West Barwon Dam to Lake Elizabeth Circuit

This is an 18.4 km loop from West Barwon Dam to Lake Elizabeth and back, usually about six hours. It combines the signed Route 2 and Route 3 forest tracks, a circuit of the lake shore and a return by the Barwon River. The published grade is 3: moderate overall, but the distance, repeated climbs and two river fords make it a substantial day walk. This is the dam-start circuit, not the shorter lake walk from Lake Elizabeth car park.

From the dam picnic-area car park, cross the dam wall and descend to the river-side track. After about 400 m, cross a concrete ford; 150 m later turn right onto Route 2. Follow it for about 3.5 km to Kaanglang Road, then continue to the Route 3 junction. Route 3 descends steadily through tall eucalypts to Lake Elizabeth car park. On the way back, climb from the lake car park on Route 2 and then Route 3, cross Lake Elizabeth Road and Kaanglang Road, and rejoin the outward track. Reverse it for 1.3 km, then turn onto Route 3 north and downhill for 1.5 km to the Barwon River. Follow the river south, cross the ford and climb the fairly steep road back to the dam. Keep an eye on the Route 2 and Route 3 signs at the junctions.

From Lake Elizabeth car park, the signed approach follows the East Barwon upstream for about a kilometre. Turn right at the outlet junction for the lake circuit: it reaches a boardwalk at the lake head and follows the northern shore through tree ferns before returning to the same junction. A landslide dammed the East Barwon River in 1952, creating the quiet lake and its standing drowned trunks. Platypus live here, but sightings are never assured; dawn or dusk offers a better chance.

Start at the West Barwon Dam picnic-area car park, about 2 km south of Forrest. The available map pin marks the reservoir area rather than a verified parking bay; parking capacity, fees, toilets and drinking water were not confirmed. Carry enough water for the full walk. Ordinary dogs are not allowed on the complete route: they are permitted on lead only in the Lake Elizabeth camping and day-visitor areas and adjoining walks. Assistance dogs follow Parks Victoria entry requirements.