Lake Elizabeth

Lake Elizabeth is a forest lake near Forrest in the Otways, known for its drowned tree trunks and a chance to see platypus. The still water sits among fern-draped banks and tall Mountain Ash forest. A landslide in 1952 blocked the East Barwon River and flooded the valley, leaving the pale trunks that still rise from the lake.

Set your navigation to Lake Elizabeth Day Visitor Area, not the lake pin. From the picnic area, follow the track beside the East Barwon River for about 1 km to the lake. It’s a proper walk, with a steep stretch, so this isn’t a quick roadside look. Turn back at the water for a shorter visit or continue on the lake loop for a longer circuit. Published distance estimates differ, so leave room in your schedule if you plan to walk the full loop. The visitor area is also a picnic spot.

Platypus live in the lake and may forage in the shallows around dawn or dusk. They’re shy, and sightings aren’t guaranteed, so enjoy the walk even if the water stays empty. Forest birds are another reason to slow down: the area is home to Striated Fieldwrens, Rufous Bristlebirds and Pink Robins.

The shoreline is heavily timbered, with fern-covered slopes and bare trunks standing in the water. For a photo, frame the trunks and their reflections with reeds or shoreline in the foreground. Still water helps the reflections, but the view doesn’t depend on mist or a wildlife sighting.