Lake Elizabeth Campground

Overview

Tucked into tall eucalypt forest beside the East Barwon River, Lake Elizabeth Campground is the quiet, back-to-basics base you come to for birdsong and starry nights. It’s about 10 minutes from Forrest and roughly two hours from Melbourne, with poor mobile reception that helps the place feel properly off‑grid. Dogs are allowed on‑lead.

Camp Setup & Facilities

There are 20 unpowered, tent‑only sites (up to six people per site). You can’t park at your tent: use the 15‑minute unloading bay, then leave your car in the separate car park a short two‑minute walk away. Facilities are simple—non‑flush toilets, shared fireplaces, and picnic tables. Bring all your own drinking water. Bookings are required, and camping fees are currently half‑price for a two‑year period starting July 1, 2025.

Why Camp Here

Lake Elizabeth is just 1 km from camp, a moody, photogenic lake with drowned tree trunks and a good reputation for wildlife. At dusk and dawn, you’ve got a shot at seeing platypus on the still water; after dark, glowworms may sparkle along the track. Birdlife is rich—expect regular encounters with species like Satin Bowerbirds, Superb Fairy‑wrens and Eastern Yellow Robins.

Walks, Riding & More

The Lake Elizabeth Loop is commonly described as an easy‑to‑moderate 4–5 km circuit taking around 1.5–2 hours from the car park/camp. The track can be muddy after rain and includes a few short, steep pinches. Beyond walking, people come here to paddle on the lake, birdwatch, and link a stay with mountain biking out of nearby Forrest.

Geology Snapshot

Lake Elizabeth is relatively young. A 1952 landslide dammed the river to form the original, much larger lake; a partial breach in 1953 lowered the water level to today’s size, leaving the eerie, upright tree trunks you see poking from the water.

Safety & Practicalities

This is a bushfire‑prone area—check conditions and fire danger ratings. Use fireplaces provided; campfires are banned on Total Fire Ban days (gas cookers are allowed). Take care around the river and lake edges. Snakes are common—keep dogs leashed and watch where you step. The access road is unsealed and can be bumpy on busy or wet days; arrive early if you want the smoothest run and easier parking/unloading.

Best Time to Visit

• Dawn and dusk for the best platypus odds.
• After dark for glowworms on the track near the lake (use a dim light and avoid shining directly on them).
• Weekdays are quieter; tracks can be muddy after rain, which adds ambience but slows the loop.

Closures & Upgrades

Parks Victoria plans an upgrade closure from January 27 to March 31, 2026. During that period the campground and its associated car park will be closed, but day‑use areas and the lake walk are set to remain open. Upgrades include a new toilet, shelter, improved car parking and paths, new signage, and more picnic tables and wood‑fired barbecues.