right when you reach the lake to get back to Merlo Lookout and complete the circuit.
Enjoy a picnic or barbecue at Herb Fitzroy or Forsyth Flat Day Visitor Areas. These picnic spots are right at the centre of things, next to the main boat ramp and on the main cycle and walking trail that links the campgrounds and attractions of Coller Bay.
Go fishing, boating, canoeing or kayaking - or take a walk. The Coller Bay Trail follows the edge of the lake, while the the Perfect Cure Creek Nature Trail and Candlebark Nature Trail are two short walks that explore the forested hinterland of Lake Eildon - and offer a better chance of seeing a kangaroo or wallaby.
While you are here, a stop off at Merlo's Lookout is a must. Here you can look out on to Wallaby Bay and - if the water level is low - check out the protruding tip of a homestead that now sits at the bottom of the bay.
The homestead belonged to an Italian immigrant called John Merlo who bought the land after he discovered gold in the area. He later planted grape vines which he used to make wine. It was flooded in 1956 when Sugarloaf Reservoir was enlarged and renamed Lake Eildon.
A short but steep walk departs from here on the other side of the road from the lookout. It's about a 1km to climb to Blowhard Summit, for fantastic views over the lake. You can either return the same way or turn right on to the Blowhard Spur Track to make a loop walk. Take another right when you reach the lake to get back to Merlo Lookout and complete the circuit.
Things to do in the area
BBQ
Fire up the barbecue at your next social gathering with family and friends while you're surrounded by nature.
Bird watching
From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Day trips
Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
Family activities
Stash some supplies into a back pack and take the family out for a day trip and in only a short drive from Melbourne you can be surrounded by nature.
Candlebark Campground
Pitch a tent or park your caravan in the shady woodlands of Candlebark Campground. Situated between the Devil Cove and Lakeside Campgrounds, this well-equipped site is perfect for families or groups.
Devil Cove Campground
Open in peak periods, Devil Cove Campground is tucked away just to the north of Candlebark.
Jerusalem Creek Campground
There are eight camping areas with unpowered sites. Fireplaces and pit toilets are provided. View Jerusalem Creek map below for numbered site locations
Lakeside Campground
Lakeside Campground is on the south side of Coller Bay. Free gas barbecue, hot showers are provided.
How to get there
Lake Eildon picnic areas
Lake Eildon is a two hour drive from Melbourne. Take U T Creek Road from the Goulburn Valley Highway. Herb Fitzroy, Forsyth Flat and Merlo Lookout day visitor areas are all accessible via Fraser Park Road or Devil River Track.
Need to know
Lake Eildon picnic areas
Accessibility
Forsyth Flat Day Visitor Area has picnic tables and chairs both under shelter and in the open, and gas barbecues are available. Paths are firm, although not always over level ground. A boat launching ramp (accessed by separate road east of Forsyth Flat) gives the best access to the water. The Parks Victoria pontoon may be available to assist with access to boats - ask in advance.
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2022
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from 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. -
Coller Bay Walking and Cycling Track (Lake Eildon National Park, Eildon Water Reserve)
Collar Bay Walking and Cycling Track - partial closure
Parts of the Collar Bay Walking Track at Lake Eildon National Park are un-passable due to being inundated by the rising lake level. The trail will remain closed until the lake level drops. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Jerusalem Creek Camping Area - Arborist works being undertaken 19th - 20th October
On the 18th - 20th October Arborists will be undertaking tree works within the following Camping Areas at Jerusalem Creek:Area 1 - Full ClosureArea 2 - Partial ClosureArea 4 - 7 - Full ClosureCamping will still be available at Area 2, Area 3 and Area 8 however there will be increased traffic and noise from machinery during the hours 8am-5pm.Arborist works being undertaken within Fraser Camping Areas - 12th - 13th October
On the 12th and 13th October there will be Arborists conducting tree works in the following locations:- Lakeside Camping Area- Candlebark Camping Area- Devil Cove Camping Area- Forsyth Flat Day Visitor AreaThe Camping areas will remain open however there will be increased traffic and noise from machinery during the hours of 8am-5pm.Temporary closure of Herb Fitzroy Day Visitor Area, Main Boat Ramp Carpark and Lakeside foreshore
Access to Herb Fitzroy DVA, the Main Boat Ramp and Lakeside foreshore will be temporarily unavailable on Wednesday 05 October 2022 due to filming of "The Clearing" - an Australian 'event series' adapted for screen, based on the novel by JP Pomare.Boat launching ability will be temporarily unavailable at the Main Ramp and Lakeside boat ramps during the course of the day. Launching will be unaffected at other sites including Candlebark and Jerusalem Creek.The Australian Film and TV industry requires the support of the local communities in which we operate to produce Australian content that we can showcase to the world and we thank you in advance for your understanding, it is greatly appreciated.
