Lake Elizabeth Campground

Overview

Tucked in towering eucalypts beside the Barwon River, Lake Elizabeth Campground is the Otways at their most atmospheric: cool, green and blissfully low‑key. It’s tent‑only and walk‑in, which keeps the vibe calm and nature‑first.

Campsites & Facilities

There are 20 unpowered, tent‑only sites (up to six people per site). You’ll unload at a 15‑minute bay beside the camping area, then park in the main campground car park a short walk (about two minutes) away. Facilities are basic—non‑flush (pit) toilets, shared fireplaces, and picnic tables. There’s no drinking water and no showers. Dogs are permitted on a lead, and mobile reception is patchy at best. The lake itself is roughly a 1 km walk from camp.

Wildlife and How to See It

This is one of the state’s easiest places to try for a wild platypus: be at the lake’s edge right on first or last light and keep movements quiet. After dark, glow‑worms sparkle along the track banks—carry a torch for footing and keep light beams away from the glow. Birders can expect satin bowerbirds, fairy‑wrens and robins, and snakes are more active in warmer months. Guided platypus canoe tours also run at dawn and dusk if you prefer a small‑group, on‑water vantage.

What to Do

• Walk the Lake Elizabeth loop (Grade 3) for drowned‑tree vistas and mirror‑calm water.
• Paddle a canoe or kayak on the lake for wildlife spotting and serene water time.
• Base yourself here for the Forrest mountain bike network—the Forrest MTB trailhead sits at the day‑visitor car park nearby—and pop into the village for supplies.

History Snapshot

Lake Elizabeth is young by geological standards. A landslide in 1952 dammed the Barwon’s East Branch, leaving today’s striking lake with its ghostly, upright drowned trees.

Best Time to Visit

• Dawn or dusk for platypus; full dark for glow‑worms.
• After rain the forest looks prehistoric, but the ground stays damp—pack accordingly.
• Sunrise on the lake can be gorgeous if you’re up for the early walk in.

Need‑to‑Know

• Bookings are required through Parks Victoria; fees apply and sites are limited.
• Fire rules change with conditions—check Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Ban days before lighting up.
• Temporary closure: the campground and its car park are scheduled to be closed for upgrades from January 27 to March 31, 2026. Day‑use areas, toilets and the lake walks remain open during that period.